Patch collecting is more fun once you learn the hidden language of military patches. Hint: count the stars in the shuttle patches shown in the article. Or google around for flight test squadron patches with a 5+1 star motif. Things like lightning bolts have meanings too.
Or perhaps the most famous secret hidden in a patch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STS-38
Admittedly, the secret language has largely been lost. Newer patches are more "looks cool" than a reflection of the mission.