OPE EVERYONE IS ENJOYING THE SUMMER WEATHER and all the events taking place thru out the high desert. For those of us that grew up, or have lived where there were four seasons, here we seem to only have winter and summer.
My favorite season has always been Fall, with Spring right behind it. And where do I live? Where there is neither of them to any extent. Yet I love living in the high desert, even without my two favorite seasons.
Speaking of seasons, our lives also follow a similar pattern. For those of us in the winters of our lives where we have reached that point where each day is truly a blessing and the future is not taken for granted, I think it is called Old Age. Our families, health and peace of mind are our priorities.
I do have a request to our readers, where you can add your knowledge to our TEAM. Do you know of a business in the High Desert that offers discounts, special offers or is devoted to servicing Seniors & Veterans? Share who they are with us by e-mail or text. We will reach out to them to include them in our upcoming directory.
For those of you that read my editorials know I always ask you to support our advertisers by letting them know you enjoy the PULSE.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY.
66jimconkle@gmail.com
CRUZIN’ BUDDIES
By J.P.Garner
THEY’RE OLD AND BOLD and they all have one thing in common: a love of classic cars. Among the membership are guys who raced at the salt flats at Bonneville, wrote for Hot Rod magazine, ran an old Model “A” at El Mirage Dry Lakes, and another who ran into burning buildings when everyone else was running out.
At their Facebook page, along with gobs of photos of car shows they’ve attended and sponsored, you’ll see that the Cruzin’ Buddies Car Club, of Apple Valley, Ca., was founded in 2000 [but they are] a nonsanctioned club [that[ works hard at being active in all High Desert car club events in support of local charities.
Time and a new generation of car enthusiasts who favor low-riding, big muffler bangers to restoring classics has whittled their number down to a little over 60 members. According to Lee Thyer, a member for twenty years, “We’re a social club [that has] some nice cars.”
Originally, the club was going to be called the Boozin’ Buddies, but they quickly realized that wouldn’t work. And they’re not sanctioned. Jack Lindsay explains that “. . . the Association of California Car Clubs would ask, where’s your charter? Where’s your by-laws? Where’s this and that? We’ve never had any of that, and that’s why this club is big. At one time, we had 110 families and [close to] 120 cars.”
But when the Cruzin’ Buddies gather and make a run to a car show, they often
receive the participation trophy for the most members. “We’ve won [because we’ve had] the most cars show up.”
He cites as an example the car club in Jess Ranch. “They’re sanctioned,” he explains. “They raise money for charities and things like that, so they have a car show at Jess Ranch. The majority of cars are Cruzin’ Buddies cars
According to Beryl Grohs who, for the interview, turns into the club historian, “The club started around 2000 with four guys. There’s only one left of the four. The other three passed away. One of the original members was Jim Atchison. His wife Corine, is the one that owns these buildings,” Beryl refers to the complex of office buildings off Tonikan Avenue.
Beyond car shows and charity events, the Cruzin Buddies conduct “runs” to diferente cities or locations. “We’ll get a run to Big Bear as an example. There’s another club up there called the Rod Riders. We do runs to a lot of restaurants and car shows that are close and convenient.
“We’ve also done the Route 66 run which start at Kingman, Arizona. It runs to a little town called Seligman. There’s like 2,000 cars on that run.”
On one occasion, there was an antiSuper Bowl run, as guys were supposedly into baseball. As Jack explains the rebellion, “We were gonna take the cars and go up to Peggy Sue’s. Well, then it got bigger and bigger and bigger. It even started attracting people from Las Vegas.” He pauses and smiles as he recalls, “But then it got pretty noticeable that the guys were sneaking off earlier and earlier to go home to watch football.”
But the thing that might unravel this culture is the state of California . . . the smog laws. According to Jack, “There’s a million cars out here that are on the SWOG program. They don’t have any anti-smog features. The state hates it. One stroke of a pen could wipe us all out because none of these cars aren’t smart. Because of attrition and the fact that young people aren’t interested in this stuff, they’re just letting it go. It’ll take care of itself.”
The club meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. They pledge allegiance to the flag before every meeting. Anyone interested in classic cars, camaraderie, and comic relief is welcome to attend and join. “We do a lot of breakfast meetings. I guess there’s something every morning. Especially at Denny’s every Saturday. Yeah. Almost every morning.
We have a round table, we call it.”
The club is free to join, “. . . but a thousand dollars to leave,” Jack jokes.
How to mentally prepare for retirement?
Liz McGiffin, MBA (Marketing Director Choice Medical Group/Senior Kicks Club)
WITH OVER 2600 SENIOR KICKS CLUB MEMBERS , we get to hear about all the wonderful lives of our seniors; their families and past careers and their retirement. As I approach the next chapter of my life, I always enjoy asking “how was it when you ‘pulled the plug’ and left the professional life behind?” I love my job and struggle with the day that I no longer have a career. I can’t imagine a life of leisure. Thankfully, our seniors provided some tips … you need to mentally prepare. You can’t just ‘pull the plug’. So here is a list of the top suggestions which ironically, the Senior Kicks Club offers the solutions with the daily lunches, exercise programs and classes.
“The truth is, retiring is a life-changing event that requires an adjustment of daily habits and routines that you may have had for decades”, shares Mary. “Indulging in critical soul-searching and self-discovery pre-retirement will help you prepare for a new lifestyle emotionally and come up with a plan for a perfect retirement life.”
So, where do you start? Here are a few tips on how to mentally prepare for retirement:
Think about what you want
Beginning with the end in mind, consider what you could do to fill your newfound hours of freedom! Retirement can be thrilling! So, planning how best to enjoy it will surely bring about excitement.
Whether it’s picking up new activities such as painting or golfing, giving back through volunteering at local charities or reconnecting with family and friends – whatever sparks joy for you will make retirement even more pleasurable.
Having something concrete that energizes you during this transition period may also help ease any apprehensions related to the changes brought on by retiring.
Surround yourself with positive role models
Another great way to prepare for retirement emotionally is by surrounding yourself with positive role models who are already enjoying their golden years.
Consider speaking with retired friends or family members to gain insights into their retirement experiences. Listen to their stories and emotions to help you better understand what to expect before you make the decision to retire.
Start exploring new passions/ hobbies
Retirement opens up opportunities reserved only for weekends previously because now retired people can pursue interests without fear of the lack of time as they no longer have set schedules. That means it’s time to take up that new hobby, learn a new skill, or volunteer in something you’re passionate about!
Studies prove that retirees who keep busy with hobbies and activities are often
physically and mentally healthier. For example, join golf/tennis clubs or try a book club if you are yearning to head into the next chapter with purpose.
Stay physically fit
Lastly, staying physically fit should also be on top of your priority list while mentally preparing for retirement. A healthy body equals a healthy mind, after all!
Support & Resources in the High Desert!
Senior Kicks Club offers everything you need to keep yourself active, social and healthy! Meet your role models at lunch or at their variety of classes. The Smart Senior Series are workshops, seminars and classes are informative and educational. Painting/Crafting classes will help keep you busy and social and their Physical Fit programs guarantee different ways to move your body and calm your mind. Volunteering in the community will make you feel good – join their Open Arms volunteers – a fun group that are passionate to help those in need.
Senior Resource Center is a valuable resource that will better prepare you for retirement – at no charge!! Begin there when you need anything senior-related. From signing up for Senior Kicks Club, requesting support/resources, registering for classes and lunch program or if you have questions regarding Medicare. They are available and ready to guide you through this next chapter of your life. 760.338.0914 * 18564 Highway 18, Suite 106, Apple Valley.
