As a third geneation veteran I served proudly in the United States Army (HHC 11th Aviation Brigade) in Saudi Arabia and Iraq during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I followed in the honored foot steps of My cousin SGT Richie O'Hare B 1/17 Cav 82nd Airborne Division Viet Nam 1968-1969, My father PFC John J. McGowan F CO 502PIR 101st Airborne Division - D day, WWII and, My grandfather S1C William J McGowan US Navy WWI. My fellow soldiers and I served with honor and valor in the Persain Gulf. We served well because we learned well from the generations of Veterans who fought before us before us. I am mindful of the Viet Nam war movie "We Were Soldiers Once" The title is a misnomer because we are soldiers always! No amount of time, political manuverings or bad press can ever wash away the blood shed and sacrifices made. To my Cousin Richie and to all Viet Nam Veterans thank You for standing tall and teaching younger Veterans like myself the true meaning of Duty, Honor and Country. Let us pray for our brother and sister veterans who are currently shedding their blood in Iraq.Let their sacrifices for us not be in vain. Lest we forget!!! Soldier On!!!