Operation Desert Storm - 23rd Anniversary

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My Desert Shield & Desert Storm Photo Album - Join Me in this Journey!

It is hard to believe that the first Gulf War, Operation Desert Shield & Operation Desert Storm, is already 23 years old. I was there and it still feels like yesterday. Please join me in my journey, with original photographs, of my experiences there. Although I have many stories to tell, this website will focus on my photographic journey. I hope you enjoy and please feel free to leave me some comments below! Hoo-Ahh!

Creative Commons Photo Credit

Photo Credits - Unless otherwise cited, all photos are from the author of this website, Terry Villars

Lens of the Day
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Lens of the Day

This won "Lens of the Day" on December 5, 2011.

Thank you Squidoo Staff for this great honor!

purple star
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purple star

God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood

Someone sent me a cassette of this song during Desert Shield, yes, remember cassettes? It still brings a tear to my eyes!

Operation Desert Shield / Operation Desert Storm

An Overview

There are many websites and information out there that explain this war. I would prefer to tell you in my own words. The following photos describe my journey but you do need a little background.

Operation Desert Shield started in reaction to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The Iraqis felt that the Kuwaitis did not own the regions of oil that they were drilling. There was a lot of speculation about "slant drilling" and other encroachments that could excuse the Iraqi claims, however, nothing excuses the invasion of another country and the war crimes that were committed against those people. Saddam Hussein chose to go this route instead of some other type of negotiation. This was not acceptable to the United States and other Nato countries. President George H.W. Bush authorized troop movement and military buildup in the Middle East in early August of 2009 to try to force the Iraqis out of Kuwait. While the buildup did not intimidate Hussein, it actually increased hostilities. This troop buildup was called "Operation Desert Shield."

In January of 1991, Saddam Hussein did not relent and the AIr War Phase of Operation Desert Storm began. This lasted for 6 weeks and finally, the ground war phase of Operation Desert Storm began. The Air War had all but wiped out the Iraqui Army but there was still some resistance from the tough Republican Guard Divisions of the Iraqi Army. The Ground War offensive only lasted one week and the war was virtually over...although Saddam Hussein continued with his terror leading up to the second Gulf War...and now you know the rest of the story!

Desert Shield
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Desert Shield

Operation Desert Shield - How the People saw it!

My First Base Camp, Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Desert Storm Ad Dammam
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Desert Storm Ad Dammam

This map is actually an operational overview of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Our unit, the 20th Engineer Brigade went on basically the same path as they did, in support of the 5th Division. I will be putting pushpins on these maps to show where I am and will go in sequence of my movement.

Our First Base in Ad Damman - Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia
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Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

We actually didn't have to build an encampment, our base camp was in an old abandoned factory warehouse. The administrative offices served as our operations center and we slept in the warehouse. The barracks warehouse had a blockade in front of it to prevent a car bomb from entering the sleeping area, although we had a guard post, gate and outside perimeter fence to keep out the outsiders. We performed all functions in this camp although we did get to go outside. This was a several month waiting period during the buildup so we had to keep occupied. We listened to a lot of music and also read and wrote. I had a Nintendo Gameboy which helped during off time.

In this photo, you can see our makeshift sinks and mirrors...gotta look good!

Toilets, Almost as Good as Home! - Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia
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Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

In this photo, you can see our makeshift toilet structures to the right. These were like wooden outhouses with several holes, so you can have someone to keep you company. Unfortunately, the flies were so bad that it was hard to keep them off of you.

Inside the Barracks Warehouse - Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia
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Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

As you can see, the makeshift tents are very eclectic! ha! Each soldier had a cot and you created your home to your own taste. Everyone needed a mosquito net that helped keep out the mosquitoes and flies out. Unfortunately, they always found a way in anyway. There were so many flies that they would stick to you and you got so used to them, that you didn't even notice.

Reds Win the World Series in 1990 - Dedicated to Us!

My hometown team, the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series. Although we heard some of it on the radio, we didn't hear the end of it. My mother sent me a copy of it via VHS video tape. Yes, remember the VHS? haha!

My Home! - Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia
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Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

My cot (to the left). Sorry I didn't make my bed before taking my photo. My trusty M-16 leaning up against my lock box. Had to protect those valuables and especially that Gameboy! I had my chemical mask strapped on and we always had to have it strapped to us at all times and have easy access to our chemical gear in case Sadaam decided to launch some nasty stuff into our camp!

Desert Shield / Storm Fun Fact

The military used toilet paper to camouflage their tanks in Saudi Arabia, during the Desert Storm War.

Me after Phyical Training - Yes We Still Needed to Do it no Matter Where Were at! - Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia
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Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

No, I am not related to Hitler and no, my hair has not been that short for a long long time!

Operation Desert Storm Merchandise - Show Your Support!

Captured Iraqi Uniforms - Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia
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Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

Since I was part of the Intelligence section, we had to familiarize others with the enemy. These are 2 American soldiers in captured Iraqi uniforms that I used as props before my briefing. It was difficult to find appropriate models, the Iraqis were very skinny.

