Soldiers march, raise funds for vets home

BARSTOW • About 300 soldiers from Fort Irwin trekked a three-mile stretch to the Veterans Home of Barstow to show support and raise money for its residents Monday.

The event, which included a march and lunch at the veterans home, was organized by the Association of the United States Army High Desert Chapter, which raised $3,804 this year with the help of soldiers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, according to AUSA chapter president Calvin Phillips.

Barstow residents Terri and Mike Ulibarri watched the soldiers parade past the corner of Barstow Road and Virginia Way, where the couple has staked a post since the 13th Annual Foot March first began.

“This is our spot,” said Mike, a retired Army Vietnam veteran. Soldiers, also accompanied by Santa Claus, waved and said “Merry Christmas” to onlookers like Terri as they marched by.

“We want them to know that there’s people who really appreciate what they do,” said Terri who’s son, Jason, is in the Navy.

The march began at the Harvey House, crossed the First Street bridge, continued through downtown Main Street, and uphill on Barstow Road. According to Col. Paul Laughlin, one local veteran joined the marchers as they passed the Del Taco on North First Avenue.

The jaunt ended 45 minutes later at the veterans home where the 11th ACR spent time with soldiers from another era.

For Spc. Nyakeni Chan, having lunch with Navy retiree David Dees was a chance for the 33-year-old Fort Irwin soldier to learn about Dees past serving on the USS Yuma in 1964. But for Dees, visiting with Chan allowed him to share his gratitude for current soldiers who volunteer to be deployed to troubled places overseas.

“These people are taking our place,” said Dees, “where we once were. I’m very proud of them.”

Laughlin, regimental commander of the 11th ACR, addressed the veterans home residents, expressing thanks for their past service and presenting a Christmas poster signed by the hundreds of soldiers in attendance.

“That is a very small token of our appreciation,” Laughlin said.

Veterans home resident Dean Jernigan said watching the march brought back memories of when he served in the Air Force. The native of Van Nuys enlisted at age 18 upon finishing high school.

“I like to see the young guys,” said Jernigan, 78.

“We’re all proud of our military and what they did — and they’re proud of us,” he said.

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(760) 256-4122 or elee@desertdispatch.com