Page 4 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior, October 2021

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High Desert Warrior October 2021
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Fort Irwin Community Honors Gold Star Families
By: Abe Dawoud
Fort Irwin Public Affairs
FORT IRWIN, Calif.— Fort Irwin’s Survivor Outreach Services held a run/walk on, Sept. 18, to honor and remember Gold Star Families.
Often called “an honor no one wants”, the practice of replacing blue stars with gold stars on Service Flags after the death of a loved one began during World War I. It was not until 1936 did the United States begin observing Gold Star Mother’s Day on the last Sunday of September.
“There is so much that divides us, but yet this one idea unites us,” said Brig. Gen. Curtis Taylor, Commanding General of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin. “To serve your countryishonorable,isdecentandisgood.Togiveyourlifeintheserviceofyourcountrymakes you forever a hero, we will never forget those Soldiers who have done exactly that.”
“Every one of these Soldiers here represented today joined their country in a time of war, these service members joined to be a part of that great and noble, and historic event,” Taylor said. “Every one of these Soldiers have one thing in common, they joined to commit their lives
to something greater than themselves. We will never forget them here, they will always be a part of our hearts, and you will always be a part of our family.”
For Lori Picard, Fort Irwin’s Survivor Outreach Coordinator, this event is crucial for both Fort Irwin and Gold Star Families. “All of the families were pleased at how their loved ones were honored and remembered during the event,” said Picard. “Events like this signify that Gold Star Families are still part of the Army Family and are always welcome here on Fort Irwin. “
Gold Star widow of Sgt. Shawn Lovett, Kim Lovett, said “This event made me feel appreci- ated, and remembered... our sacrifice means something. Being at an event like this, it allows us to speak, and allows us to speak with others that are in our position.
At the conclusion of the run/walk, Gold Star Families were invited to have breakfast with senior leaders and Soldiers, and received a tour of the newly opened General Robert W. Cone Heritage Center.
To learn more about Fort Irwin’s Survivors Outreach Services and future events please contact: Lori Picard at lori.a.picard.civ@mail.mil
Fort Irwin Commemorates the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
On Sept. 11, 2021, the Fort Irwin DES conducted it’s 10th annual 9/11 memorial event for the Fort Irwin mili- tary Community. This year marked the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The event consisted of an invocation, opening remarks from Brig. Gen. Curtis Taylor, NTC Commanding General, a moment of silence, a motorcade through the residential areas and static display of FDNY L152. Hundreds of community members attended the event, while ten- ant units facilitated NTC Rotation 22- 10. Upon completion of the motorcade, the DES interacted with the community, and invited Families to tour the FDNY ladder truck, and DES’s current fleet. In the end, the event provided a memorable experience for the Soldiers and families of Fort Irwin, California.
For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin