Press Release - Thursday, February 13, 2014
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23rd Anniversary Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony
Springfield – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) is honored to host the 23rd Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony to honor and remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Desert Storm 23 years ago.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, at 11 a.m., at the Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 North MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62702-2399. The event is open to the public.
Fourteen military personnel from Illinois died during the conflict. They are:
Name Service Date of Death Home of Record
Stanley W. Bartusiak U.S. Army Feb. 25, 1991 Calumet City
Charles W. Cooper U.S. Army Feb. 21, 1991 St. Charles
Dale Thomas Cormier U.S. Air Force Feb. 15, 1991 Crystal Lake
Gary W. Crask U.S. Army Jan. 19, 1991 Springfield
William D. Cronin, Jr. U.S. Marine Corps Oct. 8, 1990 Elmhurst
James P. Heyden U.S. Army March 12, 1991 Chicago
Raymond L. Horwath, Jr. U.S. Marine Corps Nov. 30, 1990 Waukegan
Patrick R. Hurley U.S. Army Feb. 21, 1991 New Douglas
William J. Hurley U.S. Marine Corps Oct. 8, 1990 Chicago
Kenneth T. Keller U.S. Marine Corps Oct. 8, 1990 Glenview
Earnest F. Mitchem U.S. Army April 13, 1991 Granite City
Stephen R. Phillis U.S. Air Force Feb. 15, 1991 Rock Island
Christian J. Porter U.S. Marine Corps Feb. 27, 1991 Wood Dale/Springfield
Bradley R. Schuldt U.S. Air Force Aug. 29, 1990 Arlington Heights
Desert Storm cost 382 American lives, 147 of those combat deaths. There were 467 wounded in combat, and the overall cost of the war was $61 billion dollars, with some $53 billion paid for by contributing or Coalition nations.
The military services of the United States – to include Active Duty, National Guard and Reserves -- joined with Coalition Forces to stop aggression and eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait in early 1991after a brutal invasion and occupation by forces under Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The Coalition air campaign began early on Jan. 17, 1991 and stripped away Iraqi air defense, command and control and logistical capabilities.
The ground offensive operations – commonly termed the “100-Hour War” – began at 4 a.m., Feb 24, overwhelming Iraqi ground forces, capturing thousands, and ejecting the remainder out of Kuwait. The Coalition Forces, under the command of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, unilaterally ceased offensive operations against the Iraqis at 8:01 a.m., Feb. 28, 1991.
Specific Illinois Benefits for Desert Storm Veterans:
Persian Gulf War Bonus - A $100 Persian Gulf War bonus is for those who served between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995, and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal, honorably discharged and were a resident of Illinois 12 months immediately prior to entering the service and discharged honorably. Individuals currently on active duty who served in the Persian Gulf War may apply.
Event Information:
• Media opportunities with Director Borggren and others after the ceremony
• Overflow parking is available to the rear of the museum.
• Guests are welcome to tour the museum before or after the ceremony. The museum depicts the rich history of the Illinois National Guard.
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