BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2004 — Across Afghanistan, Soldiers and Airmen are receiving the shoulder sleeve insignia for former wartime service.Commonly referred to as the "combat patch," this right shoulder accoutrement signifies service in a combat zone.

Joint Task Force Wings gave the patch an additional meaning when they presented it to Marines serving as part of Joint Task Force Wings during a ceremony Sept. 27.

"This is a significant event," said Col. B. Shannon Davis, task force Commander. "We've flown over 40,000 combat hours ... and moved nearly 10 million pounds of cargo. Together, we've moved nearly 50,000 troops. It's an appropriate event because the Marines helped name our patch."

During Guadalcanal, Marine units dubbed the 25th Infantry Division the "Lightning Division." The nickname stemmed from the speed with which the division deployed to provide assistance to its war-battered comrades. The division added the word "tropic," a symbol of the Pacific region in which it serves. Later, the nickname the "Tropic Lightning Division" was officially adopted by the Department of the Army, signifying the first time a motto was officially associated with a division.

Now, decades later, Marines serving in Joint Task Force Wings received the "Tropic Lightning Division" patch as a symbol of their hard work and dedication to the joint mission in Operation Enduring Freedom. The patches, along with Combined Joint Task Force-76 coins, were presented by the Combined Joint Task Force-76 commander and command sergeant major, Maj. Gen. Eric T. Olson and Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe.

"This is an excellent experience for both the Army and the Marines," said Marine Staff Sgt. Rafael Viveros, who received the shoulder sleeve insignia. "We've been able to work together to accomplish the same mission."

Marine Sgt. Luke Seno agreed with Viveros, acknowledging the boundaries both organizations had to overcome.

"There are different expectations and stereotypes in every branch of the military," he said. "We've worked together to overcome these and strive for a common goal."
This accomplishment was evidenced in the awarding of the "combat patch."

While regulations prohibit the Marines from displaying the patch on their uniform, it's something they will cherish.

"It makes you feel like you're part of something," said Seno. "We're working as a team. It's like we're all part of a brotherhood."