Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team III Conducts Unique Combat Patch Ceremony in Afghanistan

Strategic Insights -

Service members of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team III, a unique unit consisting of US Army and US Air Force personnel, conducted a combat patch ceremony on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan on May 14th. This ceremony marked a significant moment for the team, signifying their tour-of-duty in a combat zone. What made this ceremony unique was the participation of US Air Force airmen, who were authorized to wear the Army's combat patch despite it being an Army tradition. The team's diversity and teamwork were evident in their preparations and expectations for the deployment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team III consists of 12 US Air Force personnel and 7 female and male service members from the Kentucky National Guard, all from different units, battalions, commands, and brigades.
  • The team has been preparing together since August 2010, completing their pre-mobilization in Kentucky and Indiana, which helped build a cohesive team.
  • The unit's mission is to help facilitate the agricultural community in Parwan, Panjshir, and Kapisa provinces by sharing information, providing resources, and establishing connections between the people and their government.
  • The Team's leader, US Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon Blair, has over 31 years of service and is proud to be part of the Kentucky ADT III, describing it as "one of the finest organizations I have ever worked for."
  • Service members have high expectations for the deployment, with many volunteering for the mission and expressing enthusiasm for the experience.
  • The team's diversity and teamwork have been key factors in their preparations and expectations for the deployment.

Statistics:

  • 12 US Air Force personnel are part of the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team III.
  • 7 female and male service members from the Kentucky National Guard are part of the Team.
  • The team has been preparing together since August 2010.
  • The team completed their pre-mobilization in Kentucky and Indiana.
  • The unit's mission focuses on facilitating the agricultural community in Parwan, Panjshir, and Kapisa provinces.

Sources:

  • The Kentucky Department of Military Affairs
  • U.S. Army Sgt. Kathleen Gallagher
  • U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Stanley
  • U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gordon Blair