KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait – There are two bridges that cross over Six Ring Road at Highway 70 in Kuwait that define the courage and determination of the Kuwaiti military. During the invasion by Iraqi forces in 1990, the Kuwaiti military was vastly outnumbered, but still defended their city in the Battle of the Bridges.
Medical officers from Camp Arifjan and Camp Buehring toured the Battle of the Bridges site and other Kuwait historical Gulf War sites on an officer professional development trip in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 3.
The trip was led by Maj. David Nyback, medical regulating officer, 452nd CSH and Gulf War veteran, and Maj. Ryan S. Casper, patient administration officer, 452nd CSH.
“I am proud of my service as a Gulf War veteran and honored to share that experience with my colleagues,” said Nyback. “I feel it is beneficial to our Soldiers to learn about Kuwaiti military history to give a better perspective on our current mission.”
From the Battle of the Bridges, the grouped headed to the Red Fort, a Kuwaiti cultural site dating back to the late 19th century. They toured the grounds and viewed various artifacts from Kuwaiti history.
All aboard – next stop is: the Kuwait House of National Works.
The museum highlighted more Kuwaiti history and documented the Gulf War. The group had the unique opportunity to see old uniforms, awards, photographs, weapons, artifacts and the infamous head of the statue of Saddam Hussein.
The group concluded their tour at the Kuwait Towers on the shores of the Arabian Gulf.
The towers suffered significant damage during the Gulf War and have since undergone major reconstruction.
“I am amazed at how destroyed the infrastructure of this country was after the Iraqi invasion and how they overcame and rebuilt into the beautiful city it is today,” said Nyback.
Capt. Karen Anderson, the emergency medical technician officer in charge, said it was great to learn about the historical places of Kuwait and to experience it with colleagues.
“I think it enhances the morale of the unit,” said Anderson. “To actually be together and go through something like this is very important.”