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GENERAL SITE QUESTIONS
FORUM QUESTIONS
GALLERY QUESTIONS
GETTING STARTED
GENERAL PATCH QUESTIONS
OBTAINING PATCHES
MAKING PATCHES
HERALDIC/AIR FORCE UNIT INFORMATION
OTHER
Q. I don't have Microsoft Word, Excel or Powerpoint. How do I view the files?
A. If you don't have the appropriate Microsoft software you can still view the files (Powerpoint, Word, Excel) by downloading the FREE viewer from Microsoft. Go to these websites for the appropriate viewer:
These programs allow you to view and print the files, you cannot edit however.
Additionally, some other software programs allow you to open certain types of files. The old Microsoft Works bundle can readily open Word and Excel files. Microsoft Wordpad (included with all versions of Windows) can open Microsoft Word documents.
Q. I would like to use one of the images on your site - what should I do?
A. Please contact the webmaster. If the image is for personal use, it will be e-mailed to you. This website typically does not provide images for commercial use, except in publications with appropriate credit. Use of images on other non-commercial websites is acceptable as long as appropriate credit is given.
Q. I'm having trouble logging-in to the Forums -- what's wrong?
A. If you are having difficulties logging-on, please try the following:
1) Try again. Often log-on problems are due to momentary server hiccups that clear themselves up.
2) Ensure you are logging-on from http://www.usafpatches.com/forum/. Other links may no longer work.
3) Clear out your cookies and old files from your Internet browser (typically located 'Tools', 'Options').
4) If you are using firewall software, ensure that it allows USAFPatches.com to set cookies.
If that doesn't clear up the problems, please contact the Webmaster.
Q. Why was my post deleted?
A. Your post was deleted because of failure to follow the "Posting Rules". Please read them thoroughly before posting. I attempt to enforce the rules evenly -- no one person receives preferential treatment. I do grant exceptions to the rules, but you must ask before you post. Individuals who repeatedly fail to follow the rules will be banned from the website. If you feel your post was deleted in error, please contact the Webmaster.
Q. Why was my USAFPatches.com forum account deleted?
A. Your user account was deleted for one of the following reasons:
1. Period of Inactivity. In order to maintain a streamlined database of registered users, accounts are deleted that have not signed in for six (6) months with the exception of Senior Posters, Veteran Posters and Monetary Donors who are deleted after one (1) year of inactivity. If your account was deleted for this reason, please feel free to re-register.
2. Violation of User Agreement. Accounts may be deleted for registered users who repeatedly violate the "User Agreement".
3. Deleted in Error. Occasionally user accounts are deleted by accident. If this appears to be the case, please contact the Webmaster who will reinstate your account.
Q. How do I get started collecting patches?
A. Get some patches! The easiest way for a beginner is to obtain patches from family and friends. Most people usually know at least one person who was in the service at one time or another. Many of these individuals have some of their old unit patches stashed away in the attic or in some shoebox. If you don't know of anyone, you can buy patches from the various companies and individuals listed on my patch sources page. Many of them offer grab bags that are fairly low cost (25 patches for $50, etc). This is an easy way to get started. Also many collectors will often assist a newcomer by giving them some patches for free. Check out my trade list free section, as I often do this. Patch collecting can be a hard hobby to break into, but once you're in, the sky's the limit!
Q. What is the purpose of a patch?
A. The whole point of having a patch revolves around one major purpose -- unit morale. Emblems and patches give a unit a unique identity, similar to that of a mascot for a sports team. The insignia comes represents the unit, its members, its equipment, and its accomplishments.
Q. How do I tell if a patch is genuine?
A. This is really a tough question to answer. Unless you obtain the patch from the unit or a member of a unit, there is often no way of truly knowing. There are numerous companies that reproduce some of the more popular patches and sell them. I know of at least one major toy company that produced reproductions of various Air Force and Navy insignia a couple of years back. Also many companies make "eye-candy" patches that are never used by Air Force units. Many die-hard collectors will not collect known reproductions or "eye-candy" patches, but other will. It's all up to the individual collector.
