Ceremony officially deems 116th BCT's 'snake patch' a combat patch

Editor's Note: The following press release was recently received from CPT Monte Hibbert, 116th BCT Public Affairs, serving in Iraq with the 116th Engineering Battalion of the Idaho National Guard. Some of the soldiers of that battalion are from the Orofino Armory.

FOB WARRIOR, Iraq- The 116th Brigade Combat Team officially authorized wear of its characteristic "snake patch" as a combat patch in a ceremony held here April 8.

The historic move comes almost three months after the unit assumed authority from Hawaii's 2nd BCT for military ground operations in the provinces of Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. This is the first time the unit, in its current configuration, has fought in a combat zone and the first time the 116th BCT patch has been authorized as a combat patch.

"This ceremony marks a very significant moment in the history of the 116th Brigade Combat Team," said Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart, commander of the 116th BCT. "Our unit patch now joins those of other units that have fought proudly in combat to defend the freedoms we all hold dearly."

The ceremony was attended by representatives of all subordinate commands of the 116th BCT, as well as several coalition and Iraqi military dignitaries. Distinguished attendees included Brig. Gen. Gayhart, 42nd Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Joseph Taluto, 31st Iraqi Army Brigade Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Ayad, 31st IA Brigade Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Khalil, and Iraqi Police Services Maj. Gen. Sherko, Kirkuk Police Chief. Leaders addressed those in attendance and soldiers stood in formation with their combat patches covered until they were uncovered as part of the ceremony.

"The combat patch ceremony represents yet another significant milestone in the 116th's service in the global war on terrorism," said Gayhart.

Working with its Iraqi partners, the 116 BCT is filling an important role in efforts to establish a secure and prosperous environment in the provinces of Kirkuk and Sulaymaniyah. The unit's multi-faceted mission also includes aiding the Iraqi government, supporting economic and infrastructure development, and facilitating communications.

The 116 BCT includes headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116 BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III as part of the global war on terrorism.

Photo: Top--Capt. Cole Packwood, the 116th Brigade Combat Team's headquarters company commander, and Lt. Col. John Walsh, commander of the 116th BCT's TF 1-163 Infantry, stand at parade rest in front of their unit formations before uncovering their combat patches at a ceremony held April 8 at FOB Warrior, Iraq. Next right--Lt. Col. Robert Lytle, 116th Brigade Combat Team executive officer, brings the brigade to present arms during the combat patch ceremony. Next left--Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart, 116th Brigade Combat Team commander, addresses his unit and attendees. Bottom--Iraqi security forces leaders from both the Army and Police Services attended. (Photos by Lt. Col. Gordon Petrie, 116th BCT Team IO)