On the Way to Bahrain - Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia
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Ad Damman, Saudi Arabia

This is the bridge from Saudi Arabia to the country of Bahrain. I got to make a trip there to get maps from the warehouse which we had there. Very few had this opportunity and I took a photo to commemorate it. I remember that alcohol was banned in Saudi Arabia and many Saudis went to Bahrain, just to drink. I did enjoy a beer even though it was very poor in taste, it tasted good to me. Bahrain was also where the Naval hospital ships of Mercy and Comfort were docked. A lot of very cute nurses!

King Khalid Military City (KKMC)

Desert Storm KKMC
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Desert Storm KKMC

Around the end of 1990, I was shipped off to King Khalid Military City (KKMC) which was a staging area for our unit prior to the Air Campaign. Our Staff Sergeant was injured and I took his place. At this location, I started briefing the Colonels on all military intelligence matters including locations of enemy units.

A few weeks after my arrival, in the early morning hours of January 17, 1991, we were awoken and sent out to foxholes in full gear. We watched the planes take off from KKMC in the first phase of the air war. While many in the USA were watching this on television, I was in a foxhole in the freezing rain. Sortie after sortie took off and I still have this very vivid in my memories.

Desert Shield / Storm Fun Fact

The Coalition Forces buried dumpsters along the Iraq border to lead the Iraqi radar into thinking there were actually tanks there.

Desert Storm - Air War
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Desert Storm - Air War

Operation Desert Storm - The Air War - As the People Saw it and Some They May Not Have Seen!

Leaving KKMC and Heading to the Iraqi Border, Log Base Willow - Castle Hill - Desert Storm - Air War

Desert Storm Air War
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Desert Storm Air War

A few days after the Air War began, we started "bugging out" and headed towards the Iraqi border at Log Base Willow, Castle Hill.

In this photo, I am loading up a truck and handing a bag to one of my troops in the truck. Notice that we are not in full desert camouflage yet. We had to wait for our issue and due to demand, we didn't get a full set immediately.

Log Base (LB) Willow - Castle Hill

Desert Storm LB Willow - Castle Hill
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Desert Storm LB Willow - Castle Hill

This was our final base camp in Saudi Arabia and we stayed here for several weeks until the Ground War began. This location was only one mile from Iraq. At this location, the fires and smoke in Kuwait, set by Sadaam Hussein were visible and we could also smell them. We could also hear the air attacks on the Iraqi forces and every once in a while, we would see a SCUD missile flying in.

Base Camp - 1 Mile from the Iraqi Border - Log Base (LB) Willow (Castle Hill) - Desert Storm - Air War

Log Base (LB) Willow (Castle Hill) - Desert Storm - Air War
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Log Base (LB) Willow (Castle Hill) - Desert Storm - Air War

This was our base camp at Log Base Willow- Castle Hill. The road near us was filled with little white trucks, mostly Toyotas and were packed highly with possessions. Most of the Saudis were evacuating due to impending attack from Iraq and during any hostilities, they didn't want to be around.

This was a desolate place and was truly barren. It got so cold in the morning that there was ice outside. In the afternoon, it reached temperatures over 100F.

A SCUD Attack by Sadaam Hussein on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

We drove to Riyadh for a reconnaissance mission during the stay at Willow and during that time, an Iraqi Scud Missile was launched in our direction. As you can see, the SCUD was hit by one Patriot Missile and the other Patriot missed it. This strike did not detonate the warhead and it fell in a school parking lot, killing a Saudi janitor. This thing came so close to us that it really frightened me more than I had been since I had arrived. Seeing this made you realize that all of this was real. This is a photo of an Iraqi SCUD missile downed by a Patriot Missile.

Creative Commons Photo Credit

Desert Shield / Storm Fun Fact

The Coalition Forces used cardboard tanks to disguise actual tank positions.

Another shot of Log Base WIllow - Castle Hill - Log Base (LB) Willow (Castle Hill) - Desert Storm - Air War

Log Base (LB) Willow (Castle Hill) - Desert Storm - Air War
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Log Base (LB) Willow (Castle Hill) - Desert Storm - Air War

We used space heaters in these tents and also had to go to the bathroom out in the desert. Nothing scarier than a completely dark night and you out there doing your business.

Operation Desert Storm - The Ground War
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Operation Desert Storm - The Ground War

Desert Shield / Storm Fun Fact

The Iraqis unsuccessfully tried to used radio propaganda and the character "Baghdad Betty" against the American forces in a way that the Germans used "Axis Sally", the Japanese used "Tokyo Rose" (Both during World War II), and the Vietnamese used "Hanoi Hannah" during the Vietnam War.

Operation Desert Storm - The Ground War

Crossing the Iraqi Border - Desert Storm - Ground War

Desert Storm - Ground War
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Desert Storm - Ground War

Shortly after the Ground War began, we moved to our base camp in Iraq near Jalibah, Iraq. One mile into the trip was the Iraq border.

This photos shows the Iraq border and the dirt berm that was built by Sadaam Hussein's troops as a defensive wall. On the other side of this berm were positions that were used by Iraqi troops. It is interesting to note that this berm extended all the way to Kuwait and in some positions, Iraq put captured Kuwaiti citizens into them to fight against the coalition forces and kept them in at gunpoint.

