Gulf War Ceremony - Brief Article

Victims of scud attack remembered

ATLANTA--Ceremonies were held Feb. 25 to honor soldiers from the Army Reserve's 14th Quartermaster Detachment based in Greensburg, Penn, who were killed or injured 10 years ago in an Iraqi Scud missile attack during Operation Desert Storm. More than 500 family members, soldiers, veterans and local citizens filled the gymnasium at Greensburg Central Catholic High School to pay their respect.

Paula Boliver Wukovich, widow of Spec John Boliver, Jr. who was killed in the attack, delivered some of the most poignant remarks at the ceremony. She described her emotions when she first learned of the attack and the feeling of dread she experienced when she heard the 14th Quartermaster was housed in the makeshift warehouse barracks that had been struck.

My life was shattered and I didn't see how the pieces would ever fit together again," said Wukovich. She stressed the importance of the family members of those killed and the other survivors from the attack getting together for these memorial services.

"It's essential to healing. No one else can understand what you're going through. I couldn't have made it through those first few years without them. We all have scars and wounds that hopefully make us more compassionate and stronger. The sacrifices of these soldiers are even more meaningful because we are all now better human beings from having gone through this."

She went on to say that it has taken ten years but now she can say "I'm looking forward to tomorrow again, I'm fully happy. Speaking today has brought me full circle. It's the best tribute I can give to my husband."

Also speaking at the ceremony were U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha of Johnstown, Penn.; Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Plewes, Chief of the Army Reserve; Maj. Gen Rodney D. Ruddock, commanding general of the 99th Regional Support Command; Sgt. Maj. of the Army Jack L. Tilley; and Keith Schmidt, state director for U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.

The Iraqi Scud missile attack on Feb. 25, 1991 was the single most devastating attack on U.S. forces during the war. Twenty-eight soldiers were killed and 99 were wounded. Of those casualties, 13 members of the 14th were killed and 43 were wounded. Eighty-one percent of the unit's 69 members were killed or wounded and the 14th suffered the greatest number of casualties of any coalition unit during the war.

"When these soldiers left Greensburg, many of you were here exchanging final embraces and whispering, as I did, prayers that they might fulfill their duty and return safely," said Ruddock, who was the chief of staff of the 99th during the Gulf War. "Know now, here today, that: their lives were lost in the truest spirit of the American soldier, and that the people of Kuwait remain free of ruthless tyranny today for their effort."

First Sergeant Terry Davis, a member of the 14th who was wounded in the attack also spoke at the ceremony. "Time has made it easier," he said, "but we still miss them each day."

The headquarters for the 14th Quartermaster is located adjacent to the high school where the first ceremony was held. A solemn memorial to the soldiers of the 14th killed or wounded was constructed outside the headquarters and was dedicated on the one-year anniversary of the Scud missile attack. Following the ceremony at the high school, the attendees moved outside to the memorial for a wreath laying ceremony.

Matthew and Melissa Wukovich, the children of Spec. Boliver, and Joshua Davis, son of 1st Sgt. Davis, assisted, with placement of the wreaths at the memorial.

Wreaths were placed on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania, the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and on behalf of the 99th Regional Support Command.

Following the placement of the wreaths, the names of' each of the soldiers killed in action were read aloud followed by a 21-gun salute and taps.

Mr. Johnson is with the U.S. Army. Reserve Command Public Affairs Office

COPYRIGHT 2001 U.S. Army Reserve
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group