Page 7 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior, July 6 2018

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High Desert Warrior 7 June 1, 2018
News
Greater Los Angeles AUSA celebrates Army’s birthday
Huntington Beach, Calif — The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of the United States Army held their annual U.S. Army Birthday Ball on June 23 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel here.
Brig. Gen. Jeff Broadwater, commanding general, The National Training Center and Fort Irwin delivered the keynote address.
In his prepared remarks, Broadwater reflected on the service and sacrifice of the Americans who have stood watch over the Nation since the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
“Today we pause to honor our soldiers, civilians and Army families ... who, time and again, have guarded and secured our freedom,” Broadwater stated. “From the Revolutionary War to today, they have shown that when it comes to our nation’s freedom and liberty, they embody the Army’s motto, This We’ll Defend,” he said.
Along with the celebration of the U.S. Army, Broadwater also spoke about the 100th an- niversary of the end of World War I.
Of the over 2 million American Soldiers and Marines that served “over there,” 112,000 called California home. Much of the California National Guard’s 40th Infantry would train at Camp Kearney near San Diego, before leaving for combat in France.
He also spoke of the California Guard Soldiers who would fill out the ranks of the 91st Division, know as the “Wild West” division. The 91st would distinguish themselves in the Meuse- Argonne Offensive by capturing several strategic targets.
The “Great War” would end on Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. It was called the War to End All Wars, but Broadwater pointed out that the world would be at war again in less than 25 years.
He concluded his remarks by asking the gathering to remember all the Soldiers who have served in the long history of the U.S. Army.
“Throughout our 243-year history, each has served with distinction and honor throughout in the cause of freedom,” Broadwater said. “They have not only defended our way-of-life in foreign lands, but have stood guard here at home, and combatted devastation from natural disasters,
Burros on Fort Irwin
Kelsey Bedford
Wildlife Biologist, redhorse Corporation
Feral donkeys, or “burros”, were first brought to the mainland of North America by the Spanish in the 1500s. Burros were used primarily as pack animals and are still economically important today in undeveloped areas. Burros can be found on public and private lands in California, Ne- vada, Arizona, Utah andOregon. When they occur on federal public lands, they are managed under the Wild Free-roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. This Act was put into place to ensure the protection, management, and control of wild horses and burros, the “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West”.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) estimates about 15,000 burros occupy public lands in the United States and more than 4,300 are in California. Today’s population estimates are three times greater than the number of burros on public lands just twenty years ago, which has led to negative interactions with people and natural resources. Native species like big horn sheep and mule deer avoid water and food sources occupied by burros. Further exacerbating problems, burros also damage fragile desert ecosystems by over-grazing and trampling vegeta- tion at springs. Incidents with people increase in the summer when burros look for permanent water sources in communities as natural water sources dry up. Burros acclimate to the presence of people and often blindly wander into busy streets. Since January 2018 there have been seven recorded incidents of vehicle and burro collisions within cantonment. Three of the seven oc- curred between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. with the remaining four occurring in late afternoon through evening hours. Use caution and stay alert when driving on Fort Irwin’s roads, especially during dusk and night time hours. If burros are in the road or on the shoulder, reduce your speed as you pass them.
Though donkeys are sometimes kept as pets, burros on public lands and on Fort Irwin are wild animals and should not be approached or given food. Providing food and water to wildlife does more harm than good. Wild animals do not get the nutrients they need from human food and they lose their fear of people. In particular, injured and sick animals should be avoided.
Brig Gen Jeff Broadwater, commander National Training Center and Fort Irwin, gives the keynote address during Army Birthday Ball held by the Greater Los Angeles Association of the United States Army. Photo by: Louis Katz, louiethelens.com
rushing to the aid of Americans in need and keeping us safe and secure at home.”
“They are the guardians of our freedom ... beacons of hope and liberty; and while never asked
to be called anything other than ‘soldier’ or ‘civilian’, to us ... they are all heroes.”
Photo by Alec Goodman
Battles between burros can be vicious and may result in broken legs and lacerations from sharp hooves. Approaching an injured burro creates unnecessary stress and may cause the animals to flee the area, delaying aid from a biologist or veterinarian.
The Fort Irwin Directorate of Public Works (DPW) has wildlife biologists on staff who are trained in the handling of wild animals and can assist with burros that are causing a safety hazard or nuisance. When reporting a burro issue, take note of the direction that the burro is traveling and any identifying characteristics. If you have a burro or other wildlife concern, contact the DPW front desk at 760-380-5044 during regular business hours. After hours and on weekends, contact the Military Police at 760-380-4444 and a wildlife biologist will be notified.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil