Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom were honored with a “Welcome Home” dinner by the VFW Post 3278 along with the Ladies and Men’s Auxiliaries on Wednesday, August 8th at 6pm.
The OIF Veterans were invited to bring their families and enjoy a complimentary dinner in their honor to mark the anniversary of the official end of the war on August 31, 2010.
VFW Members give a brief history of the war in Iraq:
On the morning of January 16, 1991, Allied forces began the first phase of Desert Storm, also known as Desert Shield. American forces first destroyed Iraqi border radar stations, then other key elements of the Iraqi anti-aircraft network; lastly, they began to bomb key targets in downtown Iraq, including the presidential palace, communication centers, and power stations. The Allied forces lost only two aircraft during the attacks. The assault continued day and night.
On March 19th 2003, President George W. Bush addressed the nation via live television and announces that Operation Iraqi Freedom had begun. Bush authorized the mission to rid Iraq of tyrannical dictator Saddam Hussein and eliminate Hussein’s ability to develop weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Operation Iraqi Freedom illustrated the Bush administration’s pledge to use unilateral, pre-emptive strikes if necessary against nations believed dangerous to American national security.
2,666 days later, on August 18, 2010, President Barack Obama ended the U.S. combat operations in Iraq as the last of the combat troops and equipment completed their withdrawal from the country. August 31st is recognized as the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom, there were 4486 troops killed in action (KIA), 32223 wounded, and only 1 listed as missing in action (MIA).
“Welcome home job well done,” stated VFW officials to the OIF veterans at the dinner. Approximately 60-70 were in attendance at the event.
Pictured above two of the OIF Veterans stand as they are recognized.
Below, VFW Commander Keith King and Senior Vice Commander James Masters conduct the program.
