The Air Force engineers can wear the “combat patch†throughout their deployment. Soldiers awarded the patch have the option to continue wearing the shoulder-sleeve insignia throughout their Army careers. Regulations permitting the Airmen to wear the patch when they return to their duty station are being reviewed, officials said.

With or without the patch, improving the quality of life for deployed troops and Afghans is what keeps these engineers drawing up designs well into the end of the shift some nights, Colonel Blanzy said.

“These guys have never shirked from any job they’ve been given because they know we’re all working for a greater purpose,†he said. “It’s tough at times -- they have careers at home that are on hold and [a] family they miss being away from, but they continue giving 100 percent.â€