For Life

It’s the patch that I will wear for the rest of my life when in uniform. Today we were awarded the 11th ACR Combat Patch. That means, wherever I go, that patch will always be on my right shoulder. No matter what unit I am in. We had a ceremony today and everyone in the unit was awarded the right to forever wear the 11th ACR patch on their uniform. It signifies that we have been in a combat operation serving under the 11th ACR.

I’m glad it’s the 11th ACR patch. I’ve always liked it. I also liked my 101st Airborne patch I used to wear during active duty at Ft. Campbell. I think we’re fortunate for a National Guard unit to be wearing an active duty patch. Sure, I take pride in the National Guard and all of the states have given up their men and woman. It’s just that I think active duty patches look better than Guard patches.

I’ll probably be getting the Combat Action Badge as well. Not now but I’m sure it’ll be pretty soon. My team will be awarded the badge for that IED we took back in February. Not everyone is awarded that badge. It is given to those who have been engaged or come in contact with enemy combatants during combat operations. For me it’s recognition that I have been evolved in direct combat.