[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.
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.
