Well, that was one heck of a hiatus. I’m so glad to be back with the newest installment of Houston’s History Files! This time, I’m going to take a different approach and make it a “special edition,” if you will. Let’s talk about a unique spot you’ve probably driven by in Perry, but with a twist. Instead of the history first, I want to focus on its newest addition, a special tribute to an era of our nation’s history and to a dear friend who has become its newest honor. Without further ado, I present to you a tribute to Desert Storm from David Brode.
Dave, as I call him, is a man of honor and love for his country, family and friends. On Thursday, March 7th, 2024, the Perry Area Historical Society made his 24 years of service and sacrifice a permanent display and reminder of an uncertain time in America’s history, the Desert Storm Era. His actual uniform, complete from the helmet to the boots, was added to the collection of other uniforms from different branches and eras. Those range from the Marine Corps all the way to the Coast Guard, from WWII all the way to Desert Storm.
When I asked him what he thought about the Sinclair Station (Circa 1931 as a gas and repair shop), he said, “I think the station is an important step in the right direction for the remembrance and recognition of local military service personnel.”
I asked him how he felt about his uniform being added to the collection, and he said, “I’m humbled to have my uniform on display for representation of my service In Operation Desert Shield and Storm.”
Brode was granted the honor to give the final details of his uniform before leaving it for display for all of Perry’s visitors to see. I observed as he still took pride in making sure the boots were properly bloused and the gig line was straight. He reminisced as he removed stray strings that were showing, stating that he used to get on to guys for that very same thing.
All in all, David Brode has given the United States Government over 40 years of continuous service, from military to civil.
“I was stationed at Hahn Air Base in Germany when Chernobyl blew,” he told me, “I was in the United Arab Emirates when 9/11 happened as well.”
His uniform doesn’t tell the whole story, but it’s a great start to a reminder. I asked him what he wanted visitors to know about Operation Desert Shield when they see the new display among the others. He said, “I want everyone to know that the world came together as one coalition and came to the aid of the peaceful nation of Kuwait in its time of need. Those 31 united nations rid the evil of the Iraqi invasion and restored peace in the Middle East”.
His love for America is one that we all should take lessons from.
His uniform is now amongst the likes of General Courtney Hodges’s WestPoint Uniform at the old Sinclair Gas Station. All the contents of the displays can be seen through the window of this once oil-covered repair shop. On the outside, you can find a plaque with a picture of ordinary men and mechanics standing in front of their business in its glory day. Men (and women) like these helped build the American dream. So, I, for one, find it fitting that the building has been converted into what it is today. I feel a sense of pride, joy and sadness all at once, knowing what the people in those uniforms went through, just so I can write this column freely. It’s easy to lose sight of that in our current era, but make no mistake: We are still the greatest country ever to exist. Men and women like many of you reading, Brode, Hodges, my grandfather, uncle and many of my friends have helped to make that possible through their service. Next time you’re near this area, stop and look in, take a moment of silence and give thanks.
Next time on Houston’s History Files, let’s get back to the mysteries! I’ve got a good one for you, and I can’t wait to share it! See you then!
PS: For all of you who have served and continue to serve this Nation, thank you.
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