Ten years before the World Trade Center was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, and the United States began wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Operation Desert Storm took place to protect America’s and its allies' interests after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in 1990.
To remember the 30th anniversary of that time for local military personnel and veterans who served, a special reunion with multiple activities is being planned for Chattanooga in late August.
According to retired U.S.
Army Lt. Col. Scott Hardin, a veteran of that conflict, remembering that time in American history and those who were willing to serve is important.
“The nation came together to support the all-volunteer force, and it was one of the most patriotic times in our nation's history,” he said. “These patriots need to be remembered and thanked for their service and the sacrifice their families and loved ones endured while deployed in defense of our great country.
“Nobody wanted to go to war, but it was our duty and we prevailed over tyranny. It was our time in defense of the United States."
To remember that time and provide an opportunity for veterans to gather and reconnect, several activities are being planned. The main event will be a dinner on the evening of Aug. 28 at the Chattanooga Convention Center featuring a speech by Gen. B.B. Bell, who was commanding Gen. Arnold Schwarzkopf’s executive officer during the war and as CENTCOMM commander.
The event will include a dinner at 7 p.m., preceded by a social time at 6:15 p.m.
Units to be honored include: the 196th Field Artillery Brigade, Tennessee Army National Guard; 181st Field Artillery Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard; the 212th Engineer Company, Tennessee Army National Guard; the 3397th US Army Garrison, U.S. Army Reserve; the 377th Combat Support Hospital U.S. Army Reserve; the 212th Transportation Company, U.S. Army Reserve; B Company, 844th Engineer Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve; and Mike Battery, U.S. Marine Corp Reserve.
Each unit will have a point of contact person who will serve on the planning committee.
Other events include the placement of a monument at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Aug. 27 for all the units deployed.
Also, a Veterans’ Appreciation Race will be held at Russell Racing at Boyd’s Speedway in East Ridge on Aug. 27 at a time to be determined. The race sponsor has rooms available at Hampton Inn and Marriott Extended Stay in Ringgold on Highway 2A. The price is $79 plus applicable taxes.
A tour of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in downtown Chattanooga will be offered on Aug. 28 at a time to be determined, and a Garrison Reunion Luncheon will be held on Aug. 29 at the Medal of Honor Heritage Center, also at a time to be determined.
A Facebook page titled Chattanooga Desert Shield-Desert Storm 30-year Reunion has been set up for details. Those desiring more information can also contact Lt. Col. Hardin at hshardin@epbfi.com.