A Night to Remember As Ross Perot is Honored by Gulf War Veterans

We are asking veterans that attended to offer comments of what quotes they remember from the dinner in Dallas for the NGWRC. Below is the introductory comments from the MC for the dinner.

Friday, August 6, 2010

National Gulf War Resource Center
20th Anniversary Gulf War Reunion and Health Fair

Banquet Speech – Master of Ceremonies

David K. Winnett, Jr., Captain, USMC (Ret.)
Chairman, Funding Development, NGWRC

Good evening, and welcome to the National Gulf War Resource Center’s 20-Year commemoration of Iraq’s August 1990 invasion of Kuwait; an event that led to the 1991 Persian Gulf War, which as we all know resulted in the liberation of Kuwait and its people.

My name is Dave Winnett. I am a retired Captain of Marines and a proud member of the National Gulf War Resource Center.

We don’t celebrate a war tonight; we celebrate America’s decisive victory in one of the most successful military campaigns in our country’s history.

More importantly, we celebrate the heroes who achieved that victory. We honor their sacrifice and recognize the extraordinary price that many of these heroes paid in accomplishing that feat. This event will honor our comrades in arms who gave their lives in the Persian Gulf War, as well as those who came home safely but have since paid a huge price as a result of their service.

Some of you may recognize these words;

We’re lost in a cloud
With too much rain
We’re trapped in a world
That’s troubled with pain
But as long as a man has the strength to dream
He can redeem his soul and fly

Deep in my heart there’s a trembling question
Still, I am sure that the answer’s gonna come somehow
Out there in the dark
There’s a beckoning candle
So while I can think, while I can talk
While I can stand, while I can walk
While I can dream, please let my dream
Come true, right now.

These are words from a famous Elvis song entitled, “If I Can Dream”. I believe that the lyrics to this song are very relevant to a battle that many of us now face. The fight for answers to the daily pain and suffering that many of us face, and the many more thousands who could not be with us here tonight.

We don’t seek answers alone; we seek solutions. Speaking personally, the illnesses that I now live with are by far the toughest ordeal I have ever faced in my life. But I do not intend to give up willingly. Not only that, I don’t intend to stand idly by while my brothers and sisters-in-arms are suffering, many in much worse condition than me.

So, while we can think; while we can talk; while we can stand; and while we can walk; we are together in this fight for solutions, and we will not rest until we have won this battle.

As members of the Armed Forces of the United States, we’re all taught that in war, we’re to leave no one behind. Not the dead, not the injured, and not those taken prisoner by our enemies. Everyone must come home. No matter the cost.

For those of us who have returned safely to the United States after surviving war, home is defined as a way of life;

For those seriously injured or made ill from war; home is defined by quality of life.

And for those who have given all, home is defined as an honorable and peaceful resting place.

All American warriors deserve to come home, no matter what it takes.

Until that day comes, each and every one of us, regardless of our personal circumstances; whether we’re blessed with good health, with great wealth, or have very little of either – each of us has an obligation to never leave our comrades behind. This obligation does not end when you take your uniform off for the last time. It is not a legal obligation, it is a moral obligation, and moral obligations are forever.

Whether our comrades are on the battlefield, in enemy hands, or back here in the United States facing serious illness or life-altering disability, every one of them who is not yet truly “home”, must be given the benefit of every resource that we can collectively muster in order to assist them in restoring to the greatest extent possible, a decent and dignified quality of life. Our obligation is to get them home. We’re the frontline warriors in that effort.

Our country’s obligation is to provide the logistical, medical, and financial resources needed to accomplish our objective. This mission cannot and will not succeed without a team effort on both sides; we the Veterans, and those who represent our government in the area of Veterans Affairs.

Only when each and every one of our warriors is truly “home” can we say that we have fulfilled our moral obligation.

So, the next time you start to feeling sorry for yourself, please remember our brothers and sisters-in-arms who are much less fortunate that we are.

Remember the many thousands of brave American men and women who were not able to join us tonight because they gave their lives for us.

Remember those still missing in action or held prisoner who rightfully belong seated at the table we have reserved in their honor.

And remember the heroes who were unable to be here tonight due to serious illness, financial difficulties, or both. There are far too many Veterans who in the true sense of the word have yet to make it home. Our mission is to get them there as soon as possible.

