New documentary reflects on Yuma Proving Ground’s importance to Army history

Turning 250 years old, the Army is filled with rich stories fueled by the countless active duty Soldiers and retirees who continue to create history.

U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is no different with its vast historical background dating back to the 1940s.

As a way to commemorate YPG’s involvement in Army history, there was a special screening of the short film documentary ‘Tested by Fire: The Yuma Proving Ground story’ the week of the Army’s 250th birthday.

The screening took place in the atrium of YPG’s Bracamonte Range Operations Center (BROC) at lunchtime on June 9. The atrium was decorated with chairs, cups of complimentary popcorn, and a poster board recognizing Soldiers for their service with QR codes linking to their stories created by Public Affairs Specialist Ana Henderson.

Before the screening, opening remarks were given by YPG Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Millare, thanking YPG’s Plans Division who planned the event and the YPG Public Affairs Office for creating the video itself. The two behind the documentary are YPG’s Public Affairs Officer Mark Schauer and Visual Information Manager Eugene Garcia.

“Much of America in world history was influenced by what the Army has done here in Yuma,” said Col. John Nelson, YPG commander, told the audience in a video message. “I hope you appreciate this incredibly proud history that you’re a part of and that you know how grateful the Army is for your efforts.”

Afterwards a narration by Schauer begins detailing the history of YPG’s involvement in the Army in World War II and the subsequent wars America has faced and how YPG has played a critical role in weapon testing to succeed aiding Soldiers with high quality defense.

“The video is a testament to what we do at YPG,” Millare. “YPG does everything professionally and so does the team.”

The documentary was the idea of Nelson, who wanted to dedicate a video for the Army’s 250th birthday on June 14 showcasing the significant history of YPG.

“So, I wrote the script,” said Schauer. “I narrated it, but the visual brilliance was entirely Gene Garcia’s doing.”

The information compiled within the documentary came from Schauer’s extensive knowledge of YPG’s history, stemming from many sources such as the many Soldiers he has met giving first-hand accounts of their time at YPG, and his time being there.

“I have worked here for a little over 17 years in this office. So, just being exposed to it over that length of time I picked it up.”

Additionally, within the documentary there were a plethora of visuals. Showcasing tanks, missiles, and other weaponry all tested at YPG, utilizing “in house” footage from the Army’s archives.

“The video had history in it from us,” said Garcia. “It’s like I was working with past employees to build this video. I was working with the people back then to kind of show what YPG does to this day.”

Anyone who would like to watch the documentary in person can come to YPG’s ceremony for the Army’s birthday being held at the Colorado River State Historic Park, located at 201 N. 4th Avenue in Yuma, on June 14. Alternatively, the documentary is publicly available on YPG’s YouTube channel and the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) for those unable to attend. The YouTube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b8OjGu3NCY.