Tobiasly’s Blog

Today our company was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge for our participation in the combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is a rather prestigious award that is highly regarded throughout the U.S. armed forces.

This award is especially significant for us since my battalion (1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry) and our sister Indiana National Guard battalion (1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry) are the first two National Guard battalions to receive this award since World War II, when it was created.

It’s hard to describe to anyone not in the military how much of an honor it is to receive this award. We left our wives, families and loved ones for who knows how long; endured living conditions that few will experience in their lives; and put our lives on the line for a little decoration to put on our chest. I would have thought it was pretty silly myself just a few years ago, I’m sure.