56
56
0
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
1
1
0
1
1
0
I was stationed at the US Defense Attache Office In New Delhi, India when Desert Storm began. Volunteered to deploy but could not due to minimal manning at the USDAO. First time ever that we had a news feed other than AFRTS with CNN providing the latest information on the war. First major advance in media technology, having the ability to see what was going on half way around the world at home was fantastic. Did increase our security posture in India a bit.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Had graduated from Basic Training 4+ months earlier and was in the Army Reserves, was sitting at home wishing I was there.... Of course I have had my fill since, but had some classmates that were there.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I was mobilized with the 3220th GSU to Ft Stewart one month prior to the start of the conflict. I worked with G4 in order to ensure that all the units had all of the equipment to deploy. That was the last time I ever had to handle computer punch cards. Once the everything requisitioned we moved the personnel and equipment to Hunter Army Airfield. My unit stayed at Ft. Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield about seven
months.
months.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Preparing to ship my family to Metairie, LA, for me to head to Howard AFB, Republic of Panama.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
I was the ripe young age of 6! 1st grade in a small town in Pennsylvania! Big respect to those who served at this time.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I was in a NG Transportation Co attached to the 6th Trans BN. Spent time in Echo, Nelligan and TA Henry. Hauled the Ammo for the 3rd AD during the ground war.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google