Initiation of Operation Desert Storm

With the initiation of Operation Desert Storm on 17 January 1991, TF Papa Bear continued its intensive training focused on obstacle breaching.  As directed in the Division Operation Order, Papa Bear was to conduct two deliberate breaches of Iraqi defenses to secure a breach head in order to conduct further offensive operations: on order , the task force would attack north in zone to seize subsequent Division and MEF objectives.

Operation Desert Storm: Task Force Papa Bear Activated

OPERATION DESERT SHIELD

Task Force (TF) Papa Bear was activated in Saudi Arabia on 31 December 1990.  During Operation Desert Shield, TF Papa Bear conducted defensive operations and trained to break two complex obstacle belts constructed by the Iraqis in southern Kuwait.  Major units comprising TF Papa Bear were:

- Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Regiment

- 1st Battalion, 1st Marine (1/1)

- 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9)

- 1st Tank Battalion (1st Tanks)

- A Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB)

- A Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion

- B and C Companies, 3rd Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Battalion

- 1st Platoon, Bravo Battery, 3rd Light Anti-Air Defense Battalion (DS)

- 1st Battalion, 11th Marines (1/11) (DS)

Operation Desert Shield: 1st Marines HQ Comm Platoon Arriving in Saudi Arabia

OPERATION DESERT SHIELD
On 2 August 1990, the oil rich country of Kuwait was invaded by its neighbor, Iraq.  Iraq also threatened Saudi Arabia.  The United States and other members of the United Nations quickly responded by deploying military forces to deter further aggression by the Iraqis.  Headquarters First Marine Regiment, as part of the President's reinforcement plan, arrived in Southwest Asia on 23 December 1990.

Arriving in Saudi Arabia

On the flight to Saudi Arabia - LCpl Graves

Wearing newly issued desert camoflauge uniforms

Arriving in Saudi Arabia

Major Helgeson in his new uniform

Last Day of Duty in the White House: Farewell with President Reagan

Ronald Reagan and Captain Mark Helgeson, USMC

Thanks and Farewell Handshake

White House Ceremonial Duty: State Dinner for the President of Austria

The President of Austria and his wife visit the White House and are greeted by the Reagan's at the Front Door of the White House

Hail To The Chief

The Reagan's and their guests are presented to those invited to attend this State Dinner 

March On The Colors

The Joint Ceremonial Flag Team brings the Colors from President Reagan's Private Quarters upstairs down to Grand Staircase to the Main Floor of the White House

Captain Helgeson requests permission from President Reagan to "Secure The Colors" from the President's Private Quarters

White House Social Aide: Escorting President Reagan After Meetings

President Reagan & Secretary of State George Schultz 

Reagan, Ford, Carter, Nixon

Escorting out President Reagan after a speech in the East Room.

Vice President Bush follows.

Note the two Secret Service Agents watching the man greeting President Reagan.

White House Christmas Party with Mr. T.

White House Military Social Aides with Mr. T. who gave each aide a Mr. T. poster and doll.

Mr. T. takes the stage at Christmas Party for children of embassy diplomats.