Alaska Reservist recalls Gulf War service

  • Published
  • By Maj. Ashley Conner
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Four months after the Gulf War kicked off, then -Buck-Sergeant Bryan Nicolos assigned to the 554th Services Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. found himself along with 200 Airmen on a plane headed to the 'war.'

"We arrived in Saudi Arabia and spent the next five days trying to find out where we were supposed to be.  It was classified so on one would tell us," Master Sgt. Bryan Nicolos, 477th Fighter Group, Sustainment Services Prime RIBS manager. "Finally a 2nd lieutenant quietly told our senior master sergeant to get on 'that' plane, so we did and it took us to King Khalid Military City. We were the first group to arrive just as the civil engineers were leaving, having just built a 1,500 person camp."

Shortly after arriving Nicolos and the nine-person services team went to working preparing a hot meal for nearly 300 people.

"We worked seven days a week 18 hours days taking care of the troops, each day more and more personnel arrived, by the time it was all over we had 2,700 people," said Nicolos. "At KKMC we fed French troops U.S. Army, Marines and Saudi DVs that came through." 

KMMC was also the rest and relaxation location for Marines transitioning through the country.

"The Marines would come in from time to time to load up on provisions," said Nicolos. "Services takes care of the troops. We feed you, bed you down for the night and we will bury you with honor when needed."

Nicolos left Saudi Arabia May 27, 1991 and recalls fondly his memories of the deployment. 

"The best day was the day the war started and ended," said Nicolos. "The worst day was the day we said goodbye to our comrades, our war buddies.   I still remember the guys from tent A-104 and will until my dying day." 

Nicolos joined the Air Force Reserve in September 1991 and has spent the last 32 years serving his country and wouldn't have wanted it any other way. 

"It has been a wonderful life. I can't imagine what my life would have been had I not joined when I did," said Nicolos.  "I have been all over the U.S. and too many countries.  The places I've seen and the different cultures I have experienced have been truly amazing.  I will retire in a year or two but for now I don't want it to end." 

Sgt. Nicolos beadth and depth of experience is not uncommon in the Air Force Reserve.

"The 477th FG and the Air Force as a whole benefit tremendously from Airmen dedicating their lives to service of country," said Col David Piffarerio, 477th Fighter Group Commander.  Master Sgt. Nicolos is no exception"