This sign was constructed by V-Corps 24th Infantry Division and erected after plowing through the berm.

On the way to Jalibah in my truck - Desert Storm - Ground War

Desert Storm - Ground War
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Desert Storm - Ground War

I was driving my 5/4 ton pickup truck and took this shot. Looks like I could use a car wash, huh? I am driving North, last vehicle in a convoy. If you look ahead to the left, you can see the smoke near As Salman airfield and beyond near the Euphrates River.

My truck broke down several miles in and I had to abandon it. It was a little unnerving sitting there all by myself with nobody noticing and to the left, you could hear the Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) going off in succession.

Jalibah, Iraq

Desert Storm - Jalibah Iraq
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Desert Storm - Jalibah Iraq

Arrival at Base Camp Near Jalibah Iraq - Desert Storm - Ground War

Desert Storm - Ground War
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Desert Storm - Ground War

If you think I look a little scared, you can imagine why.

Desert Shield / Storm Fun Fact

At the request of the US government; many nations sent token forces to the Gulf region. The primary combatants were the US, Britain, Canada, France, and Saudi Arabia (the host nation for US forces).

Base Camp in Jalibah Iraq - Desert Storm - Ground War

Desert Storm - Ground War
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Desert Storm - Ground War

Another shot of the Iraq. We used abandoned buildings, most already riddled by bullet holes.

Sunset in Iraq - Desert Storm - Ground War

Desert Storm - Ground War
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Desert Storm - Ground War

Nothing is eerier than seeing a beautiful sunset and hearing gunfire. To this day, I still get a little cold chill at sunset.

Captured Iraqi Anti- Aircraft Gun - Near Jalibah, Iraq - - Desert Storm - Ground War

Desert Storm - Ground War
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Desert Storm - Ground War

You could pretty much pick up any type of abandoned equipment that you wanted. This was hooked to the back of our trucks and pulled along with us.

Iraqi Foxhole - Desert Storm - Ground War

Desert Storm - Ground War
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Desert Storm - Ground War

A lot of abandoned equipment along the roads. You had to be careful because some of it was booby-trapped. I got several uniforms and other small items. This was a box of ammo near an abandoned foxhole. It had chemical rounds in it that were never deployed.

It is interesting to note that the Iraqis lived in their foxholes. They were covered with lice & sores and didn't even leave to go to the bathroom. Their excrement was right in there with them. They had little piles of rice around the rim of the foxhole, each one was a meal or a partial meal. Many of them were held in the foxhole by gunpoint under fear that they would get shot if they abandoned it. I found a full box of detergent in one foxhole, I don't think they had the water supply to use it.

The coalition thought it would be easy to get Iraqi soldiers to surrender because of the conditions in which they lived, however, it was common for an Iraqi to live this way and it wasn't as bad to them as it was to us.

An Unforturnate Iraqi Trucker - Desert Storm - Ground War

Desert Storm - Ground War
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Desert Storm - Ground War

Photo taken close to Jalibah, Iraq. There were more things that I just couldn't stomach and would never take a photo of...but many did anyway.

I hope you enjoyed this little visit to my life

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Doesn't Seem Like 21 Years, Huh? - Please Let Me Know What You Think. 143 comments

anonymous 3 years ago

LOTD soon , no doubt


scaguy profile image

scaguy 3 years ago

I always find personal experience stories to be the best.. Thanks!


anonymous 3 years ago

I saw this on the Front Page of Squidoo and am delighted that I stopped by. This will get featured. Wow! ~ Thank you once again for serving.


staymor profile image

staymor 3 years ago

Very cool lens!


staymor profile image

staymor 3 years ago

Very cool lens!


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seeker2011 lm 3 years ago

Good job. Thank you.


seosmm 3 years ago

Very nice lens!


anonymous 3 years ago

enjoyed your tribute here, God bless America.


BuddyBink profile image

BuddyBink 3 years ago

An excellent job. Thank you for your service and for this lens.


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lasertek lm 3 years ago

I like this lens! Thank you so much for coming up with this.


Russel Shackleton profile image

Russel Shackleton 3 years ago

fascinating lens. history usually deals with the bigger picture and it is very interesting to see the view from the troops on the ground


ProfDrJuan 3 years ago

Very informative! cool.


SiochainGraSonas profile image

SiochainGraSonas 3 years ago

Wonderful tribute. I appreciate your sharing this with us.


LDWorld profile image

LDWorld 3 years ago

wow, interesting read :) thank you for what you've done


Coreena Jolene profile image

Coreena Jolene 3 years ago

Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing this on a lens. The first hand tidbits of what life was like during that war is very interesting.


traveller27 profile image

traveller27 3 years ago

Thanks for sharing this - blessed by a travelling angel.


Kickstart1 LM profile image

Kickstart1 LM 3 years ago

Great Lens. God Bless the Troops!


norma-holt profile image

norma-holt 3 years ago

Great lens and you are something to put it together like this. Can't imagine the horror of it all and you guys did a remarkable job.


RetiredRebel 3 years ago

great lens :)


JoyKitten 3 years ago

Humbling.

Fantastic lens.

I'm overwhelmed with awe and gratitude.

Thank you for your service on our behalf.

God bless you, and God bless all our troops and veterans.


autofanatic profile image

autofanatic 3 years ago

I was a Navy Crypto Tech at the time station in DC. I think I missed all of the fun! Fantastic lens.


entertainmentev profile image

entertainmentev 3 years ago

Thank you for your service!


aivsiur profile image

aivsiur 3 years ago

Very interesting information. Great job! :)


fullofshoes profile image

fullofshoes 3 years ago

i cannot believe it has been 20 years... I can remember being terrified and glued to the TV...


Mary Crowther profile image

Mary Crowther 3 years ago from Havre de Grace

So very proud of you and thank you for your service! Thank you for sharing this.


squidooblogger 3 years ago

That's an awesome and well detailed post. You have well compiled the 20 years scene in one single lens.


MayaBella LM profile image

MayaBella LM 3 years ago

Wow! 20 years already. I lived right next to a huge marine base in California and I remember who many lives were touched. Thank you for your sacrifice.


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EnergizeYourLif 3 years ago

Top post. I look forward to reading more. Cheers from:

http://energizeyourlifetime.com/


TransplantedSoul profile image

TransplantedSoul 3 years ago

Hopefully a scenario that will not need to be repeated.


webgain 3 years ago

great lens.. congratulation for being lens of the day.


reasonablerobby profile image

reasonablerobby 3 years ago from UK

This is a really great lens. I really like the personal aspect. I can remember going to the Paris Air show shortly after the first Gulf War and meeting a US Patriot Missle system unit, very impressive. My nephew is about to join the British Army. Other members of my family in the military included Jake Wardrop of the Desert Rats whose WW2 diary is published as Tanks Across The Desert. My maternal grand father was in the WW1 Border regiment and my great uncle John was in the unique WW1 Royal Naval Division - sailors who fought on land in the trenches. Congrats on LOTD a superb lens.


wbl 3 years ago

great lens thumbs up :)


KhairuZiya profile image

KhairuZiya 3 years ago

congrat for being lens of the day, thank's for sharing


KhairuZiya profile image

KhairuZiya 3 years ago

congratulation for being lens of the day, thank's


BunnyFabulous profile image

BunnyFabulous 3 years ago from Central Florida

Thank you so much for your service, sacrifice and the unique insight into the Gulf War. It was during my senior year of high school, and a former boyfriend served in Desert Storm. Hard to believe that was all 20 years ago. Congrats on LOTD!


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aka-rms 3 years ago from USA

Congratulations, this lens is LotD today! Read all about it here: http://hq.squidoo.com/lotd/operation-desert-storm-...


pawpaw911 3 years ago

Terry,

Thanks for your service. I really do appreciate it. I enjoyed the lens. The LOTD is well deserved.


agoofyidea profile image

agoofyidea 3 years ago

Congratulations on LOTD. I remember being at a high school basketball game in January 1991. Our band director had brought a radio could he could hear if we were going to get involved with what was happening in Kuwait. It doesn't seem like 20 years. This is a great lens and one everyone should read.


anonymous 3 years ago

Outstanding lens. Congratulations for Lens of the Day!


NidhiRajat 3 years ago

very informative lens....


JoshK47 3 years ago

Wonderful lens - I was extremely young at the time, but I still have faint recollections of the news reports out of the Gulf. Blessed by a SquidAngel, and congrats on LotD!


walkerjaho 3 years ago

Wow, what a great lens. I can't believe it was 20 years ago. Reminds me of photos I've seen from family members who were there and also in both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.


CTsHeart 3 years ago

Thank you for your service and thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us. This lens was thoughtful, creative, informational, and you even made us smile with your witty comments. Great lens!


mrducksmrnot profile image

mrducksmrnot 3 years ago

Well done lens 20 yrs later. Thanks for your service for our Liberty. How you got all these foto's published without government intervention is beyond me. I'm a Viet-Nam Vet and anything we had was confiscated and destroyed. Congratulations on Lens of the Day and again Thank You for your Service and sacrifice.


Pete Schultz 3 years ago

Well deserbved purple star and LOTD honor, you have done an excellent job of showing, and describing this historic military effort.


Iain84 profile image

Iain84 3 years ago

One of the best lenses I've ever read. Thank you very much for sharing your story, pictures and experience.


sidther lm profile image

sidther lm 3 years ago

This was great! Thank you so much for your service and for sharing your experience! Congrats on a very well deserved LOTD ~Blessed


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fugeecat lm 3 years ago

I remember watching it on tv my cat was very intrigued when he saw all the lights on the tv screen.


Scotties-Rock profile image

Scotties-Rock 3 years ago from OREFIELD, PA

Great lens!!! I really enjoyed it. Congrats on lens of the Day. Thank you for serving our Great Country. I always remember the Gulf War, because the day it broke out on the news was the day my husband asked me to marry him. (not in that order) :)


anonymous 3 years ago

Wonderful lens.


