Troopers from 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment led by Col. John L. Ward (center) march in the Annual Veterans Home Memorial March in Barstow, Calif., Dec. 12. The march started at the Barstow Train Museum and ended at the Barstow Veterans Home.
Troopers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment held a three-mile march through the city of Barstow, Dec 12.
The march started at the Barstow Train Museum and ended at the California State Veterans Home in Barstow. The march included a Cavalry mounted color guard and police escort. People lined the streets to see the Troopers as they went by.
“After a little digging I discovered we have been doing this march since 1997,” said Col. John L. Ward, Commander of the 11th ACR. “It is important for us as a unit to keep up these traditions.”
Troopers from 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment break bread with Veterans living at the California State Veterans Home in Barstow, Dec. 12. Troopers laughed and traded stories with the Veterans, showing everyone involved that once you are a service member you will always be a brother or sister in arms bound by traditions.
At the Veterans Home troopers took the opportunity to have a meal and converse with heroes of yesteryear who live at the home. Veterans and Troopers took the time to compare the service of today with the service of the past and point out the same binding traditions that have lasted throughout the years.
“I love getting the chance to go down there and talk to the Veterans,” said Spc. Joshua D. Spann, a Trooper with Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th ACR. “The stories that they tell you from their services are amazing. It really is a great way to connect to the history and traditions of the Army and other Armed Forces.”
A huge banner signed by all of the Troopers participating in the march was given to the home to commemorate the event. A check donation of $3,000 was also presented to the home.
Troopers laughed and traded stories with the Veterans, showing everyone involved that once you are a service member you will always be a brother or sister in arms bound by traditions.
Troopers from 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment signed a memorial banner for the Annual Veterans Home Memorial March in Barstow, Calif., Dec. 12. The banner was signed by all of the troopers participating in the march and was given to the home to commemorate the event.
