Congressman Etheridge Op-Ed - Etheridge Salutes Gulf War Veterans

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Etheridge Salutes Gulf War Veterans on the 10th Anniversary of the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait
A Guest Editorial/Letter to the Editor
By U.S. Representative Bob Etheridge

August 2 marks the ten-year anniversary of the onset of the crisis that led to Operation Desert Storm, one of the most successful military operations in modern history. As we mark this anniversary, let us pause to honor the bravery and sacrifice of those Americans who served in the Persian Gulf War.

On August 2, 1990, the military forces of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded and brutally occupied the small nation of Kuwait. Three days after the invasion, President Bush gave voice to our nation's resolve by stating that Saddam's hostility "will not stand." America quickly dispatched soldiers to our allies in Saudi Arabia to defend that nation against possible attack from Saddam's advancing troops. President Bush assembled an unprecedented international alliance to stand up to Saddam Hussein's naked aggression.

After weeks and months of failed attempts at diplomacy, a defiant Saddam left us no choice but to take decisive action. On January 17, 1991, the allied coalition bombarded hostile Iraqi forces with an unrelenting series of air strikes. In the 42 days that followed, the United States and her allies staged a military operation the likes of which the world has never seen. Of Iraq's 545,000 troops in the Kuwait Theater of Operations, about 100,000 were killed. Saddam and his war machine stood no chance against the technology and military might of the United States' Armed Forces.

541,000 magnificent American men and women, many of them North Carolinians, served our nation bravely in Operation Desert Storm. Unfortunately, no war can be fought without casualties. Eight brave North Carolinians lost their lives during Operation Desert Storm. Army Sergeant Michael A. Harris of Pollocksville; Army Private First Class Kenneth J. Jackson of Concord; Army Private First Class Jerry L. King of Winston-Salem; Marine Corporal Victor T. Lake of Jacksonville; Army Specialist Bobby L. McKnight of Dallas; Air Force First Lieutenant Patrick B. Olson of Washington; Army Specialist Kenneth J. Perry of Lake Waccamaw; and Army Specialist Bobby M. Ware of New Bern each lost his life defending the freedom we hold dear. Let us comfort the families of the fallen and remember each precious life lost.

Despite our brilliantly successful military campaign, Saddam still rules in Baghdad, albeit with a much reduced ability to make mischief. Ten years after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, Saddam remains the living symbol of evil in the world. His presence reminds us to be on constant guard in defense of America's ideals-just like those who served in the Persian Gulf War.

As we observe the tenth anniversary of the beginning of this chapter in our history, let us remember our sons and daughters who fought in the Persian Gulf with bravery and valor. Let us also learn from their example. We can each face the challenges before us with the same resolve and determination as they did-and we will win, just as they did.