US Military participates in Kuwait’s 50/20 Parade

Photo By Sgt. Eric Guzman | A crowd of Kuwaiti spectators erupt in cheers bearing a message of peace during the 50/20 Celebration parade in Kuwait Feb. 26. The 50/20 Celebration honors 50 years of Kuwaiti independence and the 20 years since Operations Desert Storm.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

02.26.2011

Story by Lt. Col. Amanda Azubuike 

U.S. Army Central   

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – U.S. Central Command and 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) provided 300 troops in support of Kuwait’s 50/20 Parade, Feb. 26, celebrating 50 years of independence and 20 years since its liberation.

In addition to the soldiers and Marines marching in the parade, over 50 ground and air assets participated in the parade. Ground tactical vehicles included Abrams, Bradleys, Paladins and Humvees; while air assets included UH-60 Blackhawks, the C-130 Hercules, the E-6 Joint Stars, the KC-135 Stratotanker and various fighter planes.

Lt. Col. John Rogers, Third Army chief of operations was the officer in charge of the assault command post for Eighteenth Airborne Corps during Operation Desert Storm, one of the units represented in today’s parade.

“For me it was the observation of the courage and the resiliency of the Kuwaiti people,” said Rogers. “They were put into an untenable position and held on long enough to keep their country together and give us an opportunity to step in and help.”

“We have an ongoing relationship with Kuwait, supporting the mutual interests of our two countries and helping develop both our capabilities to make the Middle East and the world a better place,” Rogers added.

Participation in the parade was an opportunity for the U.S. military to help commemorate two significant milestones in Kuwait’s history while highlighting its commitment to Kuwait and its partners in the region.

• Date Taken: 02.26.2011
• Date Posted: 02.26.2011 15:30
• Story ID: 66145
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW