ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY — As we remember 9/11, one Gulf War veteran says the story really began a decade earlier — in the desert sands of 1990.

WATCH: Anne Arundel County veteran connects Desert Storm to 9/11 Anne Arundel County veteran connects Desert Storm to 9/11

Russell Ware served more than 25 years in the U.S. Air Force. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, serving as Section Chief of Base Defense for the 802nd Security Forces Squadron, a Security Craftsman, and in other leadership roles around the world. Today, he is the Director of Crownsville Veterans Cemetery in Maryland, but the memories of war remain close.

Russell Ware Pictured is Air Force Veteran Russell Ware, shown side by side with his photo from when he first joined in 1990 and his last picture taken in service in 20

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