The Flagging of the Torch

by Christian Jadot
California National Guard Public Affairs

May 13, 2021

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Members of Task Force Torch unveiled a new unit flag and unit patch during the flagging ceremony held May 11 at the California Military Department's Joint Force Headquarters in Sacramento.

Task Force Torch is the California Military Department's Youth and Community Programs Task Force. Their mission is to create a life-changing learning experience for California's youth.

“We mark a special day in history as we officially uncase the first official organizational flag for the California Youth and Community Programs Task Force,” said California State Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mathew Reece, who serves at Discovery ChalleNGe Academy and narrated the event.

The California Youth and Community Task Force has grown exponentially. The task force has over 350 full-time state active duty members and another 80 volunteer state guard members at its four residential youth challenge academies, three military-themed public charter schools, and two DoD STARBASE science, technology, engineering and mathematics based programs, said Reece.

The flag and patch have a torch emblem, which has significant symbolic and historic value.

“The torch of knowledge is reminiscent of the torch depicted in the California Cadet Corps emblem that has remained a symbol of knowledge, enlightenment and hope since 1911,” said Reece. “Much like the evolving flame of the torch, the cadets and scholars will grow and learn. Growing with a fiery motivation and passion to move beyond their past and towards the goals they burn for.”

Members of Task Force Torch were presented with a new shoulder sleeve insignia inspired by the prospector patch of the 49^th Infantry Division after World War II.

“Symbols are important to any military organization, in particular the military organizations that focus on excellence in academia, leadership, and excellence in character,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, adjutant general of the California Military Department. “Symbols are something people can point to, they can touch, they can feel, they can see the flag, they can wear the patch. They can talk about the name Task Force Torch and all it connotes in terms of shining a light for the bright future for all the youth that come into this organization.”