Page 14 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior 12-4-15

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14 December 4, 2015

NTC hosts visitors from business, entertainment industry

Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena He stated that engaging the American population is important, so they “understand what
we do is critical.”
Public Affairs Office
The National Training Center and Fort Irwin hosted approximately 90 distinguished visi- “When you leave here talk to your friends, your relatives, your colleagues – anybody
tors during two tours of the training area here, Nov. 6 and 7. you’d like – about what we do here at the National Training Center, because you’re our best
The groups were composed of people in the business and entertainment industry, said ambassador,” Martin said. “You can say, ‘I’ve gone there, I’ve experienced it, I have a better
Renita Wickes, community relations officer for this installation. understanding of what our Soldiers do and what our combat training centers do to help
The NTC and Fort Irwin commander, Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, greeted the visitors after train those Soldiers. Thanks again for coming today and God bless you all. Thanks for your
they arrived by bus and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to the National Urban Warfare Center unconditional support for the Soldiers of our United States Army.”
above the training village of Razish. He briefed the visitors both days at the NUWC, before
they went to Razish to observe training, have a meal ready to eat (MRE) lunch, shoot weapons John Heinsen, vice president of new media for the PGA, said the tour was “absolutely
(blank ammunition) and participate in a scenario within Razish – where they teamed-up with wonderful” and explained that seeing the military on TV does not compare to experiencing
Soldiers of F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. first-hand some of the training and meeting the men and women in uniform, which was
Some of the organizations represented by the visitors included, the Producers Guild of “really a wonderful thing.”
America, Young Presidents Organization, World Presidents Organization, Obsidian (video
game developer) and University of Southern California Institute of Creative Technology. Peter Lebow, a producer with Instant Films and member of the PGA, expressed his respect
Martin explained to the visitors that one in 300 amongst the population of the United for Soldiers and the “extremely difficult job they have to do.”
States has the ability and desire to serve their country in the military. He described the NTC
as providing a high fidelity training capability that creates an environment where Soldiers, “We flew in on Blackhawks, we’ve shot machine guns, we’ve toured through training cities,
with all their equipment, deploy to and fight against a hybrid threat in a fictitious country. but honestly the most impressive thing has been the people I’ve met, from the commanding
general to everybody that’s been helping us [on the tour],” Lebow said. “They’re super intel-
ligent, extremely courteous, respectful – they’re quality human beings. It is an impressive thing
to see. I’m honored and proud and grateful that they’re protecting us.”

National Training Center and Fort Irwin Commander Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin (left) joins a group of visitors for a photo at the conclusion of a NTC box tour, Nov. 7.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil