How do I start on this patch? First, there is no such thing as the 369th Air Expeditionary Wing — it’s a joke. However, there is currently a AEW that has made SO MANY rules and requirements for the folks deployed there that they have effectively SUCKED the morale from everyone. The top left picture shows folks having to wear a reflective belt EVERYWHERE you go — I’m sure they’ll require folks to start wearing them while sleeping soon. The top right picture shows the wonderful PT gear all USAF members are required to wear on their off time (yep, either PT gear or uniform at ALL times) and the fact that (even when exercising) your shirt must be tucked in. By the way, the newest “queep” is that if you are in PT gear and recognize a senior officer in PT gear you must salute — it just keeps getting better. Bottom left shows a gas mask, because now the deployed folks are donning chemical gear during exercises (that’s right, exercises) while deployed — all the training you get BEFORE you deploy is obviously not enough. The bottom right picture . . . well, let’s just say that the hosts of where this particular AEW is are making it extremely fun after all “combat” sorties – no kidding – a person must go through customs EVERY time they land from a flight (keep in mind they just took off a few hours earlier from the same place). Finally, the bottom says, “Victory through queep” — there couldn’t be a TRUER statement. This patch was a custom order and comes with velcro (of course you’re not allowed to wear it in the FOL).
