Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial offers an oasis to veterans and their families

The new Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial is a permanent tribute to the nearly 700,000 U.S. service members who served in 1990 and 1991. Robert Mauk, a former Army corporal, traveled from Pennsylvania to Washington to visit the new Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial and pay tribute to a fallen friend and comrade. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Stough) WASHINGTON — While Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm are considered by military historians to be among the quickest and most decisive U.S. victories in modern warfare, the effects of the war itself have lingered for decades with many former service members, their families and advocates. The new Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, which opened last weekend on the National Mall, is a permanent tribute and reminder of the nearly 700,000 U.S.

service members who served in the Persian Gulf War in 1990 and 1991, including 300 service members who lost their lives. Veteran Robert Mauk, outfitted in his Army dress uniform, was among the first visitors to the memorial when it opened on Oct. 24, at the corner of Constitution Avenue. Mauk, who lives in Dover, Pa., carried with him a framed portrait of Army Pvt. 1st Class Roger Valentine, a battle buddy from Texas who died on March 2, 1991, while on deployment in the Persian Gulf.