
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 1, 1991                   TAG: 9103010328
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Cox News Service
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

WELCOME WILL BE A BIG ONE

The complete pullout of American troops from the Persian Gulf is expected to take months, but their return will include a homecoming salute denied to Vietnam veterans, U.S. officials said Thursday.

"They're going to get a greater welcome home than the Vietnam vets got and, God bless them, they deserve it," Lt. Gen. Thomas Kelly, director of operations for the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the Pentagon.

New York officials have already contacted the Pentagon about a ticker-tape parade honoring Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, the allied commander, and the half-million Americans under his command in the gulf.

"They deserve a salute just like the victorious liberators 45 years ago," Rep. Susan Molinari, R-N.Y., said, referring to World War II.

Such ceremonies would be in sharp contrast to the Vietnam War, which lasted 10 years and ended in U.S. defeat. Returning soldiers were largely ignored except by their families and friends.

The White House caused some confusion Thursday about the timing of the return of U.S. troops, initially suggesting that some could leave the gulf within days, but later revising that timetable.

"It took seven months to get in. It's going to take many months to get out," White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said. "But we're going to start a steady withdrawal."

Saudi Arabian officials have indicated privately to the State Department that they would like the bulk of U.S. troops to withdraw from their country by March 17, the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Air Force Lt. Col. John Olsen said in Riyadh that the U.S. pullout, once it begins, generally will follow the theory that "the first shall be first and the last shall be last."

The 82nd Airborne Division, the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing and the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Systems Wing were the first units to arrive in Saudi Arabia last August.

Neal said some additional support units probably will be brought to Saudi Arabia to help get the troops on their way back to the United States and other U.S. bases. Pentagon officials suggested reserve units may be called upon to provide that support.

by CNB