Q. Does every Air Force unit have a patch?
A. All Air Force units (numbered flights and squadrons) and establishments (groups and above) are authorized an emblem. However, not all units have a patch produced. Most flying units will have a patch made, but many non-flying units will not. If a unit is not authorized to wear a patch on the uniform then obviously there is no justification for spending the money. Although not officially authorized a distinctive emblem, detachments, flights, and sections often have patches made up.
Q. How many Air Force patches are there?
A. Who knows! A good conservative estimate is at least 25,000 different and distinctive patches have been produced for U.S. Air Force units. Including variations of patches significantly increases this number.
Q. Where can I get Air Force patches?
A. You can get Air Force patches from the various vendors listed on the patch sources page. You can also try local Army Surplus and militaria stores. To find the ones in your local area, look in the yellow pages under "Army & Navy Goods" and "Antiques". Another place to get patches is at gun and militaria shows. Most larger cities have several shows a year. Check your local newspaper for times and dates. I have gotten quite a few patches from local shows.
Q. Where can I get a specific patch?
A. Try one of the vendors listed on the patch sources page or post a message on the discussion forums.
Q. Can I obtain patches by writing Air Force units?
A. The answer is maybe. Back in the good 'ol days Air Force units would often give patches out on request. Unfortunately, because of shrinking budget, Air Force units can no longer afford to send out patches to everybody that requests them. If you do write a unit, more than likely your letter will be forwarded to the base public affairs office who will send you a list of companies that sell patches.
Q. Do Air Force units sell patches to the general public?
A. Most units don't, but there are some that do. In most cases, official unit patches are procured with government-appropriated funds. In these cases, the units are not allowed to resale items purchased with government funds (they can go to jail for that). Sometimes however members of a unit will chip in their own money or use the coffee fund to buy extra patches that the unit will resale.
Q. Where can I get a patch made?
A. Check out the companies listed on my "Where to Buy Patches" page.
Q. How much does it cost to make a patch?
A. When patches are ordered from the manufacturer, they typically cost between $2.00 to $4.00 each. The price is dependent on the number ordered, the size of the patch, and the number of colors used in the patch the greater number ordered, the smaller the size, or the less number of colors means a lower price).
Q. Where can I get some information/history on a particular Air Force unit?
A. If the unit is still active you can write it. You will want to write either the historian or public affairs. Use the following address format:
HISTORIAN:
(Unit Designation)/HO
(Base), (State) (Zip)
PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
(Unit Designation)/PA
(Base), (State) (Zip)
If the unit is inactive you can write or e-mail the Air Force Historical Research Agency at:
AFHRA Organizational History Branch
600 Chennault Circle
Maxwell AFB AL 36112-6424
Website: http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/
Inquiries should include as much info as possible about the unit and parent units. If you e-mail a request, be sure to include your mailing address as most of the Agency's materials cannot currently be sent via e-mail.
Q. How are patches worn on flightsuits and flight jackets (excluding the leather jacket)?
A. Wear of patches on flightsuits is governed by each major command, but in general the following usually applies:
Q. What patches are worn on the A-2 Leather Jacket?
A. The major command patch on brown leather or the U.S. Air Force shield on brown leather is worn on the right breast. The brown leather nametag on black leather is worn on the left breast. Rank is not worn.
Q. Where can I get flightsuit nametags made?
A. The following businesses are a few that make flightsuit nametags:
This website is in no way sponsored or endorsed by the United States Air Force. Opinions and views expressed are those of the Webmaster (unless otherwise noted) and not necessarily those of the Department of the Air Force. Information appearing on this site is for reference/educational purposes only. Official U.S. Air Force emblems are protected by federal law; reproduction for commercial use or for profit is not permitted without express permission from the individual unit commander. Copyright 1996-2008 by R.M. Operhall, all rights reserved.
