"I have seen in your eyes a fire of determination to get this war done quickly. My confidence in you is total, our cause is just. Now you must be the thunder and lightning of Desert Storm."

General H. Norman Schwarzkopf
Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command
Commander of Operations of Desert Shield
and Desert Storm
U.S. Army, Retired

A series of events lead up to the involvement of United Nations' troops in the Persian Gulf in order to ease conflicts over oil production and military build-up in the region.

July 15-17, 1990 – Iraq accuses Kuwait of stealing oil from the Rumaylah oil field on the Iraq-Kuwait border and warns of military action.

July 22, 1990 – Iraq begins its military buildup against Kuwait.

August 2, 1990 – Iraq invades Kuwait. The United Nations Security Council condemns Saddam Hussein for the Iraqi invasion and calls for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Iraqi forces. President George Bush freezes Iraqi and Kuwaiti assets.

August 6, 1990 – Economic sanctions are authorized.

August 8, 1990 – Iraq annexes Kuwait.

August 9, 1990 – The Security Council imposes full economic and military sanctions against Iraq.

August 10, 1990 – Hussein declares a "jihad," or holy war, against the U.S. and Israel.

August 25, 1990 – The U.N. Security Council calls for the use of force, if necessary, to compel Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait.

September 14, 1990 – Iraqi forces storm a number of diplomatic missions in Kuwait City.

November 29, 1990 – The Security Council sets a deadline of January 15^th for the peaceful withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Maine citizens pay tribute to Desert Storm peacekeepers:

I am voting in honor of Lieutenant General Calvin Waller (deceased). LTG Waller was a soldier's soldier. He served in Vietnam and was General Norman Schwarzkopf's deputy command in Desert Storm.
Colonel J.T. Cuccaro, Freeport
Served 2 tours in Vietnam, U.S. Army (Ret.)

 

I am voting in honor of my daughter, Pamela J. Farnsworth, PNC (Ret.), who served in the U.S. Navy from 1973 – 1996 during Vietnam and Desert Storm.
Virginia Farnsworth, Bar Harbor

January 15, 1991 – The deadline of the U.N. Resolution 678 for Iraq to withdraw expires at midnight.

January 16, 1991 – Allied forces begin Operation Desert Storm with a massive air offensive. U.S. warplanes attack Iraqi forces in Kuwait and military targets in Iraq.

January 17, 1991 – Iraq launches its first SCUD Missile attack.

February 1, 1991 – U.S. Secretary of Defense warns that the U.S. will retaliate if Iraq uses chemical or unconventional weapons.

February 8, 1991 – The total number of U.S. troops in the Gulf is now over a half million.

February 25, 1991 – Iraqi SCUD missile hits a U.S. barracks in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, killing 27 U.S. soldiers.

February 27, 1991 – President Bush orders a cease-fire effective at midnight Kuwaiti time. President Bush declares Kuwait liberated.

March 3, 1991 – Iraqi leaders formally accept the cease-fire.

March 4, 1991 – First allied POWs freed.

March 5, 1991 – Remaining POWs released.

 

My son, LTJG. James B. (Jeb) Shields, was killed in the line of duty on March 21, 1991, when two P3 Orions collided in the sky off the coast of California.
Bethel B. Shields, Auburn

Gulf War Troops Return Home

Approximately 697,000 U.S. troops served during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. When troop carriers first began returning home, crowds of Mainers greeted flights returning from the Persian Gulf at the Bangor International Airport to give U.S. soldiers an all-American welcome.

Television viewers across the country watched as Sgt. Kevin Tillman, among the first soldiers to receive the Bangor "welcome home" greetings, performed his impromptu rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on a saxophone borrowed from a musician in the John Bapst Memorial High School band.

When the last official flight departed from Bangor on May 27, 1991, crowds in Maine's Queen City had enthusiastically welcomed home an estimated 100,000 Gulf War soldiers. To commemorate these acts of kindness, Everett Steele, himself a Korean veteran, helped organize a 10-year reunion on March 7, 2001, at Bangor International Airport, for those who had been part of the Bangor Homecoming festivities. Steele estimates that he and a handful of others had greeted 350 flights since that first carrier landed.

