Never again should we neglect, marginalize our military. Never again should we forget what it takes to build our defense. Vietnam Syndrome was kicked a quarter century ago in the deserts of the Middle East. Let's vow to never let it come back
THE VIETNAM SYNDROME: Desert Storm changed Americans and their military
"By God, we've kicked the Vietnam syndrome once and for all." — President George H.W. Bush after victory in Desert Storm
On Aug. 2, 1990, Operation "Desert Shield" was declared after Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded neighboring Kuwait and stood poised to invade Saudi Arabia. Desert Shield started as the defense of Saudi Arabia and lasted until mid-January 1991 when the air campaign of Desert Storm began.