McDowell Leads Resolution Honoring Gulf War-Era Veterans and Fifth Anniversary of Afghanistan Evacuation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) introduced a resolution honoring the millions of American veterans who served during the Gulf War era and commemorating five years since the evacuation of Afghanistan.
Approximately 8.4 million veterans served during the Gulf War era, representing roughly 43 percent of all living American veterans and making them the largest single group of living veterans.
“Gulf War-era veterans answered the call to defend our country, confront terrorism, and protect freedom around the world,” said Congressman McDowell. “For more than three decades, they have stood in defense of our nation through war, terrorism, and uncertainty. We are a safer and stronger nation because of their courage and sacrifice. Five years after the evacuation of Afghanistan, we honor their service and reaffirm a simple promise: America will never forget those who stood in her defense.”
For more than three decades, members of the United States Armed Forces have served across the Middle East to defend our Nation and its allies. The Gulf War era began with Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991, when American service members liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. They later served in Operation Enduring Freedom to dismantle al-Qaeda, Operation Iraqi Freedom to overthrow the Ba’athist government of Saddam Hussein, and Operation Inherent Resolve in response to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
“The National Guard remains an essential component of America's Total Force. Thousands of Guardsmen continue to support missions at home and abroad, carrying forward the legacy established by those who served throughout the Gulf War era. This resolution sends an important message that Congress remembers their service, honors their sacrifices, and remains committed to supporting veterans and military families,” said Jon “Ice” Eisberg, Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Guard Association of the United States.
“NGAUS thanks Representative McDowell for his leadership on this resolution and urges all Members of the House of Representatives to support H. Res. 1496 to join in recognizing the dedication and courage of Gulf War era veterans. Passage of this resolution will ensure that the service of this generation is properly remembered and that their contributions to our nation's security are never forgotten.”
Tomorrow, August 28, 2026, also marks five years since the evacuation of Afghanistan. Among those remembered are the 13 American service members killed in the terrorist attack at Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021, and all those who sacrificed throughout the Gulf War era. American service in the region continues today, as tens of thousands of members of the Armed Forces remain in the Middle East protecting the United States and its allies from the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Original Cosponsors: Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04) , Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Rep. Matt Van Epps (TN-07) and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).
Read the full bill text here.