Jay Leno thanks Fort Irwin Soldiers, families

By Mr. Gustavo Bahena (Irwin)June 4, 2015

Jay Leno and Kamani Cooper, 8, a military family member here
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Pfc. John Savala, Sgt. Isidro Viramontes, Jay Leno, Spc. Louis Werrick and Pfc. Luke Risner
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National Training Center and Fort Irwin Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Martin and Jay Leno drive off
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Julie Epstein, a military spouse here, and her daughter Jordan, 9 with Jay Leno
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NTC and Fort Irwin Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Martin gives a thumbs with Jay Leno
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Soldiers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and its Horse Detachment with Jay Leno
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FORT IRWIN, Calif. -- Former "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno visited the National Training Center and Fort Irwin with his "tank car," June 1.

Soldiers, leadership and families of this installation had an opportunity to meet and take photos with Leno and his custom vehicle, which is powered by an engine from a 1952 M-47 Patton tank.

Leno is a supporter of the military and this Army post, having hosted Soldiers to tapings of his talk show that would air on Thanksgiving Day.

This morning, on a stage, Fort Irwin United States Army Garrison Commander Col. Jon Braga introduced Leno to a crowd, who cheered and applauded.

"You men and women do a great job -- we can't thank you enough," Leno told the audience. "I just wanted to personally come up here and say 'Thank you very much.'"

Julie Epstein, a military spouse here and her daughter, Jordan, 9, were all smiles as Leno put his arm on Julie's shoulder during a photo opportunity. He told Jordan, "I'm an old man who used to be on TV."

Julie said she is a huge fan and remembers first watching Leno as a child with her parents. To have the installation host his visit, was significant, she explained.

"It's such an honor just to meet him," Julie said. "It's a great opportunity for us. A lot of people don't know about this area, what they do here and how much the Soldiers work. They do a lot, and so for Jay Leno to come here and appreciate what they do, I think it's amazing."

Jordan described Leno's car as great, and had this to say about meeting a celebrity: "It's amazing … because you don't get to see a lot of famous people in your life."

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National Training Center and Fort Irwin