AskPat profile image

AskPat 3 years ago

Congratulations on LOTD! Very well deserved! Thanks for sharing!


Heather426 profile image

Heather426 3 years ago from Wexford, Ireland

no, it does not seem like 20 years. Congrats on LOTD!


SquidooMBA profile image

SquidooMBA 3 years ago

I remember where I was when I heard that we were going to war. Thank you for serving and congrats on being Lens of the Day.


GeorgeneMBramlage profile image

GeorgeneMBramlage 3 years ago from southwestern Virginia Level 1 Commenter

No, it certainly does not seem like 20 years! Thank you so much for sharing such a well thought out and constructed lens. Many, many thanks for serving...glad to have you back in OH again. Fellow ex-buckeye.


GeorgeneMBramlage profile image

GeorgeneMBramlage 3 years ago from southwestern Virginia Level 1 Commenter

OH and congrats on your LOTD and Purple Star...both very much deserved.


Swisstoons profile image

Swisstoons 3 years ago from Michigan Level 1 Commenter

Excellent lens. Hard to believe it was 20 years ago. I followed the build-up, air and ground phases very closely and with great interest on TV. Thanks for your service, Sarge! And Congratulations on being chosen as LotD!


JimBoy1353 3 years ago

@GeorgeneMBramlage: That would be a Bronze Star for Valor. Purple Hearts are for being wounded by enemy action. I am glad you have a great heart Cercis.

I too am greatful for his and every Man and Woman who have served the United States of America and helping pursue happiness and our FREEDOM!

GOD Bless you all for serving "We The People". Jim+


AtHomeSource LM profile image

AtHomeSource LM 3 years ago

My husband served over there, he was in the USMC.

God bless you!


miaponzo 3 years ago

I was in Kuwait when Iraq invaded and stayed until the US embassy evacuated us.. I was 3 months pregnant at the time, and walked around day and night with a clandestine gun strapped to my calf... we lived day and night with the sound of rounds of machine gun fire and fantasized about what we would do if any Iraqis knocked on our door (ie.. shooting incessantly at them with our weapons until they would all be dead)... HUH??? Strange what certain situations make you think. ... survival is strange.. thanks! and Blessed!


Franksterk profile image

Franksterk 3 years ago from California

Thank you first for serving. You and other military are always in my thoughts. I was an Army brat which is as close to being in the service I get. Your lens is AWESOME. Thank you for reminding people what our military does, how tough it is on the people who serve and that we should all be very thankful for your service. Blessed. Bear hugs, Frankie


anonymous 3 years ago

Congrats on LOTD! Well deserved. It truly is hard to believe that its been two decades. Thanks for your service to our country.


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hotbrain 3 years ago from Tacoma, WA

This is a very enjoyable lens. I learned a lot from it. I remember desert storm. I was 8 years old and the news footage of it really captured my attention. I made a little book for school about the war. I had a cousin who was fighting in the war. Congratulations on a much deserved lens of the day. Now I know a bit more "behind the scenes" info.


anonymous 3 years ago

This was an incredible compilation of pictures. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. face shapes, http://www.absolutelyfengshui.com/mianxiang/lets-t...


anonymous 3 years ago

This was an incredible compilation of pictures. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. face shapes, http://www.absolutelyfengshui.com/mianxiang/lets-t...


mbgphoto profile image

mbgphoto 3 years ago from O'Fallon, Missouri, USA

What a wonderful lens...so informative and interesting. Thank you also thank you for your service. Blessed by a Squidangel.


ljm63 3 years ago

First of all, I would like to thank you for your service. It is the greatest honor to read about it here on Squidoo. Second, congrats on lens of the day. You deserve it!


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KimGiancaterino 3 years ago

Thank you for your service to our country. God bless every one of our brave soldiers. You have a gift for storytelling, and hopefully the generation behind yours will take heed. Congratulations on LOTD.


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Tagsforkids 3 years ago

Congrats on your LOTD, and much deserved. I'd like to join with everyone else in saying THANKS to you for your service along with all of the others that proudly serve or have served their country.


LDWorld profile image

LDWorld 3 years ago

congrats on LOTD!


casquid profile image

casquid 3 years ago

You get all the Honor you Deserve, young man. Thank you for clearing my eyes with tears. My hope and prayers for you are to live a full and peaceful life, after the war is over. My brother was in the Viet Nam War. We emotionally lost him, forever, he is paranoid, schitzophrenic now. I, haven't seen him in year, and when I do, he is very scary and un-medicated.

I'll Twitter your link out as a gesture of respect and hopefulness, my friend. PEACE!


Nancy Hardin profile image

Nancy Hardin 3 years ago from Las Vegas, NV Level 4 Commenter

Congratulations on LOTD. I'm an Army veteran, have a daughter in the Army in Afghanistan, a Marine grandson also there, a grandaughter who is a Navy Lieutenant, another daughter who is ex-Army, so as you can tell, we believe in the military. Thank you for your service in a horrific place and time, and I enjoyed reading your story. Blessed by a SquidAngel.