Need additional help to mentally and emotionally transition from work to retirement? Sign up for the upcoming ‘Preparing for Retirement’ workshop that provides tips, tricks with humor – so that your Golden Years will be Golden!
San Bernardino County Fair
A Chat About Parkinson’s
IT WAS ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE MEETINGS …so good that no one wanted to leave. Maxine DiDonato of Victor Valley Community Services Council knocked it out of the park. I wish everyone over the age of 60 could have been there.
Here’s what the 501c3 VVCSC is all about: Iif you are 60 or older, regardless of income, you can get free services for many things. They help with minor home repairs, chores, homemaker assistance, shopping trips, telephone reassurance, local transportation, fall prevention, and so much more. If you are of age, just call them, 760-243-4762, and say you want to register for “senior services”, so when you need them, they will have your information. And by the way, they are coming back this week to get rid of my weeds for the second year, cuz I’m old enough! To learn more, go to vvcsc@vvcsc.com for the website. (Do you need a light bulb changed and
you can’t reach it or are you afraid you will fall? Give them a call).
In other news, can dance help you manage your Parkinson’s? Yes! More than you realize. Dance, whether you dance in a structured group or solo in your kitchen, delivers the same Parkinson’s-specific motor and non-motor attributes that other forms of exercise do while offering some unique benefits.
When you dance, you engage in a richly-evolved art form, harnessing the power of music, imagery, and expression to experience movement in a fun, creative way. When you dance, you think about movement like a dancer -– with intention, rhythm, and a creative, problem-solving mindset. Many people with Parkinson’s comment that dance can motivate you to start moving and keep moving, no matter what stage of Parkinson’s you’re in. Dance can restore your self-image and bring you joy. Music, in general, can be so good for you.
by Ann Miner
• Every style of dance offers similar core benefits. Find a style you like and make dancing a habit.
• Don’t worry about perfection. Focus on learning and doing as much as you can and remember that the essence of dance is joy.
• There’s nothing wrong with dancing safely at home (it’s better with a partner) but joining a group class online or in a studio offers the additional benefits of social interaction, a sense of community.
• Think like a dancer even when you’re not technically dancing. Use music while you’re walking down the street, use imagery to take that first step out of bed in the morning, move big like you’re performing on stage, and stop, think, and plan yourmovements as a choreographed dance sequence if you ever find yourself feeling stuck or frozen.
These four suggestions come from the Davis Phinney Foundaton for Parkinson’s manual Every Victory Counts
Remember to dance your way to a Parkinson’s Meeting on the first Monday of every month at 1:00 pm, Choice Medical Bldg, 19111 Town Center Dr., Apple Valley. Friends and family are all welcome. Questions? 760-954-2859
IHandmade and Heartfelt: Local Artisans Create Gifts for Cancer Patients
By Cindy Bostick
n our High Desert community, we talk about the heroes who bring hope and light during the darkest times. While Today’s Woman Foundation values its small army of volunteers, it wishes to highlight three individuals who exemplify a spirit of leadership and compassion through their dedication to a special cause that touches many lives through a project known as Bundles of Hope. Since 2016, the organization has gifted over 1,000 boxes to High Desert women undergoing cancer treatment thanks to the volunteers who artfully decorated the boxes and lovingly made several of the items that go inside such as bracelets, beanies, scarves, and stress dolls.
Meet Catherine Schinhofen, Dorothy Vermeulen, and Rosanne Scholey. These three extraordinary creatives have been sharing their talents and leading classes to teach other volunteers how to handcraft beautiful items. Their efforts are not just about creating physical gifts but about weaving hope, love, and encouragement into every stitch, stroke of the brush, thread of bead, or design.
Catherine Schinhofen is an exceptionally skilled tole painter who was introduced to the Bundles of Hope project by a dear friend several years ago. She has personally hand-painted many stunning box tops and also switched out her paintbrushes to sew fabric stress dolls. Most recently, Catherine introduced a different and fun decorative technique using paper crafting and origami. “From the dozens and dozens of unique and beautiful Bundles of Hope gift boxes I’ve seen over the years, my goal for recipients is that they would feel happiness, hope, and encouragement in their fight against cancer,” adds Catherine.
Dorothy Vermeulen has supported the Bundles of Hope project over the past five years in several ways including sewing and stuffing stress dolls, crocheting beanies and scarves, and decorating boxes. Dorothy’s parents instilled in her the need to give back to her community and she offers the following message to those who are in treatment, “You are not alone. Surround yourself with family, friends, and others who are going through the same experience, and always stay strong in your faith and Jesus foremost.”
Rosanne Scholey shares, “I have been making crocheted beanies for years for the homeless and local VA hospitals. Last Christmas, I was approached about making beanies for the Bundles project and I got my hook going! Spurred by holiday yarn sales, I began crocheting and have not stopped. After looking at the beanies, I decided they needed a crocheted flower to make the ladies feel better about themselves. With Dorothy Vermeulen’s help and patience, we came up with printed patterns that could be given to others who wanted to join us.”
Cindy Bostick, Today’s Woman Foundation Executive Director, extends profound appreciation to Catherine, Dorothy, Rosanne,
and everyone who has been a part of the Bundles of Hope project over the years. “Women wear many hats and when we are unwell, there’s a ripple effect impacting the family unit, workplace, and community. Together we are stronger and who knows, maybe one day, this awful disease will be conquered.”
To learn more about Bundles of Hope and other Today’s Woman Foundation projects, visit www.todayswomanfoundation. org or contact the organization at Todayswomanfoundation@gmail.com.
Slice ofLife
THE WRITERS
THEY JOURNEY INTO THE PAST , meander in the present, and venture into the future. Their heroes and heroines reside in strange places, western towns, and alternate dimensions. They fight demons, wizards, gunslingers, and that worst of all villains: themselves. Their imaginations know no boundary and, with skills honed over the years, they fashion stories of wonder, awe, and suspense.
They are writers . . . members of the High Desert Branch of the California Writers Club which has clubs in 22 different cities in the state and two members in Tuscon, AZ.
Th Apple Valley contingent numbers over 100 members, and they meet regularly the second Saturday of each month at
the Jess Ranch Church. Among the many activities the Club sponsors, writers meet in Author/Artist Richard Zone’s house the third Tuesday of each month and receive a class on various aspects of the craft, from character development to the writing of dialogue.
The subject of the most recent meeting, conducted by Jenny Margotta, who is a prominent Editor of all manner of written publications, but especially books, and is also the author of The Woman in Room 23, was the Art of Public Speaking.
The meetings are called Salons.
According to the World History Encyclopedia, salons originated in France and were “a private social gathering where a mixture of guests openly discussed art, literature, philosophy, music, and politics.”
By J.P.Garner
The club’s focus, however, is how to be a better writer.
The HDCWC proudly touts the accomplishments of its members whose books have won contests and awards, are installed at the Smithsonian Institute, and are readily available at Amazon. Lawyers, veterans, teachers and a variety of other professions fill out the Club’s membership rolls.
If you have a hankering to write, an idea for a story or even a book, especially a memoir, just come to a meeting and signup. Everyone is welcome regardless of age. As mentioned, the club meets on the second Saturday of each month, from 10:00-12:00, at the Jess Ranch Community Church on Apple Valley Road. Afterward, a bunch of writers gather at La Casita’s in Spring Valley Lake for a hearty lunch and more of what we love to do other than write: talk.
