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www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin 3High Desert Warrior
June 5, 2015
Leadership
Garrison command team will miss installation, great people
By Gustavo Bahena Col. Jon Braga years, such as the flood of opportunities for involve- “Always
2013. The flood affected ment and volunteering are strive to do the best you
Public Affairs Office ferent approaches – we’re more than 100 buildings also available. can to be part of the team,”
thinking more strategi- and caused approximately Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Es-
For the command team cally, we’re even attacking $100 million in damages. There have been new murria said. “It takes dedication
of Col. Jon Braga and things from a very dif- Repairs continue to this and developing activities to your craft, living a responsible
Command Sgt. Maj. Car- ferent way, because we’ve day and personnel who such as the Mud and Guts life, taking care of your family,
los Esmurria, leaving Fort evolved. To me those are have worked on the recov- Run, the 50th Commemo- and it takes supporting initia-
Irwin in July will be a bit- the memorable moments ery have done so in a very ration of the Vietnam War, tives and supporting the
tersweet moment. – seeing that growth, be- selfless way, Braga said. It The Day of Gratitude –
ing at a command and comes down to attitude. where Gold Star families community.”
The two have been at staff (meeting) and seeing were honored, and the
the helm of Fort Irwin people talk differently or Esmurria described the Better Opportunities for Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Esmurria
United States Army Gar- approach ideas differently, right attitude as true dedi- Single Soldiers program.
rison, the organization that because the culture has cation and making choices Esmurria praised the ad-
manages the cantonment changed – and we have to be part of a solution. vances made by BOSS in
area of this military instal- allowed for that change its participation.
lation, since mid-2013. to happen. To me that is “ You have a choice
It will be 24 months by what is very memorable for and you have an attitude,” “That was a young ser-
the time the change of me – just seeing that inner Esmurria said. “For me geant who just had the
command ceremony takes growth in our population personally, I look forward initiative and the drive to
place, July 15. and how that has affected coming to work every day, want to make something
the community at large at because I have a great boss. happen and we had a great
In that time, Braga and the NTC.” And we have great com- rise in the BOSS program –
Esmurria, have been part mand teams and we have everything from volunteer-
of a team whose mission is The garrison command- some great people who ing to leisure,” Esmurria
to sustain and improve the er also expressed approval truly are in it, not for said about Sgt. Kohl Bebee.
quality of life of Soldiers of the teamwork at USAG. themselves, but to make
and family members who a program or the instal- The command sergeant
reside on this military in- “I feel the pride of the lation a better place. For major stated his mantra
stallation – an installation garrison team realizing me it was good to get up of: live a life of service and
with a very significant mis- they are part of the eco- in the morning and come make every minute count.
sion. That mission, which system, here, and that their to work.”
affects military readiness, individual and collective “Always strive to do the
involves everyone here in efforts actually directly The colonel stated that best you can to be part of
some manner, said Braga. affects the readiness of the for those who serve here the team,” Esmurria said.
Army and national secu- – although a remote loca- “It takes dedication to your
“The whole reason the rity,” Braga said. tion – the opportunities craft, living a responsible
National Training Center to perform their craft or life, taking care of your
exists is for readiness of Braga and Esmurria military occupational spe- family, and it takes sup-
brigade combat teams,” recounted some of the cialty are present. Other porting initiatives and sup-
Braga said. “I hope in our events and projects that porting the community.”
collective efforts that we took place these past two
have added to the resil- Braga acknowledged
iency of the community that it is not always easy
that directly relates to the and appreciates the dedica-
readiness of the Army and tion by the workforce.
the mission of the NTC.”
“The magic really is
Also in that timeframe, the great team here in
the garrison team of Sol- this remote and isolated
diers and civilian employ- environment – this harsh
ees has gone through a environment, with reduced
development that has di- resources, reduced man-
rectly affected how chal- power – but still making
lenges and projects for the mission at the end of the
benefit of the community day in supporting this
have been worked on, said community,” Braga said.
Esmurria.
Braga also praised his
“We introduced a new right-hand man and said
culture, a new vision, what he was happy to be chang-
our mission is going to be ing command the same day
and how we’re going to as Esmurria relinquishes
[approach] leader devel- responsibility.
opment,” Esmurria said
of the USAG team. “And “Proud to have served
we’ve grown immensely alongside my battle bud-
in that – in just how we dy,” Braga said. “Could
think and how we ap- not have asked for a better
proach things. We have dif- teammate.”
“Likewise sir,” Esmurria
said with a big smile.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil
