Page 165 - 100 Hours to Destiny

The victory lap through Kuwait was bittersweet, a double-edged blade. We saw the faces of
the Kuwaiti people jubilant, grateful, and enthusiastic. They were waving the American flag,
grateful for our perseverance… though losing so much. The sweet taste of victory was all
theirs today, no matter how presented… the Kuwaiti people had their Country back and they
were returning in droves. It made Marines feel proud to see them waving the American flag.

To get back to Saudi was one step closer to home. 15 minutes and
Delta was on the move. Rock Pollard was leading, as always from the front.
We made our way through Kuwait City as we left the Airport. The Kuwaitis
came out of buildings to wave, stood beside the streets, and blew kisses. You
could see they were unbelievably grateful for what had been done for them
and their Country.
Leaving the City meant we were headed to Saudi, so the victory lap
was very efficient. We hit one of the main highways and began to make good
time. Unfortunately, some of the battle debris was now cutting into the tires
and creating flats at an alarming rate. As the war-torn rubber met the hard
surface of the highway Delta 10 stayed busy the entire trip out of Kuwait.
Airing up tires. Fixing flats. Changing tires. It was exhausting work for them.
And we had to stop and stay together with each mechanical situation. The
trip back into Saudi was grueling, yet the motivation of the victorious
Marines could not be denied…. nor diminished.