#VeteranoftheDay graphic for OIF Veterans

 

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is everyone who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This operation lasted from 2003 to 2011.

On March 20, 2003, President George W. Bush officially launched Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The operation was a U.S.-led coalition aimed to rid Iraq of dictator Saddam Hussein and eliminate his ability to use weapons of mass destruction. More broadly referred to as the Iraq War, OIF was fought under two U.S. presidents, spanned nine years and involved over two dozen countries. While on this day, we remember this international conflict, we should also take time to shift our focus away from mere historical facts and instead focus upon the many servicemen and women who served in the United States military during this time.

To the approximately 4,500 reported causalities and the 32,000 service members wounded in action, we thank you for your service. To the men and women deployed overseas from the Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, National Guard and Reserves, Army and Marine Corps, we thank you for your service. To the living Veterans and to those who have lost their lives since returning home, we thank and honor you for your service. To the health care professionals, engineers, support personnel and volunteers who also helped and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, we thank you for your service. And, to the families and loved ones of those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, we thank you for your support.

To everyone who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom, we appreciate your service and dedication today.

 

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Contributors

Editor: Arletha Ndoume

 

Topics in this story

Air ForceArmycoast guardIraq WarMarineNavyoperation Iraqi freedomVeteranVeterans

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4 Comments

  1. see Here April 9, 2019 at 05:08

    Thanks, it’s very informative

  2. Conrad Cool March 21, 2019 at 10:29

    First, there were no weapons of mass destruction. Second, for the first time America invaded a country that had not first attacked us. Third, Bush had his own personal agenda against Saddam Hussein. I prayed against this needless invasion which led to thousands of American lives, tens of thousands American injuries (pain), and trillions of dollars spent on an ungrateful people and leading us to spiraling debt.

  3. Peter Eresman March 20, 2019 at 20:27

    The military service order of precedence on the slide is incorrect.
    Should be:
    Army
    Marine Corps
    Navy
    Air Force
    Coast Guard

    Many folks list a Navy before Marine Corps. VA should know better.

  4. Robert Bostic March 20, 2019 at 14:34

    Thanks for your service to o everyone who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom!

Comments are closed.

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