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norma-holt 3 years ago

Well done Terry.Was sure this was LOTD material and now it is featured on Squidoo LOTD Lenses. Hugs.


quicpost 3 years ago

It isn't easy living through war, but you are a hero and have an obligation to the world to live on. Have you ever hear of Veteran's Administration benefits?

http://www.military.com/kwlp01?ESRC=msn_mem_ben_va...

2. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and their benefits:

http://www.va.gov/.

3. Dept. of Veterans Affairs has a health site too:

http://www.va.gov/health/default.asp.

4. Clubs for American Veterans:

http://www.amvets.org/about_us/who_we_are.html.

You've got a lot and sometimes the frightening parts of war grips with an iron fist. I don't know why it is that the horror of life grips and the happiness events of life isn't as strong to sustain you. It is best to live no matter what. I'm surviving being a victim of info and name theft and it is only something I rarely think about and guess who brings you back to it all the time the victimizers who are insane anyway, so hold on to the happy part of life okay? Live on and know that you have lots of things to look forward to. Take care. Happy Holidays!


Joan Haines profile image

Joan Haines 3 years ago

My brother-in -law was in Operation Desert Storm as a marine. This lens is interesting, and nope, it really doesn't seem like 20 years. Thank you for putting this together.


julescorriere profile image

julescorriere 3 years ago from Jonesborough TN

Incredible pictures. What you have shared with us is a true gift. Thank you.


Michey LM profile image

Michey LM 3 years ago

Very interesting lens, you was there... and all is as authentic as can be.

Thanks for sharing your experience.


Diana Wenzel profile image

Diana Wenzel 3 years ago from Colorado

Congrats on LotD! You are appreciated! Thanks for sharing your experience. War sometimes seems abstract to those of us who are not in the middle of the action. Your photos and memories make it so much more real.


sara0129 profile image

sara0129 3 years ago from Texas

Congratulations. Thank you to all the soldiers for keeping us safe. God bless you all.


DonMiguelito 3 years ago

Congratulations!


Northwestphotos profile image

Northwestphotos 3 years ago

Thank you for your service to our country. God bless!


anonymous 3 years ago

Wow your really set this post out well, I love the way that you inserted the images, particularly of the helicopters that one moment you see it and the next you don't. Thank you for sharing with us all, I looked at your living quarters, you certainly don't get to live in luxury. I think that we never really think about the hardships that soldiers face, you go from comfortable to very uncomfortable in order to fight for your country.


Nspired2 profile image

Nspired2 3 years ago

"Thank you" is not nearly adequate for the expression of gratitude that I have for this lens. Two of my close friends died in that war, but I believe it's the survivors who were is the blood & guts with them that honor them best! Thank you, and it was an honor to digest & share this lens. Congrats on lens of the day brother.


Nspired2 profile image

Nspired2 3 years ago

"Thank you" is not nearly adequate for the expression of gratitude that I have for this lens. Two of my close friends died in that war, but I believe it's the survivors who were is the blood & guts with them that honor them best! Thank you, and it was an honor to digest & share this lens. Congrats on lens of the day brother.


backdropexpress 3 years ago

I just can't imagine how it feels to be on that journey. As I look into the photos, it's scary but this is something interesting and challenging journey. Thanks for sharing!


anonymous 3 years ago

congrats on LOTD..

p/s: WAR is World's Army Rule


anonymous 3 years ago

congrats on LOTD..

p/s: WAR is World's Army Rule


SheilaVine LM profile image

SheilaVine LM 3 years ago

Great Lens


JennySui 3 years ago

Congrats on LoTD!


JennySui 3 years ago

Congrats on LoTD!


SquidooMBA profile image

SquidooMBA 3 years ago

Thanks again for visiting my lenses. I was actually sitting in a TCBY place in Memphis eating yogurt on a date when they announced that we were going to war. I will never for get that.


anonymous 3 years ago

Nice job with this lens. Your way of telling the stories and photo comments make it enjoyable. Lots of info. here that I didn't realize. Thanks


yourselfempowered profile image

yourselfempowered 3 years ago from Gloucester

Very interesting lens. Blessed. :)


CruiseReady profile image

CruiseReady 3 years ago from East Central Florida

In a way, it seems like yesterday.

May I please say, "Bless you, Sir."

Though I had previously not paid ann inordinate amount of attention to the goings on of war and military things, when this, the first real "live on TV" war came to be, I woke up... rushed home from work every day, tuned in and was glued to the television until bedtime. Suddenly it was real, not just something from history books.

But, you - YOU were there, along with so many other brave ones.

Thank you for showing us some things we didn't even see on TV ... and for making me smile with your comment about the cute nurses!


patroby profile image

patroby 3 years ago

Hello fellow Veteran, love the lens. I was with the British 7th Armoured Brigade (The Desert Rats). Never forgotten our experiences even to this day, but i keep keeping strong, no regrets at freeing a nation. Again, great lens.


patroby profile image

patroby 3 years ago

Hello fellow Veteran, love the lens. I was with the British 7th Armoured Brigade (The Desert Rats). Never forgotten our experiences even to this day, but i keep keeping strong, no regrets at freeing a nation. Again, great lens.


