Stephanie Kifowit Marine Veteran and State Rep. to Offer Keynote Speech at Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony

Chicago –The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) is honored to have Stephanie Kifowit as the keynote speaker for the 22nd Desert Storm Remembrance Ceremony to honor and remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Desert Storm 22 years ago.

“This event is our way of honoring those who served in the Gulf War, and remembering those who paid the highest price.“ said Erica Borggren, Director, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, “We are grateful to have Stephanie Kifowit, herself a veteran of that era, to join us and offer her thoughts on service and remembrance.”

Director Borggren will host the Remembrance Ceremony and offer brief remarks.   The ceremony will take place on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at 11 a.m., at the Illinois State Military Museum, 1301 North MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62702-2399.   

Fourteen military personnel from Illinois died during the conflict:  They are: 

Rep. Kifowit served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an Administration and Logistics Clerk from 1990 to 1994.   She was first assigned to Camp Pendleton’s School of Infantry, where she received a meritorious promotion to Corporal (E4) for being selected that installation Marine of the Quarter in 1992.  While at the School of Infantry, she assisted in the activation of Marine Reserves and their deployment overseas during Desert Storm.  She was then selected for overseas service to Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, and was assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing’s Logistics Office.  Completing her enlistment in 1994, Kifowit returned to the United States and was honorably discharged, having earned the Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Marksman Badge and Meritorious Unit Commendation.  Her legislative bio can be found at: www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=98&MemberID=2054

About Desert Storm:

Desert Storm cost 382 American lives, 147 of those combat deaths.  There were 467 wounded in combat, and the overall cost of the war was $61 billion dollars, with some $53 billion paid for by contributing or Coalition nations. 

The military services of the United States – to include active-duty, National Guard and Reserves -- joined with Coalition Forces to stop aggression and eject Iraqi forces from Kuwait in early 1991after a brutal invasion and occupation by forces under Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.  The Coalition air campaign began early on Jan. 17, 1991 and stripped away Iraqi air defense, command and control and logistical capabilities.  The ground offensive operations – commonly termed the “100-Hour War” – began at 4 a.m., Feb 24, overwhelming Iraqi ground forces, capturing thousands, and ejecting the remainder out of Kuwait.  The Coalition Forces, under the command of Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, unilaterally ceased offensive operations against the Iraqis at 8:01 a.m., Feb. 28, 1991. 

Specific Illinois Benefits for Desert Storm Veterans:

Persian Gulf War Bonus - A $100 Persian Gulf War bonus is for those who served between August 2, 1990 and November 30, 1995, and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal, honorably discharged and were a resident of Illinois 12 months immediately prior to entering the service and discharged honorably. Individuals currently on active duty who served in the Persian Gulf War may apply.

• Media opportunities with Rep. Kifowit, Director Borggren and others after the ceremony
• Overflow parking is available to the rear of the museum.
• Guests are welcome to tour the museum before or after the ceremony. The museum depicts the rich history of the Illinois National Guard. 

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