REGION – A radio caller’s request for help arranging a Washington visit turned into an emotional remembrance of a brother lost during Operation Desert Shield during Sen. Kevin Cramer’s appearance Friday on What’s On Your Mind.
The caller, identified as Eric, told Cramer he plans to travel to Washington, D.C., for the Oct. 24 dedication of the new Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial.
Eric said his brother was among the early U.S. casualties of Operation Desert Shield, dying in what he described as a crash at Ramstein, Germany.
“My brother was one of the first — well, was one of the first killed in Desert Shield,” Eric told Cramer.
Eric had contacted Cramer’s Senate office seeking assistance with his Washington trip and thanked the senator’s staff for responding to him. He also asked about arranging a White House tour while he is in the capital.
Cramer said he would have his staff see what could be done to assist.
Although Cramer said he would not be in Washington for the Oct. 24 ceremony, the senator thanked Eric and his family for their sacrifice.
The dedication Eric plans to attend is scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 24 at the new Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial near Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street NW on the National Mall. The National Desert Storm Memorial Association says the ceremony will be open to the public.
The memorial commemorates Americans who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the 1990-91 Gulf War. Nearly 700,000 Americans served during the conflict.
Cramer asked that Eric remain on the line after the call so his staff could obtain his information and follow up about his Washington visit.