PoeticChristian profile image

PoeticChristian 3 years ago

Hello, Thanks for your time as well, Oh my goodness, my how God works, I also has Basic in

Ft. Dix, NJ in Dec. of '87 and had my AIT there then was sent to HI for PDS(permanent Duty Station). Then I got out and then was reactivated in 1991 to go to Desert Storm. I was in Ryhaad, Saudi Arabia. I wrote a story about it but I have some other information that you might be interested in knowing. Yes, lets keep in touch. E-mail me please. Great Lens!


vkumar05 profile image

vkumar05 3 years ago

No it doesn't. The lens brought back a memories. Great share.


anonymous 3 years ago

Great ride in the Way-Back machine. Was looking for some stock photos to "fill in the blanks" You got a lot more than that here. well done. C'mon over and add to our new site.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/American-Veterans-of-Desert-Storm/308308612553728?sk=wall


CamelliaPenny profile image

CamelliaPenny 3 years ago from South Carolina

I remember Operation Desert Shield unfolding as I was home on a break from my first year at college. Hard to believe it's been 20 years. Thanks for sharing your experiences. This is definitely a side of the story most of America never saw!


bluefire1020 profile image

bluefire1020 3 years ago

My aunt was in Kuwait during the war and they went to Bahrain together with her boss before the ground war. Thank you for being there & for sharing this.


hsschulte profile image

hsschulte 3 years ago

I remember Desert Storm. My husband, at the time, had just ETSed from the army at Fort Riley. We had 2 little ones under the age of 2 years. I was grateful that he didn't go, but it bothered him a lot.


miaponzo 3 years ago

I'm back to read this again.. I hate crying but nevertheless that is what I do here.

20 years! wow.. now it's 21 (my daughter was born on Feb 27 1991 and she is turning 21 in a couple of days... she was born when I saw that the US troops had entered and pretty much secured Kuwait (we knew that the Iraqis would immediately surrender)... I guess she was waiting for that.. she was more than 2 weeks overdue. :)

It makes me sick that your life, along with all the lives of other soldiers, was put at risk for the sake of a crappy political ruse. God Bless you and keep you safe....


anonymous 3 years ago

I think the author of this page DOES look like Hitler. I bet in Germany he hung out in the Gestapo HQ. , and plotted chaos with one of the finest the NCO's, that the Army has ever produced. I am thankful, and proud that he did. BTW, stop shammin' with that slacker 84B, and get down to the motor pool. ASAP.


tvyps profile image

tvyps 3 years ago from Phoenix, Arizona Hub Author

@miaponzo: Thank you. I am blessed to have friends like you!


tvyps profile image

tvyps 3 years ago from Phoenix, Arizona Hub Author

@anonymous: No matter where you go or what you do, you always find someone that knows you! hahaha!


kTerrain1 profile image

kTerrain1 3 years ago

Awesome lens. A lot of us worked hard to support you all there -- you did us proud. Thanks!


Rangoon House profile image

Rangoon House 3 years ago from Australia Level 3 Commenter

Thank you. It certainly does not seem like 21 years. Bless you.


TheAverageOutdo profile image

TheAverageOutdo 3 years ago

Thank you for your service. My father was also served in the gulf war. He was a combat engineer that guided bombs with a laser. Great lens.


JakeDesign profile image

JakeDesign 3 years ago

Great Lens. Thanks for reminding everyone of the reality of war. It's never what people imagine. I've started my own lens about my experience in the Gulf War. It's still a work in progress, but it will tell what happened in my little corner of the Gulf War.


mel-kav profile image

mel-kav 3 years ago

Thank you for your dedicated services to the USA. And congratulations on your Bronze Star Medal. Thank you for sharing your experiences. My heart and prayers go out to all our troops throughout the world. I pray all of our men and women are brought home safely very, very soon! God Bless the USA!


anonymous 3 years ago

Great lens. The animated images were a great touch. My favorite parts about these lenses are:

-the real-life pictures of life in a war zone

-your personal story

-the animated images.

P.S. Thanks for blessing my Joel Osteen lens. I featured you on that lens for blessing it. Thank you. God bless!


anonymous 3 years ago

good job in presenting this piece of history.. thank you for your service and patriotism


miaponzo 3 years ago

Back for a blessing... you know I love you man, even though we've never met! This lens is close to my heart...


OhMe profile image

OhMe 3 years ago from Pendleton, SC Level 1 Commenter

Thank you for your service to our country and for sharing your story of Operation Desert Storm


wrapitup4me profile image

wrapitup4me 3 years ago

Having endured this war with a gas mask in a box over my shoulder and occasional sojourns in the sealed room (Israel), I was fascinated to read about if from your perspective.


Country-Sunshine profile image

Country-Sunshine 3 years ago from Texas Level 2 Commenter

A great article. I especially like all the personal photos, and your first-hand account! Thank you so much for your service. Blessed, and added to "Best Military & Patriotic Pages"


joannalynn lm profile image

joannalynn lm 3 years ago

I found you.


anonymous 3 years ago

Very nice site. I have a question. I'm trying to get confirmation from someone who was there. During Operation Desert Storm, did the base camps have a place to zero your weapons, and if so was the zero in yards or meters?

