Published: December 06, 2009
498th TC Soldiers Earn Right to Wear Combat Patch
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Nov. 19th was a shining day for the 498th Transportation Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The unit went through a ceremony to receive their right sleeve shoulder insignia, or combat patch, which is a tradition for deployed Soldiers. Soldiers are authorized to wear the combat patch on their right shoulder in recognition of their service in combat.
Soldiers of the 498th Transportation Co., 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, (Expeditionary), from Mobile, Ala., patiently await the start of the Combat Patch Ceremony which was held here.
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The day was a very important one for Soldiers of 498th, as they received the combat patch of the 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). Spc. April Lamb, a communications specialist from Ellisville, Miss., is on her first deployment and said "I can always look at the patch on my right shoulder and be reminded of my sacrifices and of those that have served before me."
The 143rd ESC's shoulder sleeve insignia and is made up of two arrows pointing in both directions against a patch of maroon. Brick red and golden yellow are the colors used for transportation units, the previous designation of the unit. The interlacing represents a strong support and simulates roads and viaducts, suggesting travel. The arrowheads denote leadership and a determined direction. All forward deployed Soldiers that fall under the 498th TC have earned the right to wear the 143rd SSI.
1st Sgt. Dennis Campbell, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., turns over the formation to Maj. Christopher Jenkins, a Peachtree, Ga. native and the Commander of the 498th Transportation Co., 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, (Expeditionary), in preparation for the Combat Patch Ceremony held here for the 498th TC.
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Staff Sgt. Royal Hepburn from Wetumpka, Ala. who has served for eight years and deployed once before as a truck driver said, "To me the combat patch symbolizes the accomplishment of a mission, pride in one's self, being part of an elite force, an Army Soldier. To do what you're told to do but having confidence in our job. I am proud to wear my combat patch. It is the symbol of pride and the sacrifice I myself and my family have made. We do this because America loves us."
Sgt. Charmion Price, a human resources specialist and a native of Port Charlotte, Fla., stated, "This just symbolizes me doing my job. It is nice to have but this is what I signed up for and what I get paid for. It shows that I have made the ultimate risk for our Country."
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