Page 13 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior 11-4-16

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High Desert Warrior November 4, 2016
Story and photos by Leslie Ozawa
(Fort Irwin/NTC PAO)
Reputed to be southern California’s oldest continuously running parade, Barstow’s 84th annual Kiwanis Mardi Gras Parade began at corner of Barstow Road and Main Street at 7 pm on Sat., Oct. 29. Thousands lined the streets to cheer on the paraders, with music by Barstow High School marching band, military units, community leaders waving from antique and classic cars, blaring sirens from fire engines and police cars, and floats from community schools and organizations.
The Army was well represented by the National Training Center contingent, led by 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment’s horse detachment and NTC acting commander, Col. Matthew Moore. The crowds were treated to several 916th Support Bri- gade Soldiers dressed in Vietnam-era uniforms, a company-sized marching unit from 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, a squad of NTC Soldiers in combat gear in wedge formation; an EOD soldier in protective gear; and an MP with his working dog.
Bringing up the rear of the NTC contingent were Soldiers driving and riding in seven combat vehicles used at NTC. The Soldiers waved to the hundreds of children, many dressed in their best Halloween costumes, sitting in lawn chairs and on curbside blankets along the mile and a half route along Bar- stow’s Main Street. Barstow’s Desert Dispatch reported that this year’s parade included a record 83 entries, while beautiful fall weather helped bring out the crowds for this year’s “over- whelming” event.
11th ACR horse detachment led the parade with the national colors. The detachment, established in 2000, wears the 1901 U.S. Cavalry uniform, while performing in parades and cavalry demonstration across the western U.S.
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Kiwanis Mardi Gras Parade
NTC joins with Barstow in Kiwanis Club’s 84th Mardi Gras parade
11th ACR command team on horseback are Col. Joseph Clark and regimental command sergeant Major Michael Stukard.
Fort Irwin garrison commander Col. Scott Taylor and his wife Susan wave to the crowds.
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment’s main battle tank replicates a Russian T-80 main battle tank.
The M1A Abrams tank, the backbone of the U.S. armored forces, provide mobile firepower for armored formations to close in and destroy opposing armored fighting vehicles. This all-weather, versatile tank’s computerized battle system and onboard and remote battlefield sensors, is famous for its shock-and-awe firepower and maneuverability.
Col. Matthew Moore waves to the crowd at the start of the Mardi Gras parade, which began at the corner of Barstow Road and Main Street. He assumed command of the National Training Center on Oct. 8, with the reassignment of Maj. Gen. Martin to Fort Riley.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil