Patched!

When a Soldier participants in either Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), they earn the right to wear the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia – Former Wartime Service, commonly referred to as the “Combat Patch”.

Some history: The Red Bull insignia of the 34th Infantry Division was based on a design by Marvin Cone of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who drew it for a contest while training with the Division at Camp Cody, New Mexico, in 1917. A steer skull imposed on the shape of a Mexican water jar (called an “olla”) recalled the Division’s desert home not far from the Mexican border.

During WWII, German soldiers in Italy referred to the American soldiers who wore the familiar patch as “Red Devils” or “Red Bulls”. The latter name stuck, and the Division soon adopted it officially, replacing its WWI name of the “Sandstorm Division”.

Well, yours truly, was picked to be the master of ceremonies for the patching ceremony. All that training in protocol keeps coming back to haunt me. The first day we had rehearsal at 1200 and it’s really gotten hot as of late. Temperatures are hitting over 100 degrees so the sweat is rolling off me in sheets as we stand there and go over everyone’s role in the event. I had run into another protocol officer later in the day and asked him about the word “olla”. “Is it a long “o” or short “o”?” I ask. “It’s a long “o”, Kris”. Great, I start practicing the script and go over it at least two dozen times.

The following day, same thing; we’re back in the sun rehearsing the ceremony. This time I remember to bring a big water bottle as we’re standing there. I wish I had brought two…it’s really, really hot. We have it down and we’re ready for the ceremony the next morning.

0630 and the ceremony begins in 30 minutes. One of the commanders walks up to me and says, “Hey Kris, my Soldier says the “ll” in “olla” is pronounced as a “y”.” Great, I’ve only been practicing it the other way at least 40 times. Another reason I should have taken Spanish instead of French! Oh, that’s right…it wasn’t offered at Two Harbors High School!

The Commanding General and his entourage arrive and shortly after, the ceremony begins. I didn’t mess up the correct pronunciation of “olla” but I was thinking I’m not asking that protocol officer anything again; at least not anything that has to do with Spanish words. In his speech, the General spoke of the history of the Red Bulls and how we are forever tied to other combat veterans from the Red Bull Division. After being gone from my family, a patch may seem insignificant to some but I certainly feel honored to share this symbol of history.