To quote Mark Twain, “Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.”
Beware of Deserts Bearing Gifts:
It Can Be Deadly
By Jaylyn And John Earl www.thedesertway.com
SOMETIMES A DESERT is like a Trojan horse. Few desert rats disagree that the desert can be a beautiful, magical place. It’s wide open horizons and endless views across miles of sand, cacti, Joshua Trees, boulders and mountains, especially at sunrise and sunset, can be captivating. The allure is reminiscent of a Siren’s song though that can trick you like a ship upon a sandy sea, drawing you closer to the rocks until it’s too late. The desert holds its secrets. It lies, it cajoles and beguiles until you let your guard down. Then it can strike like a coiled rattler without warning and have deadly consequences to those unprepared to deal with its wrath. Experienced desertphiles realize the desert environment has inherent dangers of extremes, but surprisingly it is often the experienced hikers who may vanish into thin air, just as much as neophyte city dwellers overwhelmed with the beauty of the desert and woefully underprepared to handle an emergency when one developed. Some become high profile missing persons cases, while others may go practically unnoticed. Unresolved cases may go on for years, long after search efforts have ceased. People will often be alone when trouble finds them,
but there are exceptions.
Getting lost without adequate water in the summer is a common thread among many of the desert’s victims. Add mental illness, drugs or elevated emotions like anger or panic to the mix and the possibility of death or serious injury becomes even more likely. Some people may assume that being in a national park setting, like Joshua Tree, assures their safety due to the oftentimes mistaken idea that others will never be too far off to help if trouble arises. Humans get comfortable in their urban habitats, but out in the desert where harsh Mother Nature reigns supreme, is an entirely different matter altogether.
Many may not realize most national parks, like Joshua Tree, usually have no cell phone service. Help will no longer be a quick call away. Distances become tricky to judge, even for experts. Oftentimes it is much farther than someone can guess. Despite searing hot days, temperatures often plummet at night and hypothermia can set in. Being inattentive to ones surroundings or going off-path can lead to confusion.
There are lots of reasons a simple trip can turn disastrous and the desert is a very unforgiving place. By reading the tragedies enumerated here, we hope
that you can learn from their experiences and avoid making similar ones. These people are just a small portion of people who have lost their lives in the desert. Our utmost respect goes to their grieving families, and the dedicated searchers for their efforts.
According to the New York Times, on June 24, 2010, Bill Ewasko traveled alone from his home in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, to Joshua Tree National Park, where he planned to day hike over a period of several days. Ewasko, 66, was an avid jogger, a Vietnam vet and a longtime fan of the desert West. Ewasko left a rough itinerary behind with his girlfriend. Carey’s Castle was only one of several locations on Ewasko’s itinerary. Unfortunately, the list included sites as far-flung places more than an hour’s drive from the park.
A handful of other trails within the park were also featured on his list. There was Keys View, an overlook with views of the San Andreas Fault, as well as the exposed summit of Quail Mountain, Joshua Tree’s highest point, part of a slow transition into the park’s mountainous western region. Several days later, a California Highway Patrol helicopter finally spotted Ewasko’s car at the Juniper Flats trail head, nearly a 90-minute drive from the Carey’s Castle trail head. An intensive search was launched until resources were exhausted.
Experts discovered at 6:50 a.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2010, three days after Bill last spoke with his girlfriend, his cellphone pinged a Verizon tower just outside the park’s northwestern edge, above the town of Yucca Valley. This placed him so far beyond the official search area that, when rescuers first learned of the ping in 2010, many simply did not believe the data. An incoming rush of voice mail messages and texts would have crashed his weak battery before Bill could place a call.
Over the next 11 years, thousands of hours were spent by amateur sleuths continuing to search for Bill. Finally the big break everyone was hoping for happened
when a pair of backpackers from Tennessee were hiking in the backcountry and accidentally stumbled upon human skeletal remains in Joshua Tree National Park on February 9, 2022, nearly 10 miles from where Bill had last parked but only one mile from the main road. They found a back pack, car keys, an old flip-type cell phone and Bill Ewasko’s drivers license. At last, Bill would get to come home.
Lauren Cho, a 30-year old visual artist from New Jersey fondly called “El”, went mysteriously missing in Yucca Valley after walking away from her rented Airbnb in the late afternoon with only the clothes on her back on June 28, 2021. Friends and family figured she had walked off into the desert hills. Local news station KESQ reported she vanished without a trace. Close friends recalled she was upset before she left. A massive search effort was launched past two weeks but to no avail. Her case gained notoriety from Inside Edition, but there was also controversy because it was alleged that missing cases for women of color did not get the same widespread sensational attention, as in the recent case of YouTuber Gabby Petito, who mysteriously disappeared during the summer of 2021 while on a cross-country trip in her van with a boyfriend.
Four months later, authorities confirmed that previously unidentified remains found on October 9, 2021, in the rugged terrain of the open desert between Morongo Valley and Yucca Valley, were indeed El’s. Susan Schmeirer, 65, and her husband, William, 64, of Williamsburg, Virginia, went missing after a visit to Amboy Crater during a cross-country trip to see a daughter in California. They were due to arrive at Palm Springs on June 2, 2018. Surveillance footage showed the couple was at the crater’s visitor center off National Trails Highway in Amboy, a desert community about 50 miles north of Twentynine Palms and 100 miles from Palm Springs. Their empty car was found at the trailhead for Amboy Crater on June 13, 2018, about 10 days after they were reported missing.
William’s body was discovered three days later. It was eventually determined he died of heat exhaustion. The temperature on the day of their hike was recorded in the triple digits and searches were delayed due to the extreme heat. By 10 a.m. most days, the ground temperatures in the lava fields exceeded 160 degrees, police said.
His wife’s remains weren’t found until 10 months later, east of Amboy Crater towards the ghost town of Amboy. She had also died of accidental heat-related causes. Susan was the fifth fatality at Amboy Crater in less than a year.
Barbara Thomas, 69, of Bullhead City, Arizona, had not been seen since July 12, 2019, when she vanished in the remote Mojave Desert east of Kelbaker Road, about twenty miles north of Interstate 40, while on a two-mile hike with her husband Robert, 71. Temperatures in the area at the time were over 100°F, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Barbara was last seen wearing a black bikini, a red baseball cap, black socks and a pair of hiking boots. Robert added she was carrying a can of beer but no supplies. He said Barbara turned a corner while he stopped to take a photograph and simply disappeared. He returned to their RV camper parked on the shoulder but she had not returned. Robert suspected she was kidnapped and taken to Las Vegas.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department dismissed the idea that she had been abducted. In a press interview, Robert admitted the police considered him their prime suspect after he failed a polygraph. An intensive search followed but efforts were halted on July 23, 2019, due to excessive heat in the triple digits. The case gained international interest.
Barbara’s remains were not found until 14 months later when she was discovered by random hikers on November 27, 2020, in the desert off Kelbaker Road near Essex, California, the sheriff’s department said.
The decomposed remains of Joseph Orbeso, 21, of Lakewood and Rachel Nguyen, 20, of Westminster, California, were found by a Joshua Tree ranger on Oct. 15, 2017, in a secluded area locked in an embrace under a tree, nearly three months after they went missing in Joshua Tree National Park. The owner of a bed and breakfast near the park reported the couple missing July 28, 2017 after they failed to check out of their room, according to authorities.
