This day ( Wednesday, Feb. 24th ) marks a significant anniversary during Desert Storm. U.S. troops invaded Iraq in the opening of what would be a 100-hour, four-day ground war. Current Society of the 1st Infantry Division Junction City chapter executive director, Phyllis Fitzgerald, was a member of the Big Red One during the conflict.
Fitzgerald was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, HHC, and worked in the G-2 section. "My specialty was in intelligence. I'm an analyst all-source intelligence technician. The day the ground war launched I actually flew across the berm into Iraq with my bosses and several other officers as well, so that's definitely a day that's not forgotten.
Fitzgerald noted that it was pretty intense. "I don't know anybody that got any rest or anything like that. It's pretty intense, scary at times, we're all just grateful that most made it home and we don't forget the ones who did not. They gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us."
Fitzgerald resides in Junction City where she has also served on the city commission, and a stint as mayor.
Major General Thomas Rhame served as the commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division during Desert Storm. Fitzgerald described him as a fantastic leader that is still highly respected.
The extent of possible casualties that might occur were unknown going into the ground war, but Fitzgerald observed that Soldiers train their entire career, and those going into the military know that the potential exists throughout your career that they could be going to a war. "All you can do is train and learn and take those things that you learn. Your leadership helps to prepare us for any type of a conflict."