Page 5 - Fort Irwin High Desert Warrior, June 2021

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June 2021
June 2021
Community News

Brig. Gen. Andrew Hilmes awards Fort Irwin Police Department Remembers

NTC soldier for heroic act Military Working Dog Rambo

By Abe Dawoud born, and strong willed, that challenge was Rambo,”
By Abe Dawoud falling out. said Gardner. “From that moment on we were insepa-
“I just remem- FORT IRWIN, Calif. — e Fort Irwin Police Department, rable.”
Fort Irwin Public A airs said goodbye to Military Working Dog (MWD) Rambo, in a Gardner had been Rambo’s handler for more than
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — What was de- ber yelling to my memorial ceremony held on May 5. 3 years until his passing.
guys to hang on, and
scribed to be the start of a routine October tried maneuvering MWD Rambo provided distinguished service while as- “I found Rambo to love his work whether it was
morning out in the (training area) Box, the Humvee into a signed to the National Training Center, from May 23, 2014, detection or aggression,” he said. “Partnering with Lt.
turned to a potentially deadly one, as a brake- small ditch,” said to April 1, 2021. Rambo was whelped on June 24, 2012, and Wayne Stickels and then myself Rambo made a name
line failure caused a Humvee to lose control. Yaguas. “That very began training as a military working dog at the 343rd Training for himself on Fort Irwin, with numerous sweeps and
anks to his training and actions, Spc. Frank moment, the vehicle Squadron on Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas. There he nds.
Yaguas, was able to save the lives of his fellow went airborne for entered initial narcotics detector dog training and was certi ed From 2018-2019 Rambo had the highest narcot-
soldiers within the vehicle. about ve seconds, on March 4, 2014. en after he was assigned to Fort Irwin ics finds in all of U.S. Army Installation Command
“It was a typical morning in the Box,” and when we land- on June of 2014. Rambo has been assigned to two di erent as well as holding the record for the biggest narcotics
Yaguas said. “We woke up, got into our ed in the ditch, the handlers and certi ed seven times over the course of his career nd on Fort Irwin. “ ere were several times CID or
Humvee and started scouting for positions Humvee completely at the National Training Center. other units would call, even with me on the phone
on mountain sides as the rotational battle was stopped.” “I remember walking into the kennel area and seeing Rambo. they would ask for Rambo, as if Rambo worked alone,”
going on. e rst position we scouted wasn’t Once the vehi- He wasn’t bouncing around like the other dogs,” said Sgt. Mi- said Gardner.
the best and we knew we needed to drive cle was stationary, chael Gardner, Rambo’s handler. “He was doing summersaults Soldiers and civilians throughout the installation, radio roll call was made for Rambo. “All units K9 Rambo has
down the mountainside and nd a new one.” Yaguas ensured that o the top of the walls.” came to the Fort Irwin Police Kennel to remember Rambo, as
While driving down the mountainside, his fellow Soldiers emergency event or an imminently dangerous After his previous working dog had retired, Sgt. Gardner well as multiple Marines from the Marine Corps Logistics Base answered the highest call, all units K9 Rambo has answered his
Yaguas started to apply the brakes on his inside the Humvee were okay and reported situation, thereby eliminating or minimizing and awarded Yaguas The Army Safety Guard- was given two options. Partner with MWD Rambo or wait for in Barstow. nal call. Rest in peace K9 Rambo we have the watch.”
Humvee, but to no avail. no injuries. loss, such as damage to Army property or ian Award. “Throughout the COVID-19 another working dog from Joint Base San Antonio Lackland. At the conclusion of From HERITAGE, Page 1
“As we were going down, I started to put “Spc. Yaguas’ attention to detail was injury to Army personnel. Pandemic, we couldn’t give these awards in “I wanted a challenge of working with a dog who was stub- the memorial service a last
some pressure on the brakes to maintain my unmatched within Fury Troop,” said Sgt. “I get a call one morning telling me to person,” Hilmes said. “ is is the rst award nation’s history and continue to be pivotal its success.
speed, but quickly realized even putting my 1st Class Timothy Gardner, Yaguas’ platoon get a haircut, and to wear my best uniform I’ve awarded in person in over a year.” From WISH, Page 1 This year’s observance came at a time when hate crimes against Asian Americans have seen a
entire foot on the brake, the Humvee was still leader. “He always looked and acted in a on the April 27, but I had no idea what was Looking back at the event that happened stopped smiling.” bat-style vehicles, weapons ducts an average of 10 train- signi cant climb.
gaining speed,” he said. “I heard my sergeant professional manner. Although he’s not in my going on,” he said. in October, Yaguas credits his Army training, Guest speaker, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Eldon Regua referenced reports that over the last year, there have
The 11th Armored Cav-
simulations, tours of military ing rotations a year, training
yell ‘e-brake,’ but even when I pulled the lever platoon anymore he is still missed.” The Commander of the U.S. Army Com- attention to detail, and his mentorship with alry Regiment, along with vehicles and aircraft, meeting Armored Brigade Combat been 6,600 reported anti-Asian American crimes and incidents.
the vehicle did not slow down.” Unknowingly to Yaguas, he was nomi- bat Readiness Center, Brig. Gen. Andrew helping him make the right decisions under the 916th Support Brigade and petting the unit’s horses, Teams with realistic joint “Stop AAPI Hate, an advocacy group tracking hate incidents, said it had received nearly 3,800
As the vehicle was going downhill, at a fast nated for The Army Safety Guardian Award, Hilmes, was visiting the NTC, to interact immense pressure. “ e second we all got out provided a full day of ac- an opportunity to consume and combined arms training. reports of hate incidents since March 2020, compared with roughly 100 incidents in previous years,”
rate of speed, the doors ung open and the which is awarded to individuals through ex- with Senior Commander’s and Garrison safety the Humvee and I knew my guys were okay, tivities for Carson and ve military meals-ready-to-eat U.S. and international troops Regua said as he mentioned those cases have terrified the Asian American community.
gear and equipment of the soldiers started traordinary actions or skills, who react to an o ces to understand the challenges they face I took a big sigh of relief.” He praised the COVID-19 Hate Crime bill that has been signed in congress that encourages
of his family members. e (MREs) and more. Carson from all of the services spend more training on hate crimes for law enforcement, establishes hate crimes hotlines and allows for
From COVID, Page 1 day began with a meet and was not a fan of the MREs a 21-one day rotation before rehabilitation e orts for the perpetrators of hate crimes.
greet with the Commanding but said he had an exciting deploying overseas. e units
guests imposed in response to COVID-19 are lifted. Unvaccinated personnel should wear a “rodeos” they’re hosting at the Mary Walker Clinic for all eligible bene ciaries ages 12 and up. General of the NTC/Fort Ir- day. were happy to give Carson a The DoD celebrates the month of May as AAPI month in order to honor the generations of
mask at any indoor gathering outside their own home. The dates are the June 10, 11, 15 and 17. Vaccines will also be available at the Post Exchange win, Brig. Gen. Curtis Taylor “Riding in the tank was taste of what they do each Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and native Hawaiians who continue to serve proudly and
Taylor provided even more positive news, saying he’s asked the Garrison team to monitor and Main Store on the June 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22. where Carson was promoted my favorite part of the day,” month. sel essly in defense of the nation.
start planning for a transition to HPCon Alpha, should the conditions be acceptable. Taylor addressed how leaders are handling the current rotational training unit at NTC say- to second Lieutenant. Car- he said. “The helicopters “Even with a disability, if The observance was signed into law in 1978, and commemorates the arrival of the first Japanese
“Based on the low numbers that we are seeing from this testing, I believe that we may be on ing, “Rotation 21-08 with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team out of Mississippi has son went on to be promoted were awesome!” you have the determination immigrants to the U.S. on May 7, 1843.
track to move to Health Protection Condition Alpha sometime in the month of June,” Taylor begun. In preparation for this exercise, we’ve been testing all unvaccinated personnel who are throughout the day at each of Carson was able to par- and will to do things, you The AAPI community includes all Americans who trace their ancestry back to the Asian continent
said. “If so, we will be able to open up some capacity in our Child Development Centers and connected with the rotation.” his stops, culminating with ticipate in all of the day’s can do it and enjoy the time and the many Paci c Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
our School Age Programs, and to expand our youth sports programs.” the nal rank of colonel by activities while in an o cial you have on earth with the AAPIs have served in nearly every, armed conflict since the founding of the U.S and almost 60,000
Taylor encouraged the community to participate in all the events happening on post over Taylor wrapped up his address by referencing his June 1 Lead 6 Sends message on summer Army soldiers who identify as Asian American and Pacific Islander serve in the total force today.
