Bryan Kulhanek - Marine Corporal during Desert Storm/Desert Shield

Former Marine Corporal, Bryan Kulhanek, received a quilt on February 18, 2014, at the Nebraska Humane Society. He served the United States during Desert Storm/Desert Shield.

Byran Kulhanek is in the center of the photo

Service as a United States Marine

Bryan entered the United States Marine Corp in 1988 and gave the United States four years of active service.

While he entered the Marine Corp. as a infantry man, and finished the Infantry training, he followed through with schooling for Security Forces in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Thereafter, Bryan spent eight months aboard the USS Saratoga CV60 at the start of Desert Storm/Desert Shield.While the ship carried a crew of 5,000, Bryan was one of 80 Marines assigned as part of the Security Forces. Part of his responsibilities included keeping the nuclear weapons safe, as well as ship security. This included 100 aircraft and more than one million pounds of ordinances, which includes bombs and other artillery used by the aircraft.

One of the greatest aspects of his time in the Marines includes the strong bond he made with his fellow Marines. As he put it, "We grew from kids to men together." The group continues to get together for reunions in Jacksonville, Florida, despite twenty years of civilian life and members spread out throughout the country. Bryan stated that if one ever needed support, the group would travel wherever necessary to assist their friends. These men are the as close to as a strong family unit.

Once his role in Desert Storm/Desert Shield was completed, Bryan served until 1992 at Twenty-nine Palms, a United States Marine Corp. Base in the California desert region. He continued infantry training and maneuvers during this time.

One of his most grueling challenges included a four week stint in the mountains. During this time, the team was forced to live and complete their military assignments in the harshest winter conditions the mountains provided.

It was during this time that this group of Marines were put on standby for assignment in the Los Angelos riots. Fortunately, his service was not needed in that role.

Unfortunate Memories

Two memories had a profound impact on the young Marine. The first casualty of the war was a man, LCDR Scott Speicher, nicknamed Spicer. He flew a F18 Hornet into Baghdad on the first strike. While they eventually found his flight suit, he was our country first casualty in Desert Storm.

On December 22, 1990, another tragedy struck as troops left the Saratoga for port at Haifa, Isreal, via ferries. One of the transports sunk, drowning 19-22 Navy seaman. All others were rescued, but it put a damper on the holidays.

Bryan served as part of the Marine Corp. Honor Guard for their funeral, which was televised internationally.

Civilian Life

Born and raised in Fremont, Nebraska, Bryan left the area for his four year stint in the Marine Corp. Upon returning, he became a member of the Police Force in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1998, he left the Council Bluffs Police Force and joined the ranks for the Omaha Police Force in Omaha, Nebraska, where he still serves the community.

When talking about his son, Lane, Byran refers to him as the "greatest six year old son." Lane learns a lot from his Dad. At six, Lane decided he would follow in Byran's footsteps, first as a soldier and then as a policeman. Lane hopes to ride in a cruiser someday with his Dad as his partner.

USS Saratoga CV60

The carrier, USS Saratoga CV60, carried out the mission of the first strike on Baghdad. It also earned the world record of making the most transits through the Suez Canal.

While this stately symbol of freedom is no longer in service, the final chapter for the USS Saratoga CV60 is, indeed, a sad one. A Texas firm was paid one cent, yes, one cent, to scrap the vessel.

Signature Block Quilt

The signature block quilt is signed by area residents, including signatures from Nebraska Humane Society team members, Cuddly Care Daycare in Council Bluffs, SAC Federal Credit Union in Omaha, and McDonald's customers.

Bryan continues to serve the United States as a Police Officer for Omaha, Nebraska.