Fort Irwin Hosts Gold Star Families

FORT IRWIN, Ca - September 29th, in celebration of National Gold Star Family Day, Fort Irwin welcomed its regional Families for a day of remembrance. The event is a local initiative through Fort Irwin's Survivor Outreach Services as the Army's community service programs prioritize the welfare of its people.

The day of events included a visit to Fort Irwin's historic Painted Rocks, lunch with Soldiers at the "Coyote Cafe" dining facility, formal welcome by the Garrison Commander, tour of the Heritage Center, and it concluded with a one-mile walk that commemorated those who fell in combat.

"Today, the National Training Center and Fort Irwin honors the sacrifices made by the military family members in this room," said Col. Lane A. Bomar, Fort Irwin's Garrison Commander, during his welcome. "Your grief and loss, is something that should be remembered every day."

Nine Gold Star Families and their Soldiers were honored: seven having members in attendance. The fallen honorees were:

Pfc. Sean Brake

Pfc. Cory Parker

Spc. Anthony Hollis

Cpl. Ronnie Parnell

Sgt. Andrew H. McConnell

Sgt. Jorge Luis Pena-Romero

Sgt. Brian Walker

Staff Sgt. Roberto Alejandres

Staff Sgt. Esau De La Pena-Hernandez

"This is our fifth year hosting this event; our goal is to reassure survivors that they remain valued members of the Army Family," said Shawanna Turner Lee, Fort Irwin's Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator. "Our services include grief counseling, financial counseling, benefits coordination, support groups, garrison and surrounding area events."

Families, attendees, and streamers expressed gratitude in many formats, however the most impactful were the tears of genuine care and sincerity.

"Thank you for the amazing day," commented Gold Star Family member Christina Arvallo Hollis, in person and on social media.