The remains were found about 2 miles from where they had parked their car near the entrance to the Maze Loop trail. It was determined Orbeso shot and killed his girlfriend, Rachel Nguyen, 20, and then turned the handgun on himself, according to a news release. The gun was registered to Joseph. Experts believe the couple could have been seeking shelter from the blazing sun under the tree. Family told The Desert Sun that this wasn’t a murderous act but rather one of compassion. They surmised Rachel appeared to have been in distress due to a head injury and with no water, they reached a point of desperation where they wanted to ease their pain. Detectives learned the couple obtained hallucinogenic drugs prior to entering the park and they found a hallucinogenic mushroom in a backpack under Orbeso’s body. The toxicology test did not reveal any drugs in Orbeso’s system at the time of death. A separate test on Nguyen found trace elements of cannabis in her system.
Experienced Canadian hiker, Paul Miller, 51, was last seen by his wife about 9 a.m. when he left to hike at 49 Palms Oasis, a 3-mile loop. About noon that day, she notified officials that her husband had not returned, prompting the search. His vehicle was found in the parking lot at the trailhead of 49 Palm Oasis on July
13, 2018. As the summer wore on and temperatures increased, the search crews were scaled back. Miller had no cell phone with him, nor could search and rescue K9’s pick up his scent.
Five months later, Joshua Tree National Park authorities reported that on Dec. 19, 2018, human remains had been spotted near the trail, according to the Desert Sun. The discovery came through photographs from a drone flyover of the area in late November, officials said, and they were recovered the next day. Paul was found in a shaded area and still had water and food. It appeared he had made the hike to 49 Palms Oasis and was coming back out the wrong way, authorities determined.
He didn’t suffer long.
We highly recommend hikers carry a satellite communicator with you, like or similar to the tiny Garmin 01001879-00 InReach Mini, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator we carry while out in the field. It’s supposed to work even if cell phones don’t. We bought ours at Costco for under $300.
You can also find it online and in some sports or outdoor stores. It allows you
to trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required). We pay a renewable monthly subscription of about $20. We’ve never needed to use ours yet but it’s good to know we have one if things go south in a hurry.
This one hooks on your backpack, belt loop or can be worn in your pocket. You can access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices. While relying on only one method doesn’t guarantee your safety, when combined with other survival precautions and preparations, it may save your life.
& Naomi Project
Army Veteran Turned Quilts of Valor Quilter
QUILTING BEGAN AS A WAY TO BOND with his wife. But Andrew Lee did not realize the therapeutic value quilting would provide.
As a veteran, serving three tours in Iraq, and Tennessee Army National Guard member, Andrew didn’t think quilting would become his hobby. But then he learned he could intertwine his two interests through The Village Quilters at Tellico Village by creating quilts for Quilts of Valor. A Quilt of Valor is a hand or machine made quilt that is awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war. Quilts of Valor is a nonprofit organization
that honors veterans and service members touched by war with comforting and healing quilts. These quilts are handcrafted by volunteers and presented as tangible symbols of gratitude, recognition, and support for the sacrifices made in service to the country. The organization’s mission not only provides physical warmth but also emotional support, acknowledging and appreciating the bravery and dedication of those who have served.
“My gratitude and perspective changed completely,” Lee said. He explained how
he felt a lot of anger and frustration when he completed his tours, but quilting allowed those feelings to dissipate. Andrew got hooked on making quilts for others. He recalls making quilts for veterans who served in World War II and more recent conflicts.
Now he’s 519 quilts deep and counting. The Village Quilters guild has quilted 1,330 quilts on top of Andrew’s count, since 2009. Arliss Barber leads the The Village Quilters Quilts of Valor program and said she felt called to the organization because her dad and husband served in the military. Arliss shared that quilts made by the Village Quilters go to service members and veterans in neighboring East Tennessee counties.
5th Annual Desert Visions Art Show
THE PINON HILLS CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
proudly invites artists to participate in the 5th Annual Desert Visions Art Show, coinciding with the festive Phelan Phamily Phun Days this October. This is a unique opportunity for artists to exhibit and compete with original creations. (Examples of art media – Oil painting, oil pastel, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, colored pencil, graphite, ink, markets, drawings, photography, chalk, Gouache, printmaking, sculpture, tempera, ceramic art, mixed media, digital art, glass, pen, canvas, architecture)
The chamber is committed to a transparent and equitable judging process, emphasizing the artist’s interpretation of the annual theme, the ingenuity and uniqueness of their work, and the craftsmanship and artistic prowess displayed. Artworks will be exhibited for evaluation and admiration. Artists interested in selling an entry can do so by tagging the work with a set price or ‘Or Best Offer’ (OBO). A nominal commission applies to all sales made, courtesy of the Chamber. Artists selling their work must be present throughout the event (or until sold) to oversee the transaction completion. Additionally, the coveted “People’s Choice” award will be decided through public opinion, and the culminating votes will be tallied at the event’s conclusion. Artists should encourage social media participation to enhance their artwork’s reach and appreciation.
Save the date for October 5, 2024, and join us in the heart
of downtown Phelan, as a vibrant community unites in joyous celebration. The much-anticipated Art on exhibit is set to present a diverse range of individual artworks, from paintings and sketches to sculptures or the best-of-the-best handmade ob·jet d’art, each reflecting a rich tapestry of techniques, styles, and artistic expressions.
For additional details or to register, please visit www. PinonHillsChamber.info to download the application form or call 760-868-7191 for further assistance.
USS Iowa A Floating Museum
IT IS RUMORED CAPTAIN JOHN L. MCCREA spewed his coffee out on the bridge of the USS Iowa when one of his officers delivered some orders from Washington D.C.
Even with years of therapy, Roosevelt would be forced to use a wheelchair or leg braces just to get around on his own for the remainder of his life. Something he tried to hide from the public the best he could during his presidency.
It was for this reason, the USS Iowa became the only ship in the United States Navy to have a bathtub. Standing up in a shower on a moving ship would only cause problems for the then 60-year-old president.
“Summon the carpenters,” Captain McCrea had immediately ordered.
The USS Iowa is referred to as BB-61 in naval lingo, which stands for the 61st battleship of its kind in the United States Navy.
“A bathtub? Aboard a battleship,” McCrea may have uttered. “Who are we going to transport? Ginger Rogers?”
Turns out it was not the famous female actress the USS Iowa was going to carry, but none other than President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The destination was Tehran and the USS Iowa would carry the president across the Atlantic to Casablanca, Morocco for the first section of the journey in November of 1943.
In 1921, at the tender age of 39, Roosevelt became infected with a viral disease known as poliomyelitis, which affected his central nervous system and caused the young man permanent paralysis from the waist down.
It is easy to be impressed when walking toward this historic ship which lays at anchor at the Port of Los Angeles along Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro.
The naval gray battleship floats gently beside the dock as if it is only waiting for orders to set out on another mission.
“It’s beautiful and deadly looking,” I told Laureen.
She nodded. “Not sure I’d call it beautiful but deadly for sure.”
The Iowa was first commissioned on the 22nd of February, 1943. When a navy ship is commissioned, there is a ceremony for placing that particular ship in active service.
Rumor has it that a big-wig swung a bottle of Bollinger against the bow during the commissioning ceremony, but when the bottle broke it was found to be empty. Another rumor is that one of the ship’s
By John R. Beyer
complement of 151 naval officers had drunk it the previous evening.
“That’s expensive hooch,” the officer may have said. “Why waste it when I can enjoy it?”
