A GRAND FAREWELL
More than 100 senior officers, senior NCOs, Airmen, citizen leaders, elected officials and their representatives turned out Friday for a tribute to outgoing 412th Test Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Matthew W. Higer, ranking officer and commander at Edwards Air Force Base. In turn, BG Higer expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude for his wing commanders, and their chiefs and Airmen. He said, ultimately, service is an action of love and caring. The troops care for the mission and each other, and the leaders carry responsibility to care for and about the welfare and wellbeing of their troops while staying focused on the mission of supporting the warfighters. Higer took command of the 412th Test Wing, effectively serving as commander of Edwards AFB, just as the pandemic swept the nation in 2020. It became the base mission of the “Flight Test Center of the Universe” to protect the force during the pandemic and to maintain operational tempo. “We didn’t come through unscathed, but everyone worked together, Higer said at his farewell fete held at Club Muroc. “And I have you to Thank for that, all the people who made it happen.” Click on the images to view gallery.
GREAT AMERICAN SUMMER EVENING
The Edwards Civilian Military Support Group, Civ-Mil, hosted its Annual Summer Barbecue at Lane Hacienda Ranch. Civ-Mil President Matthew Winheim introduced Brig. Gen. Matthew W. Higer, outgoing commander of 412th Test Wing. Higer lauded the group formed more than 30 years ago by the late local business leader Aida O’Connor. “You’re my people,” Higer said. “You never ask for anything. You never ask to have something or to do something on the base. You only ask ‘How can we help serve the Airmen of whatever rank or stripe on the base.” Later in the evening, the Civ-Mil Scholarship Committee awarded $3,000 in education support for Airmen serving at Edwards. Shared the enjoyment of the evening with friends from Coffee4Vets, Juan and Atherine Blanco, Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s assistant field deputy Charles Bostwick and Rep. Mike Garcia’s veteran services advocate Christine Ward, and EAFB Base protocol team MyNga Day and Brandon Roque. Click on the images to view gallery.
Battlefield Cross Reveal
Join us near the flagpole for a reveal of the Battlefield Cross, a statue to honor and respect soldiers killed on the battlefield. Battlefield Cross Reveal Thursday, July 27, 5 pm Poncitlán Square 38315 9th St. East The statue was selected with the feedback and support of local Veterans groups who assisted with the 2022 Healing and Honor Field: American Legion Post 348, Antelope Valley Community Action Coalition, Coffee 4 Vets, Point Man Antelope Valley, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3000 and 3552, and Vets 4 Veterans.
DARKHORSE MARINES
GET SOME FOR DARKHORSE MARINES – Got 5K for Joey Lopez-Pratti and his fallen and surviving brothers of the 3/5 Marines. The 5K Run-Walk raises funds for the Darkhorse Lodge, a retreat ranch for Marinés recovering from the wounds, seen and unseen, of the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq after 9/11. “This is what we do to turn our hurt into help,” Joey’s brother, Arthur Pratti, told the 200 runners assembled. Joey Lopez-Pratti, part of great Rosamond family of Christian faith, was one of 25 Marines killed in 2010 deployment of 3/5 Marines in Sangin Province. Additionally 184 wounded with three dozen to amputation from Improvised Explosive Devices. Among the hardest tours of duty for Post 9/11 Marines against Taliban. Rogue One MC of Rosamond cycled out as escort from start line. Jin Hur, Tony Tortolano and Juan Blanco cooked up burritos to serve before and after as support from Crazy Otto’s Diner Avenue I and Coffee 4 Vets. Julia and I suited up and made the course. Our times? Don’t ask, but we finished. Click on the images to view gallery.
Coffee 4 Vets BBQ
Had a fun day today volunteering at the Lancaster Elks lodge; Coffee 4 Vets put on a bbq to thank all our veterans for their service! It’s amazing to have the opportunity to be apart of wonderful things! LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!!!! Thank you to all that have served!!!! Click on the images to view gallery.
Antelope Valley Veterans BBQ
Coffee4VETS, Inc is inviting our veteran’s community to our 2023 BBQ on Memorial Day at BPOE Elks Lodge 1625, 204 E. Ave K, Lancaster from 12n – 4pm. The Boggie Woggie Mommas will be performing and our Young Martines will be posting colors. Bring the family and join in the camaraderie and a great meal together. Look forward to seeing you. Please be safe in your travels. This day we remember the fallen who paved the way for our future. The Shopping for our Antelope Valley Veterans BBQ is completed. Yea! It indeed was a rewarding adventuring with our VPAN Team who’s our sponsor of our 2023. Together we “ROCK” the stores. Yes, stores to get all the ingredients for a successful BBQ for our AV veterans. Many thanks to our Partners Jimmie, James and Veronica at VPAN. Thank you Chef Tony and our President, Juan Blanco. Thank you Lt. Comm Walter Sapp for hosting us at B.O.P.E. Elks Lodge 1625, 240 E. Ave K, Lancaster. Together, We are ready. Click on the images to view gallery.
Dream Flight
This was originally Posted by Ronald Klumpp… Prestige Assisted Living of Lancaster arranged for the Veterans from the facility to go on a “Dream Flight” today. Each Veteran sat in the front seat of a 1942 Stearman PT-18 Biplane as the pilot flew them around the Antelope Valley (About a 15 minute flight). In honor of his WWII service, our Dad Bill was also asked to sign the tail of the plane to commemorate his flight. There were hundreds of WWII signatures on the tail. Bill truly enjoyed the flight and was humbled by the honor. All in all….I think he had an incredible time. Click on the images to view gallery.