the next, few months. safety. During the past two summers, the Army has lost 91 soldiers to off-duty mishaps and 11th ACR Commander, Col. Army uniform that included people you love, admire and 30,000 Japanese Americans enlisted in World War II and the 100th Infantry battalion and 442nd
“It’s time for all of us to get reconnected,” Taylor said. “It’s been a long 15-16 months and Taylor said he wants to encourage everyone to practice safety and reduce risks. Todd Hook. his o cial name tag. look up to,” Katie Mead, Regimental Combat team remains the most decorated unit in U.S. military history.
“We were proud to have
“We at the National Carson’s mother said. “He
it’s time to rebuild those bonds of social connection that make the Army a special place to live “I ask that all of you take appropriate measures to keep yourself and your family safe if you the opportunity to be a part Training Center are honored had an amazing day and he Ultimately, the outstanding performance of segregated minority units, like the Tuskegee Airmen,
and serve.” travel,” Taylor said. “Please keep yourself safe this summer and let’s not become a statistic.” the Native American Code Talkers and the famed NISEI warriors/soldiers led the Department of
The Weed Army Community Hospital Command team reminded the community of vaccine Live Community Updates can be found on Facebook.com/NTCfortirwin. of Carson’s special day,” 11th to be able to ful ll this dream will never forget this!” Defense to review its policies on minorities serving in the military and subsequent integration of
ACR’s Cpt. Evan Cain said. for Carson,” General Taylor Make-A-Wish® is a non-
From MEMORIAL DAY, Page 1 “I think some of the soldiers said. “To be able to introduce pro t organization that helps the military.
Carson met, and the experi- him and his family to what ful ll wishes of children with Regua is Filipino American and said his culture continues to be underrepresented in the officer
with whom we served and fought and loved.” When asked of the day’s significance, the NTC and Fort Irwin senior enlisted advi- ranks of all services but said leaders are working to get balance.
Taylor recounted a story and paid tribute to his personal hero, Staff Sgt. Billy Wilson sor, Command Sgt. Maj. William Justice, mentioned the mission of the NTC and the ences he had while serving our brave men and women critical illnesses. Tens of “I know the quality is out there but it’s going to take time,” he said. “We need to keep at it,
as an honorary Blackhorse do daily is a privilege and to thousands of volunteers, do-
of Buffalo, NY, with whom he served many years ago in combat. Wilson was killed on Decisive Action Rotation that just began. Trooper will stay with him work with such a great orga- nors and supporters advance though.”
March 26, 2012, in Afghanistan. Memorial Day is certainly significant but, “Even more so when you consider that we for a very long time.” nization like Make-A-Wish® the Make-A-Wish® vision e event was held at the Sandy Basin Community Center and also live streamed on Facebook.
“When Billy fell, he was standing side-by-side with the men of his platoon that he have a Brigade Combat Team (BCT) on the ground who begins their training here today,” e day included a dem- demonstrates the Army’s to grant the wish of every com/NTCfortirwin.
loved so much, doing what he had joined the Army to do,” Taylor said. “He fell in Justice said. “Our [NTC’s] mission is to build and sustain readiness for our Army. Our onstration of various py- effort to collaborate with eligible child. For children It was hosted by the NTC MEO/EEO offices, along with the 2916th Aviation Brigade.
the disciplined and courageous execution of his duty. Our nation must never forget success provides the tools needed for a BCT to win the first fight; and that saves lives.” rotechnic simulations and and support our community diagnosed with critical ill- “AAPI month stands as a reminder for the strength the Army has gained and will gain through a
what he has done for us; not only how he died but how he lived. Absolutely selfless The Operations Group’s Wolf Team provided the salute battery. The flag at the artillery firing, a UH-60 partners.” nesses, a wish come true can high quality, diverse, all-volunteer force,” Regua said. “Diversity makes the Army better and more
— committed to his family, his squad and his country. We would all do well to follow National Training Center’s headquarters was raised to full staff at noon, following the Black Hawk aerial training The National Training be a crucial turning point in equipped to meet the challenges and threats of the future. Individuals of AAPI decent serve the
his tremendous example.” gun salute. demo, rides in three com- Center and Fort Irwin con- their lives. Army with great value and distinction and continue to be critical members of the Army team.”

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