I’m proud to stand before such a distinguished group of Americans tonight. I speak not just of our distinguished guest speakers and awardees, but to each and every one of the world champions that occupy every table in this room. I’ve been blessed beyond words for the honor of MC’ing tonight’s program. I hope that I won’t let you down.

Those of us who have served were provided lessons in history that enlightened us as to the accomplishments of those who came before us. For there is no better way to convey leadership skills and traits than by lessons in history that teach us of the high achievements of those who have led by personal example. Not just in the military, but in the lives that these heroes have led long after they returned to civilian life.

Once learned, these lessons become an integral part of who we are as human beings. We become forever changed, for the better. We’re taught first and foremost to look after the welfare of those we are charged to lead, and to never leave our comrades behind in battle, alive, wounded, or deceased. We’re taught that the noblest act one can achieve as a leader is to risk, and if necessary, lay down your own life in order to rescue your comrades.

The man, the American hero we honor here tonight is the epitome of leadership by example. A man who over many decades has demonstrated a fierce commitment to his military comrades and to his country.

If I were to read Mr. Ross Perot’s entire resume, the amount of money we’d end up owing this hotel for overstaying our visit is something that I’m not sure even Mr. Perot could afford to cover.

Here are just samplings of Mr. Perot’s accomplishments…

His first accomplishment was that he was born in June of 1930, in Texarkana, Texas.

He was an Eagle Scout; in fact a Recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

Mr. Perot entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1949 and graduated in 1953.

While at the Naval Academy, he served as Class President, Chairman of the Honor Committee, and Battalion Commander. After graduation, he served four years at sea on a destroyer and on an aircraft carrier.

In 1956, he married Margot Birmingham from Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1957, Mr. Perot joined IBM as a salesman in their Data Processing Division in Dallas. In 1962, he started Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Over the next 22 years he built EDS into one of the world’s largest technology services firms. In 1984, Mr. Perot sold EDS to General Motors.

In 1988, Mr. Perot founded a new technology services company, Perot Systems Corporation, where he served as Chairman Emeritus until November 2009, when it was acquired by Dell, Inc.

For his efforts to help improve treatment of U.S. Prisoners of War in North Vietnam, Mr. Perot received the highest civilian award presented in 1974 by the U.S. Department of Defense.

In 1979, Mr. Perot directed a successful mission to rescue two EDS employees who had been taken hostage by the Iranian government. The mission was successful and Mr. Perot brought his employees safely back home to their families. The true life story of this heroic endeavor is told in the best-selling book, and later the motion picture of the same name, “On Wings of Eagles”.

Mr. Perot chaired the Texans’ War on Drugs Committee, and led the effort to reform the Texas Public School System.

In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, Mr. Perot received the Winston Churchill Award, presented by Prince Charles and First Lady Nancy Reagan, the Raul Wallenberg Award, and in 1990; the Patrick Henry Award, presented by President George H.W. Bush.
In 2004, Mr. Perot received the Eisenhower Award, in appreciation for his more than 40 years of support for the United States Military.

In January of 2009; for his lifetime of service to Veterans and the Military, Mr. Perot received the VA Secretary’s Award, presented by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Mr. James Peak.

As most of you know, Mr. Perot was twice a candidate for the Presidency of the United States. It’s interesting to note that central to Mr. Perot’s campaign were his concerns about the amount of debt that the United States was accumulating. The national debt at that time was 4 trillion dollars. Today it’s quickly approaching 16 trillion dollars.

The Perot family is actively involved in numerous charitable and civic activities. Through the Perot Foundation, funds have helped wounded soldiers and funded medical research, particularly for illnesses associated with Operation Desert Storm.

Margot and Ross Perot have five children: Ross, Jr., Nancy, Suzanne, Carolyn and Katherine. The Perots have 15 grandchildren.

In summary, the man I’m about to present to you is one of America’s premier patriots. He has proven this time and time again through his personal bravery, moral courage, and his commitment to preserving the freedoms that far too many Americans take for granted.

To us Mr. Perot; the Veterans of America, more specifically the National Gulf War Resource Center, you are a national treasure, and a Godsend to American fighting men and women.

And so, without any more of my tortuous ramblings, and to ensure that Mr. Perot does not end up having to purchase this hotel; it is with the utmost of pride and respect that I introduce to you the recipient of the National Gulf War Resource Center’s 20th Anniversary “Desert Storm Patriot Award; Mr. Ross Perot.