Throughout 2004 and 2005, elements of the 25th Infantry Division deployed to both Iraq (2nd Brigade) and Afghanistan (3rd Brigade), with one of its major achievements being the primary unit guaranteeing a free democratic election in Afghanistan. Redesignated as Headquarters and Tactical Command Posts, 25th Infantry Division in November of 2005, elements of the division were again sent to Iraq in 2007, where they served in and around Baghdad until 2009.
In 2010, the unit—now designated as a HQ and HQ Battalion—returned to Baghdad, becoming the last Division headquarters in the country. As it redeployed back to Hawaii in 2011, the 3rd Brigade was sent to Afghanistan, followed by several other brigades. The division’s Combat Aviation Brigade flew its last sortie in the country in January, 2013. For its actions in Iraq, Tropic Lightning was awarded two Meritorious Unit Commendations, one for 2006-2007 and a second for 2008-2009; it garnered the same award for its efforts in ensuring the fledgling democracy in Afghanistan between 2010-2012.
The Patch for the 25th Infantry Division, like the unit’s CSIB and Unit Crest, features a simple design paying homage to its home state of Hawaii and its well-deserved reputation for rapid completion of its assigned missions. Shaped like a taro leaf, the focal point of the patch is the lightning flash that recalls the unit nickname and motto, “Tropic Lightning.” The patch is sold individually and features Velcro backing.
Related Items
25th Infantry Division Unit Crest (DUI)
25th Infantry Division Combat Service Identification Badge (CSIB)