The Big Stick, one of the nicknames the USS Iowa had during its active service life, is nearly 900 feet long and over 100 feet wide. With its nine 16-inch Mark 7 guns, 20 5-inch Mark 12 guns, 76 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, and 52 20 mm anti-craft guns, the nickname seems very appropriate.
This ship carried a lot of big sticks to punish anyone who tried to get in its way.
The ship’s motto says it all: ‘Our Liberties We Prize. Our Rights We Will Maintain.’
With a total complement of 2788 naval personnel who sailed on the USS Iowa, this 61st battleship in the US Navy was not something to mess around with.
Walking the multiple decks of this battleship is not for the weak or weary. There are a lot of steel stairs, narrow passageways, quick turns, pipes jutting out of the ceilings as well as the walls, and all other kinds of things that could make the nonobservant visitor have an unexpected headache.
Docent Stephen warned all those who entered the interior of the ship, “Watch your heads and your feet. Please take
The memorial statue depicting the saving of a crew from treacherous ocean waters, as seen on July 27, 2023, at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. (John R Beyer)
A black and white photograph showing the original crew of the USS Iowa, as seen on July 27, 2023, depicting the heroes of a bygone era. (John R Beyer)
care because this ship was not truly built for tourists but for warriors.”
Once inside, a person has to wonder what it must be like to hit the high seas aboard this monster of a war machine and not lose their balance during inclement weather.
Heck with the inclement weather! I’ve seen folks falling down on pontoon boats sitting at anchor many times at Lake Mohave.
Of course, they too may have imbibed a bottle or two of expensive champagne before casting off.
A personalized tour of this ship is called for to obtain not only an appreciation of how life was aboard a battleship but some of the possibly unknown tales that accompany such a famous history as the USS Iowa has.
During the trip to Morocco, President Roosevelt asked to see a demonstration of the ship’s capability with anti-aircraft fire. A little mishap during the exercise could have caused a big problem in winning WWII for the Allies.
Seems an overzealous torpedo gunner aboard the William D. Porter, one of a multitude of destroyers in the protective convoy surrounding the USS Iowa, fired a live torpedo in all the excitement of showing off for President Roosevelt. The
problem was that it was heading straight toward the Iowa.
Quick thinking from the bridge allowed the huge ship to move out of the way of the torpedo which exploded only a thousand yards aft - that’s the back end of the ship.
The USS Iowa trained all its guns on the William D. Porter in case it had been a true assassination attempt. It had not been, but nonetheless, the entire company aboard the naughty ship was arrested, including the Captain. An investigation was held and they were cleared but had to live the rest of the war knowing they almost killed their Commander and Chief.
The torpedo gunner spent the rest of the war peeling potatoes.
As the docent was leading us around the ship, he mentioned that the USS Iowa had a maximum speed under full power of nearly 33 knots, which is 38 mph for us landlubbers.
“It could pull a skier,” I said. “Imagine being yanked around by a battleship while skiing behind it in a pair of speedos.”
Laureen rolled her eyes, Docent Stephen gave me a quizzical look, and I went quiet. Though it would be really cool when a person thinks about it.
One touching story is about Vicky the dog. When Captain McCrea took command he also brought along a small dog that his daughter had named Victory, but soon called it Vicky for short, despite the fact that it was a male.
This is a true rumor, McCrea brought the dog home as a surprise and his wife upped the surprise by saying, “Get that mutt out of here.”
So, Vicky became the formal mascot for the USS Iowa. In fact, the dog completed the mandatory 50-yard sailor recruit swim and the records stated that not only could Vicky swim in the regulated time frame but could also pick up a stick while doing it.
Vicky served years on the battleship, clocking in more than 205,000 miles of sea travel. The crew made a dog uniform for Vicky and he received full military honors when he left the service on January 30, 1949.
During Roosevelt’s trip aboard the ship, Vicky tended to sleep at the foot of the president’s bed.
There is so much to see, either by a docent or individual tour, that one column can not do justice.
Hours must be spent here aboard the ship to see most of what is offered to the visitor.
There’s the Lost at Sea exhibit, set up by Dr. Bob Ballard which explains how he found the Titanic, JFK’s Pt109, the German battleship Bismark and so much more.
On deck is a bright blue HUP-2 recovery helicopter - I have no idea what the identification is in reference to, but a guess could be made that as the helicopter is about to ascend, the crew yells out - “Hup hup let’s get up!”
One of the most sobering moments while on the tour was visiting the Gunnery Hazards exhibit. Here a person learns that not only in wartime is being around live munitions dangerous but also in peacetime.
On April 19, 1989, at 9:50 in the morning, the number two turret exploded during a training mission off the coast of Puerto Rico, where 47 sailors were killed. It is one of the Navy’s worst peacetime accidents.
The cause of the accident is still debated to this day by the Navy and the US government.
The USS Iowa was finally decommissioned on October 26th, 1990 and on July 4, 2012, was opened as a floating museum.
It is a very special place to wander and ponder about such a ship but more so about those who served upon her.
And it is a time to reflect and give thanks to all those - past, present, and future who sign up to serve this great nation and who may risk it all to protect these United States of America.
For more information: https:// pacificbattleship.com
John can be contacted at, beyersbyways@gmail.com
Laureen beside a rather large ordinance, as seen on July 27, 2023, which makes for a remarkable photograph showing the massive shells the USS Iowa carried.(John R Beyer)
The pride of the USS Iowa, canine Vicky, as seen on July 27 2023, the ship’s loyal mascot. (John R Beyer)
An image of a typical Officer’s quarters, as seen on July 27 2023, aboard the USS Iowa. (John R Beyer)
Marcy’s Musings
Pulse Publications Shares a Fair Booth
THE PULSE MAGAZINE has been published monthly since its debut in March of 2022, but for the first time, it had a booth space at the San Bernardino County Fair, the 77th San Bernardino County Fair, that is. Did you know that we’re the longest-running fair in one location on Route 66? And since Editor Jim Conkle is a Route 66 guy, it made sense to want to participate, right?
As a writer for the publication, I was fortunate enough to be invited to share a space the second weekend to spotlight three non-profits: the Apple Valley
Legacy Museum, the Victor Valley Legacy Museum, and the Mohahve Historical Society. With a little help from Roy and Dale posing for fan photos, we had a fun and successful two days.
Jim had a large Mother Road (Route 66) art and photography display to attract attention. Visitors could spin the wheel for a chance to win a collectible piece. It was great to get a chance to share local history with so many excited fair-goers, all having “Truckloads of Fun,” and to invite them to visit our museums or join us for an MHS meeting or field trip. Thanks, Pulse Magazine staff, and see you next year at the SBC Fair.
Surprise Apple Valley Baby
AT THE APPLE VALLEY LEGACY MUSEUM’S 9th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 6, parents-to-be Matthew Rutledge and a very pregnant Brandy Moreno joined us for the first time. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, even participating in every one of the 5 or 6 line dances, with the baby happily bouncing along. Brandy expected to leave for home the next day to return to work Monday in
Lolita. However, her plan quickly changed when Grace suddenly arrived.
A few days later we were at the Singh Center for the Arts grand opening manning a display in the lobby. And who should walk through the door, but Mom and Dad with Grace, their newborn, in tow. So we now claim her as an Apple Valley girl, who was line-danced right into our town.
Congrats to Matthew and Brandy and we hope to see all three of you again soon!
