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IDVA hosting Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony in Springfield

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[February 22, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs will 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 be on Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. at the Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield. The event is open to the public.

Fourteen military personnel from Illinois died during the conflict. They are listed in the table below.

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, with some $53 billion paid for by contributing or coalition nations.

The military services of the United States — including active-duty, National Guard and Reserves — joined with coalition forces to stop aggression and eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait in early 1991 after 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 from 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.

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Specific Illinois benefits for Desert Storm veterans

A $100 Persian Gulf War bonus is available for those who served between Aug. 2, 1990, and Nov. 30, 1995, received the Southwest Asia Service Medal, were honorably discharged and a resident of Illinois 12 months immediately prior to entering the service. Individuals currently on active duty who served in the Persian Gulf War may apply.

Guests are welcome to tour the Illinois State Military Museum before or after the remembrance ceremony. The museum depicts the rich history of the Illinois National Guard. Overflow parking is available to the rear of the museum.

[Text from Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]


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

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