Updated Tuesday, July 12, 2005
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My Son
Stefan A. Morgan 
Served honorably in the Gulf War.
Desert Storm, as a war, demonstrated a number of firsts. Many weapons were tested for their deadly accuracy and both women and minorities showed they had the right stuff. A black man, General Colin Powell, was Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and both women and minorities again distinguished themselves in battle. However, the harsh reality of life in America is that we can go around the globe fighting for freedoms that we deny our own citizens on an hourly basis.
As a veteran of the Viet Nam War era I know that racism can even be found in the foxhole. You may not find an atheist, but the racist is a racist every time their heart beats. It's not the existence of racism that is so troubling, but the denial that it exists in the first place.
When war comes our young people go. It has been like that for centuries. We are a "warring planet" and there is no denying that. Atrocities seem to have no borders. However, from all accounts, it seems that Desert Storm was a "civilized war" if there is such a thing. It certainly was one that expanded the military use of technology.
The weaponry applied was awesome.
F117 
Stealth Fighter
A10 
Eyes of the Tiger
Abrams 
Tank
U.S.S. Nimitz 
Air Craft Carrier
The Bradley 
Armed Personnel Carrier
Howitzer 
Mobile Artillery
Our
Young 
But what was it all about in the first place? What were the events that placed Saddam Hussien on a collision course with George Bush?
On July 17, 1990, Iraq accused Kuwait of oil overproduction and theft of oil from the Ramailia Oil Field.
On July 25, 1990, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, April Glaspie, tells Saddam Hussien that the dispute is a local matter.
So, on August 2, 1990, Saddam Hussien sent his troops into Kuwait.
On August 6, 1990, several global nations implemented economic sanctions directed at Iraq.
The next day, August 7, 1990, the 82nd Airborne and several fighter squadrons are dispatched to Saudi Arabia.
So, what does Saddam Hussien do? Iraq annexes Kuwait on August 8, 1990.
Now here comes the United Nations on August 9, 1990 declaring Iraq's annexation to be invalid, unlawful, and an infringement upon the sovereignty of Kuwait.
On August 12th the United States announces interdiction program of Iraq shipping.
On August 22nd the President of the United States, George Bush, calls out the reserves.
On August 25th the United Nations sanctions military interdiction.
Iraq forces, on September 12th, stormed a number of diplomatic missions in Kuwait City.
November 8, 1990, George Bush authorizes more troops to be sent to Saudi Arabia.
November 29, 1990, the U.N. Security Council authorizes force if Iraq doesn't withdraw by 1/15/91.
January 12, 1991, the United States Congress authorized use of U.S. troops to began offensive actions.
January 15, 1991, U.N. Resolution 678 deadline for Iraq withdrawal.
January 17, 1991, U.S. Warplanes attack Baghdad, Kuwait, and other military targets in Iraq.
While Iraq launches its first SCUD Missile Attack.
February 22, 1991, President Bush issues an ultimatum for withdrawal of Iraq forces within 24 hours.
February 23, 1991, Allied ground forces move into Iraq and Kuwait.
February 25, 1991, Iraqi SCUD missile hits a U.S. barracks in Saudi Arabia killing twenty-seven.
February 26, 1991, Kuwaiti resistance leaders declare they are in control of Kuwait City.
February 27, 1991, President Bush orders cease fire effective at midnight Kuwaiti time.
March 3, 1991, Iraqi leaders formally accept cease fire terms.
March 4, 1991, ten Allied Prisoners of War are released.
March 5, 1991, thirty-five more Allied Prisoners of War are released.
March 8, 1991, U.S. troops return home.
Is it really over? Or will Saddam Hussien push the envelope again? Only time will tell, but if history has taught us anything it is that tyrants can only deliver destruction. We can only pray that wisdom prevails over weapons.
. 