History and legacy of the Big Red One were present for the 1st Infantry Division Review Friday at Fort Riley. Current Soldiers of the division plus Desert Storm veterans were in attendance on the Cavalry Parade Field.
Lt. Gen. ( Ret. ) Thomas Rhame, who served as the commanding general of the division during Desert Storm, said their objective upon leaving Fort Riley for the Middle East was to be combat ready by the end of January 1991. "Come as you are. Be ready, you better be trained and ready. Everyone in this division, everyone on this post, everyone in this community knew the vital importance of what we were doing."
The Big Red One served on point as the breach was made into Iraq against the Iraqi forces. Rhame noted that the Iraqi was not only defeated. "But man they were running with their tail between their legs back as far as they could get back into Iraq."
The 1st Infantry Division mission was a success and Kuwait was liberated from Iraqi control.
Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims noted that those at the review were in the midst of greatness. "In the presence of members of the Big Red One who answered the call of their nation and demonstrated what victory truly means."
The review wrapped up Victory Week at Fort Riley and including the observance of the 30-year anniversary of Desert Storm / Desert Shield.