Sgt.Tillman, in remarks made during that anniversary reception, remembers the enthusiastic outpouring of patriotism and gratitude that greeted him on his return home:

"If the first troop carriers had not come to Maine, and not come to Bangor, what did happen may not have happened. By rising to the occasion…and setting the standard for the rest of the country and how we take care of our military personnel, you all left no doubt…why we do what we do."

–from the Bangor Daily News, March 8, 2001

Additional Tributes Submitted Online

Tribute to my Father, Gary J. Welsch:

I am honoring my father who served in the 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry (Army) during the Persian Gulf War in 1991 and also in Panama in 1989.

James Welsch, Scarborough, ME

Tribute to my Husband, Larry M. LeBlanc:

My husband of 20 years, served his country and flag proudly, from 1978 to 1994. He saw how a dictator took hostages in 1979 onboard the U.S.S. Constellation (CV-64) and he was onboard the U.S.S. Independence (CV-62) for the Initial Strikes in support of Desert Shield. I am very proud of what my husband endured for my and all the others that enjoy our freedom and our right to free speech.

Melca M. LeBlanc, North Berwick

Tribute to my Friend, Warrant Officer Carolyn Kroot:

I am honoring the bravest and most honorable woman that I know. Because of her bravery during the Persian Gulf War, she initially reacted to save the life of a fellow comrade. The soldier was delivering ammo when his arm was partially severed from his body by shrapnel striking him. The explosion occurred due to his brakes catching on fire. Carolyn ran out of her tent after being on duty all night, tired and worn-out but in keeping her wits about her and her first aid training fresh to mind, she courageously applied pressure bandages to aid in saving this wounded soldier's life. Carolyn Kroot is one of the most courageous and bold soldiers that I know. She is a hero, and she is my hero!

Vivian Fuller, Belfast, Maine

Tribute to my Son, Eric Beloff:

Thank you for honoring our country and your fellow soldiers by serving in the Persian Gulf War. Your family is very proud of you.

Peg DuBrow, Gardiner, Maine

Tribute to my Brother, Eric Spear:

Eric served in Saudi Arabia, and later in Kuwait. He flew Medical Evac Blackhawks. Because of his service he has Gulf War Syndrome, but still holds down a full time job working for the State of Maine.

Sandra Olson, Thomaston, Maine

Tribute to my Son, Jeremy M Manuel:

I honor my son, Spc. Jeremy M. Manuel of the 82nd Airborne. He is my hero. He is a hard worker, a cherished Grandson, a loved Son, a loving Husband and wonderful Father of two beautiful children. He is a veteran of the Gulf War, having joined the Army just 2 weeks out of high school. He makes me one proud Mom, so I want to have him recognized in this way so that he understands just how proud he makes me.

Marla J. Kalloch, Mechanic Falls, Maine

Tribute to my Husband, Jeffery A. Coffin:

I am honoring my husband, Jeffery A. Coffin, who participated in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from 12/3/90 - 5/2/91. He was a specialist with C Company of the 9th Engineering Battalion of the US Army, originally stationed in Germany. They went into battle with the 1st Infantry Division, who were the first into Iraq. At the end of the tour, they returned to Germany and not to Bangor International Airport. We were both 19 at the time.

Dawn Coffin, Ellsworth, Maine

Tribute to my life long friend, David Worthley:

To David and all of those brave men and women, may your service to our country not be forgotten or go unnoticed. Thank you for keeping us all safe.

Jeremy Lagasse, Oakland, Maine

Tribute to my Partner, Karen Bond:

Never given up and focusing on what needs to be done to keep others informed and using all your strengths to never forget those who are in need and what support may help.

Brenda Bond, Auburn, Maine

Tribute to my Son, Scott A. Laliberte:

We are honoring our son, Scott for all of his years in the service to his country.

Eileen & Richard Laliberte, Oxford, Maine

Tribute to my Partner, Brenda Bond:

Brenda is a wonderful individual who has continued to support all elements, with a disabled spouse and friend has never wavered to help. Endearing her own disability has proven to be strong she is a person with a lot of heart and courage to keep her life filled with passion. She is caring and supportive with her job with a deep knowledge and musical talent. She continues to pursue her dreams and never gives up in keeping strong!!

