Sixteen years ago on March 24, 1999 NATO launched an air campaign called "Operation Allied Force" to halt the humanitarian devastation that was then unfolding in Kosovo. The decision to intervene followed more than a year of fighting within the province and the failure of international efforts to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means. NATO announced the suspension of the air campaign on 10 June, 1999 once it had concluded a military technical agreement with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

 NATO casualties were light and the alliance suffered no fatalities as a result of combat operations.  Two American army helicopter pilots, CWO David Gibbs and Kevin l. Reichert died when their AH-64 helicopter crashed in the early hours of May 5, 1999.  The crash was not due to enemy fire but two of America's finest died that day serving their country.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will conduct a wreath laying at the Veteran's Memorial on the grounds of the History Shelby County Courthouse on Tuesday, March 24th, 2015 at 10:00 am to honor those who served in the Kosovo Campaign.  As always the public is invited.  If you are a Kosovo veterans and would like to participate call post quartermaster Larry Hume at 598-2976.