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24th Anniversary Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony
Springfield – The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) will host the 24th Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony to remember and honor those who served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Desert Storm 24 years ago.
The ceremony will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2014, at 11 a.m., at the Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 North MacArthur Blvd., Springfield. The event is free and open to the public.
EVENT INFORMATION:
• IDVA Acting Director Erica Jeffries will host the event.
• Keynote Speaker: Lt. Col. Tina Marie G. Mansfield, Illinois Air National Guard, 183rd Fighter Wing, Air Operations Center
• Gwen Diehl, a U.S. Army Desert Storm veteran, is the event organizer and MC.
• Media opportunities before and after the event with participants.
Fourteen military personnel from Illinois died during the conflict. They were:
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 1991 after an invasion and brutal 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, ground combat elements, 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 one-time $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, and were a resident of Illinois 12 months immediately prior to entering the service, and were discharged honorably. Individuals currently on active duty who served in the Persian Gulf War may apply.
Event Information:
• 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.
For media interviews with IDVA personnel, please contact Ryan Yantis, communication manager, IDVA, ryan.yantis@illinois.gov or 312-814-0778.
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