How can someone prove that they can wear a combat patch for deploying to Kuwait under OIR and OFS?

-2020 I was deployed to Kuwait with the 82nd last year, my orders say it was under Operation Inheret Resolve, my unit didn’t get to go to Iraq. Only 2 infantry battalions went forward
- 2021 I am deployed to Kuwait with the 82nd again, my orders say it is under Operation Freedom Sentinel, my unit didn’t get to go to Afghanistan. This time more than 80% of my brigade went forward except for my unit.

I was told even though we stayed in Kuwait we’re allowed to wear the combat patch because of the operations that we fall under. If someone is wondering why I’ve been to Kuwait 2 years in a row is because both times my brigade has been on IRF (inmediatamente response force)
I’m not really trying to wear it cause I know I don’t deserve it but I’m really curios a bout this cause some of my friends want to wear it.
upposing that we’re allowed wear the patch can they prove that they’re allowed? Cause our ERBs say Kuwait but also I have friends in aviation that just went to Afghanistan or Iraq for supply drope and came back, theirs ERB say Kuwait but with this new thing of no minimum time in combat zone, they are wearing it