Combat patches: Are they for show or do they really mean something??

I didn't realize Kuwait was ever considered a combat zone, guess chain of command left that part out of our briefing. Was there after 9-11, focus was on AFG and unless you deployed there, you were not wearing a Right Shoulder Patch that I was aware. fortunately I was sent Down Range on numerous occasions so earned it.

Two tours in Vietnam. Two different patches, I served with great people both times. Firvthe rest of my career I had some fatigues with one patch, some with the other. Honoring and remembering both units, and comrades who didn't make it home.

Another good thing about being a Marine --no patches to deal with!

I have six

Before the Iraq war I was in the Gulf war. After many years in the Army I was one of the rare ones with a combat patch. When I went to Iraq and this time we received our patch I still maintained my Gulf War patch. It was home to me to wear it. Our unit most certainly deserved to wear the patch we were presented.
The patch means to me the honor of serving next to those who stood next to me. We all sacrificed our bodies, blood, tears, families and yes for some of us our soul. That is what that patch on my right shoulder means to me.

Retired, USA

It means you deployed to a combat zone as defined by the president, and stood up for your country.

it means that you were there and that you served our country

To me, wearing the combat patch of the three units I served in and lost people in is damn important- it serves as a reminder of them, and when you are training NFG's- it helps to remind them that you should know your stuff and more importantly you are a survivor.

They mean you personally were deployed to a combat zone and you performed your duties there. I was in a Field Force Artillery unit 105 towed unit, they went TDY to 173rd Airborne and never came back. Another Battery was with 1st Infantry Div. People arrived served and went home there.

It's been over forty years since my deployment to Vietnam. I wear a hat with my Division Patch on it because I'm proud of my combat service. My time in the 23rd / Americal Division and the 196th LIB are important life experiences.