Gulf War

Desert Shield / Desert Storm

When Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, the United States led a coalition of 35 nations in response. Operation Desert Shield built up forces in Saudi Arabia over five months, while Operation Desert Storm—launched January 17, 1991—achieved one of the most decisive military victories in modern history.

The air campaign lasted 42 days; the ground war just 100 hours. American troops executed a massive flanking maneuver—the "left hook"—that collapsed Iraqi defenses and liberated Kuwait. The Gulf War marked the debut of precision-guided munitions, stealth aircraft, and 24-hour news coverage of combat operations.

Understanding Gulf War Era Organizations

Organizations serving Gulf War veterans reflect both the conflict's unique characteristics and its place in the broader transition to the all-volunteer force:

• Family Support Organizations – The Fisher House Foundation was founded during this era (1990) to provide housing for families of service members receiving medical care—a model that has since expanded nationwide.
• Survivor Support – TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) provides grief support and resources to families who lost loved ones in service.
• Special Operations Support – The Navy SEAL Foundation supports Naval Special Warfare families through all stages of service, from active duty through transition and loss.
• Direct Veteran Services – Veterans' Outreach provides direct support services to veterans and their families.

About the Gulf War

The Coalition: The Gulf War assembled the largest military coalition since World War II—35 nations contributing forces, with additional countries providing financial and logistical support. American forces constituted about 75% of coalition troops.

The Air Campaign: Beginning January 17, 1991, coalition aircraft flew over 100,000 sorties. The campaign demonstrated the effectiveness of stealth technology (F-117) and precision-guided munitions, fundamentally changing how America wages war.

The Ground War: The "100-hour war" began February 24, 1991. VII Corps executed the famous "left hook," sweeping through the desert to cut off Iraqi forces. The 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions breached Iraqi defenses and pushed into Kuwait City.

Gulf War Illness: Many Gulf War veterans experience a cluster of chronic symptoms known as Gulf War Illness, potentially linked to chemical exposures, vaccinations, or environmental factors. The VA recognizes this condition, and research continues into causes and treatments.

A Bridge Between Eras: Gulf War veterans represent a transitional generation—serving after Vietnam but before the extended deployments of the post-9/11 era. Many later served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Ways to Honor Their Service

1. Support Military Families – The Fisher House Foundation provides free lodging for families of service members receiving treatment at military and VA medical centers.
2. Help Survivors – TAPS offers grief counseling, peer support, and long-term care to families who have lost service members.
3. Record Oral Histories – The Library of Congress Veterans History Project collects stories from all eras, including Gulf War veterans.
4. Visit Memorials – Our Locations directory includes Gulf War memorials and museums nationwide.
5. Support Research – Advocacy organizations continue to push for research into Gulf War Illness and expanded VA benefits for affected veterans.

Gulf War Illness: If you're a Gulf War veteran experiencing unexplained chronic symptoms—fatigue, pain, cognitive issues, gastrointestinal problems—you may qualify for VA disability benefits. The VA presumes certain conditions are connected to Gulf War service. Contact the VA or a veterans service organization for assistance with claims.

Family Support: The Fisher House Foundation has served over 400,000 families since its founding during the Gulf War era, saving them an estimated $500 million in lodging costs. If your family member is receiving treatment at a military or VA medical center, Fisher House may be able to help.

Organizations Supporting Gulf War Veterans