CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Soldiers in the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division “Raiders” marked Veterans Day by donning their combat patch, officially becoming combat veterans in ceremonies at Camp Liberty in Iraq on Wednesday.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service, commonly known as the “combat patch” is authorized for wear by Soldiers to denote their participation in combat operations. The patch is worn on the right arm of the uniform.

Throughout the day, Raider Brigade Soldiers held patching ceremonies at their respective battalions in what was known as “Make a Veteran on Veterans Day”.

The roughly 4,000 troops from Fort Lewis-based 4th Bde. 2nd Inf. Div. arrived in Iraq in the beginning of September, conducting operations across western Baghdad, north to include the city of Taji.

In the video, Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry regiment conduct their patching ceremony at Camp Liberty Iraq, followed by a smaller ceremony at the brigade headquarters, also at Camp Liberty, with Soldiers from each of the Raider Brigade’s six battalions being presented their patches by Col. John Norris, the brigade commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Huggins, the brigade command sergeant major. The second ceremony is concluded with remarks by Col. Norris, explaining the significance of the patch and the relevance of the brigade’s mission in Iraq.

Following the two ceremonies, Spc. Naomi Wright, a Portland, Ore. native from 4th Brigade’s S1, Pfc. Jason Jerome, an Aniston, Ala. native assigned to the Scout Platoon with Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 1st Bat. 38th Inf. Reg., and Pfc. Joel Pasqualucci, an automatic rifleman from Placentia, Calif. assigned to Bravo Company also with 1st Bat. 38th Inf. Reg. The final segment of the video shows Maj. Wayne Pickett reading the citation awarding 4th Brigade Soldier the right to wear the patch.