Black Excellence Celebration at Victor Valley College
THE VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE
STUDENT Activities Center was the place to be the evening of Friday May 17 for the Black Excellence Celebration hosted by NAACP Victor Valley Branch 1082. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the VVC Culinary Arts Department students, while being entertained by singers Alexia Allen and London Rayne, and Comedian JT Turner of Funnyville Comedy Club. Local dignitaries, sponsors, vendors, and NAACP Executive Board members were recognized by President James Campbell and Membership Chair LaKeisha Campbell, serving as very enthusiastic and stylish co-MC’s.
VVC Black Student Union officers Messiah Criner, Julien Rocafort, and Curtis Godfrey made remarks, emphasizing the impact BSU membership has had on their lives.
The main event and purpose of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding local students by their teachers and administrators. NAACP Executive Board member Evelyn Glasper introduced Michael Lillard from Victor Valley High School, and Dr. Aleka Jackson-Jarrell, Heritage Program Site Coordinator from Adelanto High School, who presented award certificates. In addition, Paul Marsh from San Bernardino
County Supervisor Paul Cook’s Office and Corrine Mora from 23rd District Congressman’s Jay Obernolte’s Office also honored students.
The event concluded with an opportunity drawing hosted by NAACP members Alina Jemerson and Brittany Kemp. All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting the cause of Civil Rights in the Victor Valley. A special thanks goes out to Victor Valley College Board of Directors
President Joe Brady, President of the Apple Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees Maria Okpara, Victor Valley High School Superintendent Carl Coles, Victor Valley High School District Board of Trustees member Kent Crosby, and other educators in attendance who continue to support our local youth to ensure they are well-educated with a bright future.
Upcoming Community Events
July 4 - Camp Cajon Open House celebrating 105 years and 5 years of new monuments and more additions to the site. Meet on Wagon Train Road off the 138 in the pass at 8:30 AM: presentations and short hikes. Bring water, a chair, and wear walking shoes. Call (760) 985-1918 to sign up and more info.
July 9 - Friends of the Apple Valley Library Membership Drive- 11:00 at the Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Library. Come enjoy entertainment and refreshments and see what the “Friends” are all about. (760) 985-1918 for more info.
July 11, 18, and 25 - Apple Valley Sunset Concerts in Civic Center Park- 6-9:00. Bring a chair. Visit the Apple Valley Historical Advisory Committee History Display and Information table near the Town booth. Food vendors on site. Free.
July 19 - Movie night at the Apple Valley Legacy Museum as the Historic Apple Valley Inn Cottage 153. Live music 7-8, Showtime 8:15. Feature “Grand Theft Auto” Ron Howard’s first film starring himself, filmed on Hwy 18 in Apple Valley and Old Town Victorville streets. The $3 ticket includes snacks and a raffle ticket.
Where the Past Meets the Present: Pioneertown
IT WAS A STEP BACK in time to the mid-1900s era at the Old West movie set and active community of Pioneer Town, located somewhere way out in the desert off of Hwy 247, otherwise known as Old Woman Springs Road. On our way down Saturday, May 25, MHS members had a chance to observe a lot of the real Mojave Desert, as the two-lane highway passed by millions of Joshua trees, interesting picturesque rock formations, and lots of old homestead cabins (some deserted, some still lived in) to set the mood for the day’s adventure. The winding and hilly Pipes Canyon Road gave a close-up view of what our knowledgeable tour guide called the only flat-topped buttes in the world.
Yes, indeed, the highly recommended Ken Gentry, who met us right in front of the Pioneer Town Film Museum, sure did know what he was talking about. Of course, he did. He’s the author of “Pioneer Town USA: Where the Old West Lives Again,” a great detailed book full of old-timey photos, that some of us bought and took home. After handing out a detailed map of the main street, known as Mane Street (open to hoof and foot traffic only), he shared the history of every building along the way, coupled with plenty of almost believable and often humorous tales of the quirky past residents and Republic Studios movie stars, who had graced the streets “back in the day.” Attendees, listening intently, let their minds slip back in time while snapping plenty of photos with their modern-day high-tech cell phones and cameras.
A few highlights were the two popular eating establishments: Pappy and Harriettes (a restaurant with a bar), and the Red Dog Saloon (a bar with a restaurant.) Another well-known spot is the Pioneer Bowl, where Roy Rogers bowled the first ball, on an old wooden (not so straight) alley, which was amazingly a strike! The six semi-level lanes debuted with human pin-
-setters, in the form of neighborhood kids. Unfortunately, we were not able to step inside, as the bowling alley is temporarily closed for upgrades, so that will give some of us a good excuse to go back.
Several other interesting sites included the railroad tie house that Rusty LaGrange of the Lucerne Valley historical Society inhabited in the 1970’s, and the house next door where “Rowdy the Raven” hid his stolen objects, and later met his fate after tangling with a wringer washing machine. (Note: Rowdy’s full story will be printed in the upcoming Mohahve VII.) At the top of the street sits the most photographed post office in the USA, with its history commemorated by a Clampers monument. Nearby are the original sites of the OK Corral and the first school house.
After the tour, MHS members had time to wander leisurely back down the street to check out the shops, snap photos, and grab a bite to eat before the 1:00 Wild West Gun Show entertainers started shooting up the town. A big thank you goes out to Ken Gentry and all the other folks who keep the history of the Old West alive. The spirits of founders Gene Autry and Roy Rogers and others live on!
A Few Fun Stops in the Eastern Sierras
One of the missions of the Mohahve Historical Society is to share history through members’ presentations to other organizations. Barbara Betterley did just that at the Friends of the Apple Valley Library meeting on June 11 with an interesting and entertaining presentation entitled “A Few Fun Stops in the Eastern Sierras.” Twelve of our members were in the audience, most also members of the Friends, but a few attended after learning about it in the Muse. I will say it was a great presentation, but I am not going to tell you too much. That is because Barbara agreed to
present to MHS next spring just before our scheduled overnight adventure to Trona and Lone Pine and who knows where else up in that neck of the woods. So stay tuned and always read your Muse. You might find something you’d like to attend. Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your love of adventure great photos, and interesting stories.
International Museum Day
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY was celebrated in style on Saturday May 18 at the Boron VFW Hall. Hosted by the volunteers of the Boron Aerospace Museum, historians came from miles around to enthusiastically share history. Participants included Rene Marciano representing the Edwards AFB Flight Test Museum; Griz and Shelly Drylie from the Hesperia Museum; me, Marcy Taylor representing the Apple Valley Legacy Museum, Victor Valley Legacy Museum, and Mohahve Historical Society; Ted Faye, a Borax historian representing Gold Creek Films; and a few others whose names I didn’t catch.
Nils Sedano, Tech advisor for the Air Force Research Lab, an expert on engine testing and rocket propulsion, was the featured speaker. His power point presentation, entitled “Rockets in the High Desert; the Antelope Valley’s Role in Winning the Space Race,” was truly fascinating and enlightening. I didn’t even realize that “the ridge” he continually referred to during his talk, was very visible from the VFW’s parking lot right outside the door!
I learned more than I can summarize here, but I’ll give it a shot. All rockets are related to the Antelope Valley in one way or another, either through design, construction, manufactured parts, or testing. From the 1950’s through the 1970’s,
played a key role in the Space Race with Russia. This was not common knowledge, as information was classified, operations were secret, access was restricted, with no foreigners were allowed inside, so secrets wouldn’t slip out of the soundproof, radar-proof buildings where experiments were being conducted. The Russians always seemed to be one step ahead of the Americans in the Space Race, which began in 1957 with the Sputnik and continued through the 1969 Moon landing.
