Page 154 - 100 Hours to Destiny

Listen: 2/28 –
Mission Complete

As directed, so began the slow methodical roll of Delta Company
finalizing the mission. Each element of the Company fell into place as
directed. Roaring LAV-25 diesel engines filled the air.
Now what I had been watching for hours, the mostly white in color
buildings of Kuwait, were going to be our prize to share with the people of
Kuwait. Yes, I would get to ride down the streets of Kuwait City along with
my fellow Marines of Delta Company, not in a vicious firefight, but better yet
into a more or less parade of victory to the throngs of the returning Kuwaitis.
The Kuwaiti people were leaping from their cars, waving American flags,
blocking the streets temporarily, hugging Marines, and chanting, “USA, USA,
USA”. The Kuwaiti people were a beautiful lot – their eyes were afire with
gratefulness. It seemed as though they all had the most pristine teeth, and
grinned and smiled openly for us as we traversed down the main avenue to
the airport. The Marines of Delta Company were living it up. It was like
somewhere in a time warp; Was this really real or just some crazy dream?
Here they were, the returning Kuwaitis to reestablish their lives. We had
freed a nation…and the celebration immense.
American Hero was the first vehicle in Delta’s procession to make
contact with the hardball surface. Rock’s Hogg made a hard-left turn and
began a slow roll, avoiding Kuwaiti constituents and civilian cars running up
and down the street. The Capt turned and looked to see the rest of Delta
coming up behind him; and here we came, entering the streets. Many
Marines/scouts were holding the American flag as we drove along. Now
every vehicle was off the desert sand and we winded our way along. Truly
this was perhaps one of the most magical times of the entire conflict for
Delta. No doubt each and every man in this grand parade was thanking God
Almighty for deliverance to this phase of completion and finality. Little did
we know, back home citizens of the United States of America were dancing
in the streets as well. The entire world was observing and realized that
indeed it took American forces simply 100 hours to find destiny, as this was
one for the record books. Never before had an entire army of a nation been
routed so quickly. United States and Coalition Forces had suffered casualties
yet compared to the staggering losses of Iraqi forces, men and material,
there was nothing to compare.