HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Three and a half decades have slipped by since the world watched grainy green night-vision footage of the first strikes over Baghdad. Today, the echoes of that conflict are returning to Tampa, not as sounds of war, but as a chorus of local gratitude.
On Friday, March 6, the Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum will play host to a significant milestone: the 35th anniversary of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Starting at 10 a.m., the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, alongside the Waterman-Twining Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association, will gather at the park’s amphitheater to honor those who served during the pivotal window between August 1990 and February 1991.
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It’s an inaugural event that aims to bridge the gap between history books and the living stories of the men and women walking among us in the Tampa Bay area.
The ceremony promises a blend of solemn military tradition and high-level perspective. The MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard will lead the proceedings, setting a formal tone for a morning dedicated to reflection. Attendees will also hear from retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula.
For history buffs and military enthusiasts, Deptula is a name that carries weight; as a principal attack planner for the coalition’s air campaign during Desert Storm, his insights offer a rare look into the strategies that defined the lightning-fast conflict.
Beyond the speeches and strategy, the heart of the morning lies in recognizing local veterans from every branch—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and Special Operations. The Council is currently looking for nominees for special Gulf War Veteran Awards.
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If you know a local vet who served in the Persian Gulf and continues to support the military community today, now is the time to speak up. Nominations are open until Feb. 23, requiring proof of service and Hillsborough County residency. Interested parties can reach out to 35DSDS26@gmail.com for the details.
This event isn’t just for those in uniform; it’s a community-wide invitation. The ceremony is free to the public, offering a chance for neighbors to share a moment of fellowship and some light refreshments afterward.
It’s a simple way to say thank you to a generation of service members who answered the call when the line was drawn in the sand. For those looking for more information or directions to the 3602 N. U.S. 301 location, the county’s veteran portal at HCFL.gov/Veteran remains the best resource.
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