I opened my mailbox the other day and saw an envelope marked, "Gulf War Review - Information for Veterans who served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm."
My mind flashed back. I was a 30 year old First Sergeant from Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas being sent to support another wing that was deployed. Rather than a huge troop transport loaded with people, there were two of us (plus the aircrew) flying in a KC-135. The KC-135 is a tanker used to refuel other aircraft, but we were hauling cargo into the classified location. After flying for 26 hours and half-way around the world, I remember walking off the aircraft onto the tarmac--what a strange mixture of apprehension and excitement.
Our wing was one of the few to lose an aircraft and three of her six crewmembers. I remember attending a non-denominational gathering to remember those we lost and to give thanks for the three who were saved. I can still see it in my mind's eye. It was a bright, sunny morning. The air was calm, it was quiet, and there wasn't a breeze. It was eerie, almost like nature knew we were mourning the loss of friends and fellow airmen. As the third name of the deceased was read, the breeze picked up and three little birds flew into the large tent where we were gathered. The crowd noticed and a low murmur broke out. It was like our friends had new wings and had come to let us know they were okay. We left that gathering with a renewed spirit.
It's hard to believe it's been 20 years this August. I opened the envelope and found a poster honoring Gulf War Veterans along with an 11-page newsletter primarily dealing with the 12 major health issues faced by Gulf War veterans and what the Veterans Administration was trying to do about them. I consider myself among the lucky-alive and healthy.
Tom Branch and Gina Branch, The Branch Team with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs, service the greater North Dallas suburbs including Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, and Carrollton. While Gina concentrates on traditional listings and buyer/tenant representation, Tom specializes in assisting distressed homeowners to avoid foreclosure. Tom and Gina have published two books (Achieving Rock Star Status and The Field Guide to Short Sales) and are available for speaking engagements in the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex. Subscribe to The Branch Team Blog.
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Wow... seems like yesterday that I got the call to be re-activated (Inactive Reserves) for Desert Shield and had to report the week before my finals at UGA.
Actually... now that I think about it, I got out in August of 1990. Called back in for Desert Shield in December of 1990. Geez... 20 years flies by.
Nice post.
Tom: Thanks for your service to the country. Glad you made it back. Best,
Tom: first, you're a good writer. Few are, so my compliments are sincere and in my opinion, well deserved.
Second, your memory brought back one of my one, a memory from a different life. In January of 1991, I was in Europe during the first days of Desert Storm. I worked for a firm that quickly recalled the Americans back to the US. I remember a night sleeping at Charles de Gaulle while we waited for seats on flights. So at some point, while you and your crew members were in a dangerous place, me and mine were returning to safety in the US. Thank you for your service, and God bless the people who gave their lives.
Tom: it's good to be reminded of the brave service members who fought and stood up for our great country of America. Thank you for your service, and glad to see you are well and thriving! Life is beautiful.
WELL Tom, Thank you for serving the country. Although I wasn't here at that time but your contribution and those along side you have made this place a better place for me, 20 years later.