63rd Theater Aviation Brigade SSI

Here's a patch that I had been questing after for several months. Sure, it's a modern-era SSI that I could have easily got my hands on from one of several uniform supply companies, but there's a reason they say the hunt is almost as satisfying as the prize itself. So why was this one so high on my "most desirable" list? Besides its obvious good looks, the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade is a component of the Kentucky National Guard and is based right here in my local area.

The 63rd TAB began life in 1986 as the Combat Aviation Brigade of the 35th Infantry Division. In 1995, the unit detached from the 35th Infantry Division and reorganized as the 63rd Aviation Group comprised of units National Guard from Illinois, Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Arkansas, and Kentucky. In 2007, when this shoulder sleeve insignia was approved, the unit reorganized once more as the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade.

63rd TAB ACU SSI worn by CO Col. Michael Ferguson

The Brigade is responsible for supporting United States Army North (aka Fifth Army) domestic missions, KYNG in-state missions, and the occasional United States Southern Command tasking. Personnel have also been detached in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other efforts in the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

As for the symbolism of the SSI, the primary charge - the Pegasus - refers to the unit's flight mission and to Kentucky being known as "The Horse Capital of the World". The arched blue chief symbolizes the horizon, upon which the two rows of stars - six above three - indicate the Brigade's designation. The upward-pointing arrow, and the star within it, symbolizes readiness, consistency, and the desire to work toward a higher direction.

Picked up on eBay, this one was a little pricey at $8.00 including shipping. Even so, I still consider the purchase worthwhile in order to add this nice looking SSI to my KYNG collection.