Hillsborough County, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2026) - The Veterans Council of Hillsborough County and the Waterman-Twining Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association are joining to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm at 10 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum, 3602 N. U.S. 301, Tampa, FL 33619.
In recognition of those who served in the Persian Gulf conflict from August 1990 to February 1991, the inaugural event will feature:
- MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard, 6th Force Support Squadron
- Keynote speaker Lt. Gen. David Deptula, United States Air Force (Retired), aerospace expert and principal attack planner for the Operation Desert Storm coalition air campaign
- Awards to local Gulf War Veterans of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, and Special Operations
- Free refreshments and fellowship following the ceremony
Nominations are underway for the special Gulf War Veteran Awards to be presented during the 35th anniversary Gulf War Commemoration event. Submission deadline is Feb. 23, and requirements include:
- Current residency in Hillsborough County
- Documentation of military service during Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield
- Description of any current efforts supporting military Veterans/families
- Submissions and information available by emailing the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County at 35DSDS26@gmail.com
The 35th anniversary of Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm event is free and open to the public in the amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Park.
For more information on Hillsborough County's Veterans Memorial Park & Museum, visit HCFL.gov/Veteran or call (813) 635-8316.