Atlanta gulf war veteran remembers operation desert shield | va atlanta health care | veterans affairs

Desert Shield transitioned to Operation Desert Storm — the combat phase of the Gulf War in which the allied coalition forces. These days, a retired Atlanta Gulf War soldier is far removed

from combat, enjoying time with his grandchildren and volunteering at his church, but his memories of Operation Desert Shield remain, 34 years later. The 65-year-old Army Veteran was serving

as a Howitzer gunner in Germany when his unit received the alert that they were mobilizing soon after President George Bush ordered the organization of Operation Desert Shield on August 7,

1990, in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2. “Operation Desert Shield was the effort of a coalition of 35 nations to defend Saudi Arabia from Iraqi aggression,” he said.  “In

the months to follow, Desert Shield transitioned to Operation Desert Storm — the combat phase of the Gulf War in which the allied coalition forces, led by the United States, liberated

Kuwait.” The Veteran, who spent 25 years on active duty, went on to describe how Desert Storm began in the air in January 1991 with the relentless bombing of targets in and around Baghdad.

“The subsequent ground offensive lasted a mere 100 hours from the start of the assault Feb. 24, 1991, until a cease-fire ended the fighting on Feb. 28,” he said.  “It was a conclusive

victory for the U.S.-led coalition.” We honor the service of all our Desert Shield/Desert Storm Veterans who demonstrated America's resolve to defend freedom and deter aggression

throughout the world.