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Feacebook.com/HighDesertWarrior July 2, 2015

Selfless Service

Leadership honors Army’s 240th birthday with

Barstow Veterans

Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena

Public Affairs Office

Leadership of Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison celebrated

alongside Veterans of the California Veterans Home in Barstow the

Army’s birthday, June 12.

The tribute to the Army’s 240th birthday (June 14) also included a

cake cutting by the oldest and youngest Veteran at the ceremony.

Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Esmurria spoke at the celebration, led

the singing of the Army song, and shook hands with residents and staff

of the facility.

“I’m honored to spend the Army’s 240th birthday with you,”

Esmurria told the audience, which included Veterans going back to

World War II.

Esmurria explained that the American people, since the begin-

nings of the Army, have trusted and placed their freedom and safety

in the hands of the U.S. Army – which today is an unprecedented

all-volunteer force. The audience included Veterans going back to World War II.

“The Army’s story is truly America’s story,” Esmurria said. “Young

men and women of all cultural backgrounds, races, genders, different

political and religious beliefs, raise their hand each and every day for the

service of our nation.”

The command sergeant major, who has served since 1984, contin-

ued: “Whether you are a Soldier, a Veteran, a family member, an Army

civilian or a part of the community which supports the Army, you are

part of a cherished organization. History will gloriously record what you

have accomplished, not only for our country, but also for the men and

women of the free world. The Army is, and always has been, the strength

of our nation.”

Esmurria asked for Army Veterans to be recognized and those who

were able to stand, did so.

“Thank you for your service,” Esmurria said.

Ken Garner, an Army Veteran who served from 1972-74 and origi-

nally from Compton, Calif., has lived at the Barstow Veterans Home for

almost a year and said he enjoyed the festivity.

“I’m glad that we’re not forgotten,” Garner said. “It’s been a pleasure. Army Veterans Cliff Hilliker and Mark Collings cut Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Command Sgt.
I appreciate it.” a cake during a celebration for the Army’s 240th Maj. Carlos Esmurria shook hands with residents of the
birthday. Hilliker and Collings were the youngest California Veterans Home in Barstow during a 240th Army
His message to his fellow Veterans at the home was: “I love you and oldest Veterans present at the ceremony. birthday celebration.
all, I appreciate your service, I appreciate your friendship and your
kindness too.”

Left to right: Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Esmurria, Valerie Wilson serves a slice of cake to Ken Garner, an Army Vietnam-era Veteran and
Robert Washington (retired sergeant major) and Charlie Ross - Army Veteran and resident resident of the California Veterans Home in Barstow. Wilson is a supervisor of set-ups at
of the California Veterans Home in Barstow. They attended a celebration of the Army’s the home.
240th birthday (June 14) on June 12 at the home.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil