This is my old unit patch from when I was in the Reserves.
The Greek cross, a symbol of aid and assistance, is used to represent the medical mission of the brigade. The crown, alluding to New York, the Empire State, was suggested by the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. In numerology the number eight symbolizes regeneration and achievement. The octagon shape alludes to the numerical designation of the Brigade.
Constituted 30 June 1976 in the United States Army Reserve as the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 8th Medical Brigade, was assigned to the First United States Army, and activated at the Fort Hamilton U.S. Army Reserve Center, Brooklyn, New York. Reorganized and redesignated 1 October 1976 as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Medical Brigade. During much of its history, the 8th Medical Brigade was the largest of all the medical brigades, active and reserve, in the entire U.S. Army. It relocated February 2002 to Fort Wadsworth, New York.