Kay Bond, Auburn, Maine

Tribute to my Son, Jeffry L. Dunham, Jr.:

My son was a PFC First Class, He was a machine gunner in the 101st Airborne Division, out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was in the military from August 1989-July 1992. He was in Desert Storm and the liberation of Kuwait from August 1990 to March of 1991. Thank you for your service Jeff.

Ruth L. Kroll, Verona Island, Maine

Tribute to my Son, Timothy J. Fenlason:

I am very proud of my Son Tim for serving in the Military.

Betty J. Kempton, Embden, Maine

Tribute to my Boyfriend, Vance Cayford:

To my #1 HERO! Words cannot define the sacrifices you made. Thank you so much for giving us the life we live today. I Love You!!

Christine Miller, Norridgewock, Maine

Tribute to my Brother, Shawn Jernigan, Sr.:

Thank you Shawn for serving our country and for defending my freedom !!!

Rena Marley, Orrington, Maine

Tribute to my Brother, GYSGT John S. LaPerriere:

I remember how worried my children (9 and 10 at the time) and I were when John, a Marine, was sent to Kuwait. We prayed and sent letters and just waited until the day we went to the Bangor International Airport to see him. It was just a stopover for him on his way back to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina but, luckily, he was allowed off the plane to see family. Having held all their emotions inside until then, both my daughter and son broke down in tears of relief when they at last saw their Uncle John back safe in the United States.

Jerryanne LaPerriere, Auburn, Maine

Tribute to my Husband, Scott Whittier:

I wish to thank my husband for his service during Desert Storm. He was with the 24th (Mech) Infantry from Ft. Stewart, Georgia. I am so proud of him and all who have served. Thank you.

Cheryl Whittier, Washington, Maine

Tribute to my My Husband, Lionel Martin:

I did not know my husband at the time of his service, but I do know he sacrificed much to serve his country during Operation Desert Storm. He experienced many things that he does not want to remember. When certain things trigger those memories, he is quiet. I cannot imagine the fear and uncertainty he realized fulfilling his patriotic duty. He is a hero. He's my hero. He's an American Hero.

Naomi Martin, China, ME

Tribute to my Mother, Cynthia Hatt Sturgis:

Boot camp Orlando FL KO46, one of the first female rifle companies. She's been to Brunswick ME, Naples, Italy, Rota, Spain, Panama and Jacksonville, FL. I'm 10 and my mom adopted me when I was a baby. She has PTSD and we are still coping with that. I still think she's the greatest mom ever. Thank you!

Calliope Hatt, Minot

Tribute to my Uncle, Dana Bagley:

Dana Bagley served this country with fierce valiance and nobility in the United States Army.

Nathan Oliver, South Portland, Maine

Tribute to my Husband, John G. Brennan:

This tribute is in honor of my Husband who served proudly in the United States Air Force. He was injured during the Persian Gulf War which forced him to retire however he would still be honored to wear the uniform today and protect this country that he loves so much.

Tricia Brennan, Winthrop, Maine

Tribute to my son, Peter Paul Lawrence:

Thank you for your service to our country; so we can be free.

Mary/Calvin Lawrence, Pittston, Maine

Tribute to my My Dad, SSgt Ronald W. Bunnell Jr:

Taken from us way too soon.

Tiffany Estabrook, Chesterville

Tribute to my Father in Law, Ronald J. Muccio Sr:

Thank you for your proud service to the United Air Force.

Amelia Capone Muccio, Parsonsfield Maine

Tribute to my Father, Charles Willis:

I honor my father a dedicated member of the United States Air Force. His service exemplified courage and integrity, inspiring all who knew him. Through his sacrifices he taught me the true meaning of duty and commitment. I am forever grateful for his words of wisdom and the values he instilled in me. His legacy of service lives on in my heart and I proudly carry it forward. Thank you, Daddy, for your unwavering strength and unconditional love. I love this country because of you, you were proud to serve!

Holli Willis, Augusta