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Jay Leno thanks Fort Irwin Soldiers, families

Story by Gustavo Bahena tapings of his talk show that would air on ees of the fort. area, what they do here and how much the
Thanksgiving Day. Julie Epstein, a military spouse here and Soldiers work. They do a lot, and so for
Public Affairs Office Jay Leno to come here and appreciate what
That June morning, on a stage, Fort her daughter, Jordan, 9, were all smiles they do, I think it’s amazing.”
Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno Irwin United States Army Garrison Com- during a photo opportunity with the co-
visited the National Training Center and mander Col. Jon Braga introduced Leno median. Leno told Jordan, “I’m an old man Jordan described Leno’s car as great, and
Fort Irwin with his “tank car,” June 1. to a crowd, who cheered and applauded. who used to be on TV.” had this to say about meeting a celebrity:
“It’s amazing … because you don’t get to
Soldiers, leadership and families of this “You men and women do a great job Julie said she is a fan and remembers as see a lot of famous people in your life.”
installation had an opportunity to meet – we can’t thank you enough,” Leno told a child watching Leno on the tube with her
and take photos with Leno and his custom the audience. “I just wanted to person- parents. To have the installation host his The NTC and Fort Irwin commander,
vehicle, which is powered by an engine ally come up here and say ‘Thank you visit, was significant, she explained. Brig. Gen. Joseph Martin, chatted with
from a 1952 M-47 Patton tank. very much.’” Leno and rode off in the “tank car” after
“It’s such an honor just to meet him,” the photo session with the community.
Leno is a supporter of the military and Leno greeted and had his photo taken Julie said. “It’s a great opportunity for
this Army post, having hosted Soldiers to with Soldiers, families and civilian employ- us. A lot of people don’t know about this

National Training Center and Fort Irwin Commander Brig. Photo by Casey Slusser, NTC G3 TASC (Left to right) Pfc. John Savala, Sgt. Isidro Viramontes,
Gen. Joseph Martin gives a thumbs up as he rides with Jay Kamani Cooper, 8, a military family member here, got to sit Jay Leno, Spc. Louis Werrick and Pfc. Luke Risner. The
Leno in his “tank car.” in Jay Leno’s “tank car.” Soldiers are with the Recovery Section of Headquarters
and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored
Cavalry Regiment.

Karley Brown and Rhegan Limbaugh, both military spouses here, have their photo taken Julie Epstein, a military spouse here, and her daughter Jordan, 9, have their photo taken
with Jay Leno, June 1. with Jay Leno.

For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil Photos by Gustavo Bahena