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Desert Storm began 24 years ago on the evening of January 16 (US)/ the early morning January 17 (Middle East), where were you at?
January 16, 1991 began as a normal day, the operation in the Middle East was still called "Desert Shield", but turned out to be very hectic at the end of the day.
I was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division up at Ft. Drum, NY. Any military history buff knows that, save for one support battalion, no other units left for Saudi Arabia. There were, however, "onesies and twosies" picked from different units to fill the gaps of the of the units already over there.
As an Avionics Radar Repairer (35R), I didn't even think that I would go over there, until my squad leader called me during lunchtime. I was at the CQ desk, when he called asking for three 35R volunteers to deploy with a Reserve unit to the Middle East. Without hesitation, I told my squad leader that I would be the first volunteer. The other two "Romeos" volunteered later on.
After lunch, it was a mad dash to get the three of us through the whole deployment readiness process. This was completed later in the afternoon.
I was calling up different family members, letting them know that I'll be leaving for Ft. Rucker and, a few weeks later, to Saudi Arabia. I remember that I had the TV on in my barracks room, watching ABC News with Peter Jennings, and being on the phone with my oldest brother. I was probably about five minutes into our conversation when breaking news came on from Baghdad- Operation Desert Storm had begun.
I was a bit shocked, but after I got over the initial shock, I knew that I had a job to do- serving my country.
So where were you when Desert Storm began? I'd like to hear your stories.
January 16, 1991 began as a normal day, the operation in the Middle East was still called "Desert Shield", but turned out to be very hectic at the end of the day.
I was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division up at Ft. Drum, NY. Any military history buff knows that, save for one support battalion, no other units left for Saudi Arabia. There were, however, "onesies and twosies" picked from different units to fill the gaps of the of the units already over there.
As an Avionics Radar Repairer (35R), I didn't even think that I would go over there, until my squad leader called me during lunchtime. I was at the CQ desk, when he called asking for three 35R volunteers to deploy with a Reserve unit to the Middle East. Without hesitation, I told my squad leader that I would be the first volunteer. The other two "Romeos" volunteered later on.
After lunch, it was a mad dash to get the three of us through the whole deployment readiness process. This was completed later in the afternoon.
I was calling up different family members, letting them know that I'll be leaving for Ft. Rucker and, a few weeks later, to Saudi Arabia. I remember that I had the TV on in my barracks room, watching ABC News with Peter Jennings, and being on the phone with my oldest brother. I was probably about five minutes into our conversation when breaking news came on from Baghdad- Operation Desert Storm had begun.
I was a bit shocked, but after I got over the initial shock, I knew that I had a job to do- serving my country.
So where were you when Desert Storm began? I'd like to hear your stories.
Posted in these groups: 
Operation Desert Shield/Storm
Operation Desert Shield/Storm
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 371
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SGT (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see), I like to hear everyone's stories, even if you were in first grade when Desert Storm began. That's what makes this thread interesting.
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LTC (Join to see)
I remember watching something on tv with combined group with second grade, the pledge was more stressed, and we had an assembly with a veteran after the war.
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The first memory I have that can be confirmed is the MLRS systems firing when the war kicked off.
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I was on my first tour in the Army as a PFC with 1st Squadron, 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, in Bindlach, Germany. I was promoted to Specialist seven days prior to our deployment to Saudi Arabia. I got to call home, the first time, the day the air campaign started. Then we rolled through at the lead of the VII Corps column.
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I was doing 12B training. At that time the Army Reserve (96 ARCOM) was going through some changes and many were getting re-classed as 12B. It was evening after training and we were in the NCO club having a drink when the first shots were reported over the TV in the corner. I also got another shock of my life. Ran into my ex-wife at the club. Come to find out she was with the aviation unit there. Surprised the heck out of me, probably more than the war starting.
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I was the Yeoman of the Crackerjack Marching Unit at Naval Air Technical Training Center, Millington, TN.
While the unit was out practicing a parade move that I designed, I was doing unit paperwork, while having CNN on the TV as background noise. I heard the first reports, and ran to my car. I skidded to a stop in frint of the parade formation, and the Block Commander started to lose his mind until I yelled, "Tomahawks from Navy ships are in the air. The war is underway!"
The BC turned, and took the unit back to the barracks at just under doubletime speed.
While the unit was out practicing a parade move that I designed, I was doing unit paperwork, while having CNN on the TV as background noise. I heard the first reports, and ran to my car. I skidded to a stop in frint of the parade formation, and the Block Commander started to lose his mind until I yelled, "Tomahawks from Navy ships are in the air. The war is underway!"
The BC turned, and took the unit back to the barracks at just under doubletime speed.
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At the time I was 10 yrs old watching it on the news. Try to understand why it was happening but my real focus was on my Super Nintendo
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I was in my bed room watching the coverage, I was unlisted by June 15 1991, had a 4 yr break in service at 2001 and returned in 05 and deployed. Vet OEF, OIF.
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8 years old...... collecting trading cards of General Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell, the Patriot missile system and the A-10. I still remember watching the tactical brilliance of "Shock and Awe" on the television and being so of our fighting forces. Never imagined that I'd be wearing the uniform someday.....NOT as a reenactor!! You guys were some of my heroes growing up. Colin Powell still is a great inspiration to me and one of my favorite books to recommend to future leaders.
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CPT (Join to see)
Being so proud. Apparently my phone hates me. .... the feeling is mutual.
Just looked on EBay at the old trading cards. ...... so nostalgic. Lol.
Just looked on EBay at the old trading cards. ...... so nostalgic. Lol.
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CPT (Join to see)
CSM Donald Waterhouse - I looked after I made the post....you can buy the whole set for around $15 or so (sometimes cheaper). Not worth much except for sentimental value. However, I still think it was an amazing idea.
v/r,
CPT Butler
v/r,
CPT Butler
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