U.S. Rep. Greg Steube Announces Veterans History Project Interview Featuring Staff Sergeant Gerald Dombecki, United States Army (Desert Storm)
SARASOTA – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today released the latest installment in his ongoing Veterans History Project Series, honoring the military service of constituents from Florida’s 17th District. This interview features Staff Sergeant Gerald Dombecki, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1981 to 1993, including deployment to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.
“Staff Sergeant Gerald Dombecki’s story reflects the strength, sacrifice, and resolve of our American servicemembers,” said Rep. Steube. “From patrolling volatile regions overseas to navigating the long fight for care and recognition after returning home, his testimony is both inspiring and sobering. We are honored to preserve his service story for future generations.”
In his interview, Dombecki recounts his early years in the Army as a Military Police Officer, his time guarding nuclear weapons in Korea, and the emotional experience of serving in Desert Storm. He shares stories of camaraderie, the challenges of reintegrating to civilian life, and the decades-long struggle to receive proper care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“I’ve worked since I was 14. I didn’t want to stop working—I just couldn’t anymore,” said Dombecki, who was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s and COPD, conditions tied to his service but only recently recognized by the VA. “You shouldn’t have to fight so hard for something you earned.”
Dombecki now resides in Florida with his wife, serves as a security liaison in his community, and advocates for fellow veterans who are navigating the VA system. His daughter is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, continuing the family’s proud tradition of military service.
Please click here to watch the full interview.
Be sure to check Congressman Steube’s YouTube channel in the future for upcoming interviews.
The Office of Congressman Greg Steube will submit the interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.
Initially started in 2000, the Veterans History Project aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of the United States military veterans and Gold Star Families so that future generations may hear directly from the veterans and better understand their service. Researchers, scholars, and educators rely upon VHP collections as a primary source. The oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, and other original materials supplement historical texts and valued cultural resources. Veterans from all branches and ranks of the United States military who served in World War I through the more recent conflicts are eligible to participate. For more information on the VHP, please visit https://www.loc.gov/vets/.
If you live in Florida’s 17th Congressional district, please visit https://steube.house.gov/services/vhp to participate.