49th Quartermaster Group ( United States ) The 49th Quartermaster Group ( Petroleum and Water ) was a United States Army Forces Command ( FORSCOM ) combat service support unit stationed at Fort Lee , Virginia . The group motto was " Fueling the Force . " Reactivated in 1993 , the 49th held an inactivation ceremony at Fort Lee on September 14 , 2012 . Its subordinate 530th Support Battalion and 108th Quartermaster Company were reassigned to a brigade headquarters to await their own inactivation in September 2013 . According to an article in the post newspaper , " The 54th and 111th , the Army ' s only active duty mortuary affairs units , are not likely to be inactivated but may be transferred . If any of the units remain at Fort Lee , they may be realigned under battalions either at Fort Eustis , home of the 7th Sustainment Brigade , or Fort Bragg , N . C . , home of the XVIII Airborne Corps , the 49th ' s current higher headquarters . " History . Constituted 1 May 1936 in the Regular Army as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment , 49th Quartermaster Regiment ( Truck - Army ) ( Colored ) and allotted to the Fifth Corps area . Redesignated 29 September 1939 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment , 49th Quartermaster Regiment ( Truck - Corps ) ( Colored ) . Redesignated 8 January 1940 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment , 49th Quartermaster Regiment ( Truck ) ( Colored ) . Redesignated Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment , 49th Quartermaster Truck Regiment ( Colored ) and activated 1 April 1942 at the Port of San Francisco . Reorganized and redesignated 14 December 1943 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment , 49th Quartermaster Group ( Colored ) . Inactivated 15 November 1947 at Leghorn , Italy . Redesignated Headquarters and Headquarters Company , 49th Quartermaster Group and activated 1 June 1993 at Fort Lee , Virginia . CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT DECORATIONS Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptional meritorious service as the Theater Bulk Petroleum and Water Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom , Iraq , 10 January 2003 to 25 September 2003 Shoulder Sleeve Insignia . Description : On a buff rectangle with rounded corners in width and in height overall with a black border , a black vertical stripe charged with a light blue flash superimposed by a black annulet counterchanged . Symbolism : Buff and light blue are the colors traditionally used by the Quartermaster Corps . Black denotes solidity and refers to petroleum ; the light blue flash represents speed and quick response . The vertical stripe symbolizes the flow of fuel and water , while the annulet , suggesting a wheel ( as on the Quartermaster insignia of branch ) , highlights the constant movement of supplies and materiel . Background : The shoulder sleeve insignia ( unit patch ) was approved on 22 June 1998 . Distinctive Unit Insignia . Description : A gold color metal and enamel device in height overall , consisting of a gold disc bearing a black chevron potente and counterpotente charged with five gold annulets , the center one enfiled by a sword counterchanged with red grip , all within a red semi - circular scroll above inscribed " FUELING THE FORCE " in gold , and green laurel sprigs at bottom . Symbolism : Buff ( gold ) is traditionally associated with the Quartermaster Corps . The chevron denotes strength , the potente edges suggest the wards of a key , thereby suggesting the Quartermaster Corps . Black denotes dependability while alluding to fuel and the unit ' s motto . The sword implies readiness . The annulets recall the Meritorious Unit Commendation and four campaign credits awarded for service in World War II . The laurel stands for honor . Background : The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 29 April 1993 .