Thank you.


fullofshoes profile image

fullofshoes 3 years ago

Bless you...and your lens....


Kae Yo profile image

Kae Yo 3 years ago

Wow. I remember this. Every night we would come home from school and switch on CNN and listen to Wolf Blitzer reporting news from there. Thank you for your service. The little known facts were great. I loved the dumpster bin and cardboard ones.

Thank you for liking my lens "Surprisingly Unexpected Disasters" and blessing it.


Diva2Mom profile image

Diva2Mom 2 years ago

This is an Excellent lens! Thank you so much for sharing this, the interesting photos, your pic--and yeah, NO you don't look like Hitler at all, hahaha :) I salute to all the Veterans, and you did an awesome job! Proud of ya! God bless you!


VspaBotanicals profile image

VspaBotanicals 2 years ago

I had just gotten married in Fort Stewart, Ga. three days before my husband's deployment. It was the most difficult time in my life, in all of our lives, filled with so much fear. It will never be forgotten. This is a great lens!


srsddn lm profile image

srsddn lm 2 years ago

A great first hand account of the war events. Remember, have seen pictures of war on television.


favored profile image

favored 2 years ago from USA Level 4 Commenter

I can still remember all this happening and having my students write letters to the soldiers. Thank you for your service, and I'll pray you come to enjoy the sunsets as God intended without it being a "war" memory.


anonymous 2 years ago

Hope you are having a good Veterans Day, Terry. Thinking of you and all the troops and vets with much gratitude. - Thank you, and God bless! :)


Lawofficer 2 years ago

I was on the ground there with the 24 th id. Happy Thanksgiving to all service members retired and active especially to these overseas in combat zones be safe.


getmoreinfo 2 years ago

Happy Veterans Day!


Michey LM profile image

Michey LM 2 years ago

On Veteran Day I come back to give Blessings! This is a special lens as it is based on personal experience.


Mary Stephenson profile image

Mary Stephenson 2 years ago from California

Very nice account of what happened. I remember what we heard on the news, it was pretty awful what was happening over there. Happy Veterans Day, thank you for your service.


ScottMckinzie 2 years ago

GREAT Lens!!! When I saw the title I new I had to check this out, I was there in the gulf for shield and storm on board a ammo ship. Brought back lots of memories, Thank you for sharing and Thank You for your service.


pawpaw911 2 years ago

Been here before, but thought I would make a return visit. Thanks again for your service.


patroby profile image

patroby 2 years ago

Where does time go? Fantastic Lens, i was part of 7th Armoured Brigade (Desert Rats), thanks for the memories. My Lens is http://www.squidoo.com/the-queens-royal-irish-huss... , be nice to see you there, kind regards, Rob.


meltyourmansheart profile image

meltyourmansheart 2 years ago

Great lens. Thanks for your service and sharing.


Aunt-Mollie 2 years ago

I have included this article as a featured lens on my 'The Yom Kippur War' lens. Thank you for telling your story.


anonymous 2 years ago

Hi Terry, just stopped by to post this on FaceBook and G+

Thank you once again for what you have done. God Bless! :)


delia-delia profile image

delia-delia 2 years ago Level 2 Commenter

Terry V Thank You for your Service!!!!! I saw a comment you left on a "The 11th Day of Christmas Celebration:" and I replied...Thank You for that comment!

My husband is a Vietnam Vet and very much involved in Veteran organizations, he also has a Bronze Star(V) and Purple Heart...I will be making a lens for him, his website server got shutdown.

Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family:

Great lens and very deserving of the LOTD and PS:

~d-artist Squid Angel Blessing~


anonymous 2 years ago

Very exciting lens.


miaponzo 2 years ago

Just want to let you know that I am back for another blessing on this lens.. so close to my heart,.. and voted my favorite lens of the year. Thanks!


anonymous 2 years ago

Thank you for what you and 1,000's of others have done in the name of freedom. Excellent pictures and memories. Very heart wrenching to remember.


djohnjulio 18 months ago

Nice web site. I also served in Desert Storm Desert Shield. I was with the 20th Engr. Bn. out of Ft. Campbell. We were to the west of your sites. We ended up wearing the 20th Engr. Bde Patch.


tvyps profile image

tvyps 18 months ago from Phoenix, Arizona Hub Author

@djohnjulio: I was in HHC, we were over your unit.


lawrence01 profile image

lawrence01 18 months ago from Hamilton, New Zealaind Level 7 Commenter

I got the chance to work with the rebuilding in the North after Desert Storm. I'll never forget the things I saw and the things Saddam had done to his own people. The only question I ever heard asked was 'Why did the west stop?'

This is a great lens that shows things jsut as they were. Well done.


Pat Goltz profile image

Pat Goltz 18 months ago

I wouldn't say I "enjoyed" it, but I thank you deeply for your service. It was a good insight into what it was like. Our youngest went there right after Saddam was deposed. He had two tours there. The first one was reasonably good; they were in the area where Petraeus was in command. The second time wasn't nearly as good. He brought back a lot of photos from the first tour.

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