Saudi Arabian officials commend city's hospitality

BARSTOW • The City of Barstow received one of its more unusual recognitions on Monday — words of praise from Middle Eastern delegates.

Officials from the Saudi Arabian National Guard — or SANG — visited Barstow for the second time in a year while observing training at Fort Irwin and according to the delegates, Barstow’s hospitality was worthy of commendation.

Saudi officials spent five days doing everything from observing field artillery training at the National Training Center to hitting up shops at Tanger Outlet Mall. During their visit, the delegates found the city and its people to be warm and hospitable, according to Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Gharni who noted the growing relationship between Barstow and SANG.

“It is strengthening with the passing of time,” Al-Gharni said through an interpreter on Monday.

Four delegates recognized Assistant City Manager Martin Piñon and Sgt. Tim Heiden of the Barstow Police Department on behalf of the city by presenting a plaque with SANG’s crest and two bills, or “riyals,” of Saudi Arabian currency. Heiden and other officials helped escort the delegates to and from Fort Irwin and gave them information about the city.

In response to the delegate’s commendations, Piñon presented the four officials with a key to the City of Barstow.

“It’s pretty much a symbolic gesture on the city’s part,” said Piñon, meaning that the delegates are welcome back anytime in the future.

The delegates were following up on an April 2009 visit to the National Training Center. According to fort spokesman John Wagstaffe, SANG is looking to build a similar combat training center in Saudi Arabia.

“Many of the foreign visitors are fascinated because they want to start NTC’s of their own in their countries,” he said.

According to Maj. Charles Cogger, the U.S. Army’s SANG liaison, Saudi officials have picked out a few pieces of land and have begun to gather resources and personnel for their own training center but haven’t yet begun construction.

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