The Americans were determined to catch up. Rockets were continually launching missiles and astronauts. X-planes were continually flying out of and landing in the dry lake bed in this remote area of the desert. The skies were full of planes. Locals heard plenty of explosions both accidental, when engines spontaneously blew up, and as scheduled detonation tests. The speaker joked that Time Magazine, whi-
ch had the exclusive publishing rights on the space program, declared that Boron was the nosiest place in the entire United States of America! But failed launches were to be expected-- better on the open desert than anywhere near civilization. KABOOM!! There goes another million-dollar experiment up in smoke. Lessons, some good and many not so good, were learned with this continual testing: ground tests, re-entry tests, and lots of “effects on apes and the human body” tests. Sometimes the results of tests were years away. For example, the Hexagon program experiment of 1972 delivered results 42 years later in 2014.
So all of this information caused me to spend the next week re-reading sections of Tom Wolf’s “The Right Stuff,” and Chuck Yeager’s biography, and even parts of Pancho Barnes’s “Happy Bottom Riding Club,” which had an important role in all of this. I think I’ll be paying close attention on our August “members only” field trip, when we will be lucky enough to attend another VIP Tour of Edwards Air Force Base, one of the most important places in the world, where incredible scientific and aerodynamic history has been and continues to be made daily.
Edwards
What’s in a Name?
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty has long stood as a symbol of freedom and hope for U.S. residents and newcomers, but when first built, Lady Liberty went by a different name. Designed by the French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and gifted from France to the U.S. in honor of the centennial celebration, the Statue of Liberty was originally entitled “Liberty Enlightening the World.” The 305-foot statue was unveiled on Liberty Island in New York’s Upper Bay on October 28, 1886, but eventually the lengthy title of the statue was dropped in favor of the
“Statue of Liberty.”
by Jorge Leandro Rodrigues
Crossword Puzzle
the US the
Don’t miss out...events are fillin’
Friends of the Apple Valley Library
14901 Dale Evans Parkway Apple Valley, CA 92307
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
from 11:00 AM - 1230 PM
The Friends of the Apple Valley Library will be having a membership drive with food, freebies and entertainment. Come and see what we are all about. Memberships will be 1/2 price for remainder of the year.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM - 1230 PM
Speaker: Mike Apodaca
S.W.I.M.
Seniors with Inquiring Minds meet every Thursday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Percy Bakker Community Center located at 9333 “E” Avenue, Hesperia, CA. The public is invited to attend.
IN APRIL, WE ENJOYED THE TOUR of the Main Street Murals along Route 66 in Barstow. The monthly bus tour is a nice way to get an overview of the murals with informative narration by Jane Laraman-Brockhurst. We were invited to the dedication ceremony of the General Beale Camel mural on April 30th. “Camels” was actually the second mural created and was first dedicated in 2000. The master artists were Kathy Fierro, Jim Savoy, and Kevin Varty. Time and the desert climate had taken their toll on the detailed mural. Kathy Fierro, Juliette Tison and Nicole Vargas were the master artists for the complete replacement of the mural, and they had the honor of cutting the ribbon in the ceremony. The replacement duplicated the original to the smallest detail.
There were recognition awards from Mayor Paul Courtney and the Barstow Chamber of Commerce, as well as Supervisor Dawn Rowe, and Assemblyman Tom Lackey, Miss Barstow and Miss Teen Barstow were there to assist. The mural is located on the Clemmer Services building on North 2nd. Avenue. Clemmer Services was thanked for helping with the removal and reinstallation of the mural panels.
The mural is a depiction of Brigadier General Edward “Ned” Beale establishing a wagon road across the desert to accommodate the travelers heading for California. He simultaneously tested the effectiveness of the newly formed Camel Corps. It was a wagon road that passed through present day Barstow, on its way to Los Angeles. The Beale Wagon Road was later followed by Santa Fe, Route 66, and Interstate 40. Beale lived a colorful life equal to any of our favorite fictional characters and was known as “the Last Pathfinder” and the “Hero of San Pasqual.”
Ned Beale was born in 1822 in Washington D.C. in a family with a long history of service in the Navy. As a boy, Ned was a supporter of President Andrew Jackson. He was in a fight one day against a supporter of John Quincy Adams. The fight was broken up by a tall, lanky man walking by. Ned explained he was fighting for Stonewall Jackson’s honor. The tall man was none other than President Jackson. A later reminder to Jackson earned Beale a place at the Naval Academy. He served in the Navy from 1837 until 1851, reaching the rank of Lieutenant.
By John Wease
In 1846, during the war with Mexico, Beale was sent from San Diego with a small group of men to assist the ground forces of General Kearny. Kearny had been ordered to take New Mexico and California. After conquering Santa Fe, he began the two-thousand-mile march to California. It would be the longest march in U.S. Army history. And a march it was, as most of the horses died during the trip. General Kearny happened to meet Kit Carson in New Mexico. The famous mountain man and scout had been dispatched to carry the message to President Polk that California was securely under the U.S. flag. Hearing this, Kearny sent most of his troops back east and ordering Kit Carson to guide him, proceeded with one hundred dragoons toward San Diego.
Some twenty-eight miles east of San Diego, at San Pascual, Kearny found General Pico and his lancers. The
“Californio” lancers, on fresh horses, and motivated by the fact that they were defending their homeland, devastated the ill-equipped dragoons in what was the bloodiest battle in California during the war with Mexico. Beale, Kit Carson, and an “unnamed Indian” sneaked through enemy lines to request reinforcements. Crawling the first two miles, without boots or canteens to ensure silence, they crossed the arid terrain to San Diego
without food or water. Beale was unrecognizable when he arrived but reinforcements were sent in time to save Kearny’s men.
Beale needed months to recover but made six cross-country trips in the next two years. The most famous was in 1848. In disguise, he crossed Mexico to bring the first California gold samples to the capitol. And, the gold rush was on. This trip across country was made in two months. He arrived one month before the Army soldier that had left at the same time. Perhaps it was the beginning of the Army-Navy games.
In 1853, he was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for California and Nevada. On his return trip to California, he surveyed a route across Colorado and Utah to California for a transcontinental railroad. He was commissioned by the governor of California as a Brigadier General in the California Militia to add to his authority for making treaties. He convinced the federal government to build Fort Tejon. He later purchased three old Spanish land grants in the area to form Tejon Ranch, the largest private land holding in California.
In 1857, Beale was commissioned by President Buchanan to build a wagon road along the thirty-fifth parallel from Fort Defiance in New Mexico Territory at that time to the Colorado River. One stipulation, he had to use twenty-five camels of the Camel Corps to test their effectiveness on a long trip. The Camel Corps is a somewhat obscure chapter in the history of the U.S. Army. If mentioned at all, it is referred to as a “failed experiment” to use camels in the arid Southwest.
The use of camels was first proposed in 1836. It gained no support until then Senator Jefferson Davis tried to promote the idea. When Davis became Secretary of War in 1855, he managed to push a funding bill through congress. Camels were purchased and brought to Texas along with Arab camel handlers. The camels out-performed mules in every trial. They could carry more weight and go for days without water. Their feet handled sandy or rocky ground without issues. Beale was amazed at the fact that the camels not only ate the desert creosote bush, they thrived on it.
Beale pushed on through the California desert following the centuries old Mohave (changed to Mojave by the Spanish explorers) Trail. He followed the Mojave River through present day Barstow. He would have passed close to where his mural is today. He made it to Los Angeles by way of present-day Newhall Pass. Most of the camels returned to Camp Verde in Texas. Texas joined the Confederacy during the Civil War. If the name Jefferson Davis sounded familiar, it was because he became the president of the Confederate States of America.
During the war, an attempt was made to use camels to carry mail between Fort Mohave and Los Angeles. The military leaders on both ends were not fans. The mules and horses were
terrified of the strange looking animals. At the end of the war, Texas turned over some one hundred camels. The military had lost interest and disbanded the Camel Corps. General Beale purchased some for his ranch. Others were sold or abandoned. The last camels were spotted running wild in Arizona and Texas in the early nineteen hundreds.
The head Camel driver was named Hadji Ali, but known popularly as Hi Jolly. He made the trip with General Beale. He was buried in Quartszite, Arizona in 1902. A large pyramidshaped monument was erected with a metal camel on top. It is a point of interest in Quartzsite and camels are featured on the town limits signs. Through the magic of art, we can visit General Beale and the Camel Corps anytime we are in Barstow. The mural is at Main Street (Historic Route 66) and 2nd Avenue North. It is well worth seeing. I think you will like it.
The Mounted Color Guard
By J.P.Garner
HORSES AND MARINES . Two words not normally put together like Oreos and milk or peanut butter and jelly, and yet there’s a unique history and relationship between the two that dates back to 1900. Back to when Marines were in China and a mounted detachment nicknamed the “Horse Marines” was formed as a guard unit for the US mission in Peking. They mostly conducted patrols and participated in parades.
And then, during the Korean War, there’s the amazing story about a remarkable Marine. She was a horse named Reckless. Trained to be a pack horse, she was treated like a pet and, among other things, ate scrambled eggs, pancakes, and Coca Cola. But it was during the Battle of Outpost Vegas, that she enshrined herself in American lore. She made 51 solo trips to and from the front lines. On the way there, she carried heavy loads of ammo and, on the way back, she transported wounded Marines.
She was wounded twice, received Purples Hearts for each, and received a battlefield promotion to Corporal in 1953. She survived the war, was retired to Camp Pendleton and promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1959 and was later featured in the Saturday Evening Post. LIFE magazine selected her as one of America’s top 100 heroes. There’s a bronze statue of her at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.
So, horses and Marines are not so uncommon.
What is, however, is a color guard of Marines mounted on four horses which, currently, can be found at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, CA. It is not the first. That distinction belongs to the Mounted Color Guard started at Camp Pendleton in 1955 by Colonel A. C. “Ace” Bowen, a horse lover who, brought out of retirement to manage the base’s water-use policy, also established the rodeo there.
Then, after serving in Vietnam, Lt. Col. Robert Lindsley was assigned to the logistics base and he observed Marine dependents riding horses from the base stable in local parades. Borrowing from Bowen’s concept, he started a mounted color guard at MCLB Barstow in 1967.
It is to this unit that, Marines selected for the Mounted Color Guard (MCG), often arrive with no background in ranch operations or horsemanship. So, they are trained by Terry Holiday, the team’s horse wrangler. After, long hours and dedicated efforts, the newly-assigned Marines “develop the ability to ride and maintain a horse as well as operate a ranch effectively.”
The horses, meanwhile, are wild mustangs that come from the Bureau of Land Management’s Adopt a Horse and Burro Program. Once they are brought into the team, the horses are trained how to perform in front of large audiences and how to maintain their composure when exposed to loud noises.
Here recently, the team traveled back to the East Coast to perform at several
festive and commemorative events. The trip took five days. A truck broke down in Flagstaff but they were able to obtain a rental and complete the 2,500 mile trip to Baltimore where their first scheduled event, the Preakness horse race, was being conducted at the Pimlico Race Course.
The second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, the Preakness is held the third Saturday in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. The team spent five days there. According to Sgt Davis, “It was amazing. I mean, everybody treated us so well, so kindly. It was definitely a different atmosphere than what the team was used to [because we’re used to] western culture and going to rodeos.
“This was very much, like, expensive horses and lots of money rolling around over there. When it was raining, we couldn’t walk [the horses] on the dirt or the grass like we used to do because they were very particular about their racetrack. So we had to be very careful not to do the wrong thing.”
There was also an activity performed at 0600 each morning called the Sunrise Tour and the team would have go to the racetrack and greet visitors to it. “I mean, there were thousands of people,” Sgt Davis elaborated. “Everybody would come by, probably in groups of ten to twenty-five people, and we’d tell our story
about the Mounted Color Guard and what we’re doing. We gave baseball cards to the kids with the horses picture on them and they’d go find the horse and pet him and do all the fun stuff.
The team did two events at the Preakness. The first, on Friday, was the Black-Eyed Susan Race on Black-eyed Susan Day, which features fast fillies from across the country in a mile and one-eighth test. The Black-eyed Susan is Maryland’s state flower and is used to make the blanket that drapes the winner of the Preakness race.
“We got to go into the middle of the winner circle to present the colors and it was shown on NBC,” Sgt Davis remarked cheerfully. It was clear from his reaction that the Preakness was a special event for the team because of its significance as a history-rich sporting event.
So, after the Preakness, the team drove to Fredericksburg, VA to “kick off” the opening of this year’s edition of the worldfamous Marine Corps Half-Marathon. They had to be there and ready to present the colors by 5:30 am, because the
run began at 6:00 am. But the event in Baltimore didn’t end until 9:00 pm., then they had to pack and didn’t get on the road until 1:00 am., so the team ended up only getting three hours of rack time. No sweat.
“Adapt and overcome,” Sgt Davis said. Sponsored by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization. the half-marathon is reportedly one of the largest in the US and the world. Regarded as ‘the best marathon for beginners,’ the MCHM is the “largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money,” which has earned it the nickname, “The People’s Marathon.” Spectators were excited to see the Mounted Color Guard, and came up and took pictures with the team, but after running 13 miles, many of the 3,729 participants from 46 states and 14 countries were too exhausted to join in.
What followed on May 21st was a spectacular joint photoshoot at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, commonly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. This event brought together the Mounted Color Guard, the Silent Drill Team, the Drum & Bugle Corps, and the staff of 8th and I for a memorable and visually striking occasion. Against the backdrop of this iconic monument, which stands as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Marines, each group showcased their unique and disciplined skills.
From there, the team was able to perform a variety of events with the National Parks Police. The did a ride through the National Mall and to both the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. All of this was in their Dress Blues, so anybody that was in the area was able to come up and take pictures.
In the days leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the MCG served as a static display at the National Marine Corps Museum, pictures of which were installed on the museum’s Facebook page. Visitors were excited to see the MCG,
taking pictures and asking questions. The Museum has a trail at which, on plaques, all the battles in which Marines were involved are described. The MCG horses, who have a common name and a battle name, were positioned behind their battle plaques, so pictures could be taken of them.
During the trip to D.C., the MCG had a rare day off when they received an unexpected request from a woman sponsoring a polo match in Virginia, about an hour away from their accommodations. She kindly invited the MCG to present the colors at their first polo match of the year. After some discussion, the team decided, “Yeah, great! Let’s do it!” The team was eager to participate and showcase their skills, bringing an added touch of military precision and ceremony to the event while also engaging with the local community in a unique and memorable way. The idea was to allow the inexperienced riders to perform at the event because they thought it would be low key.
It wasn’t.
Sgt Davis explains, “The craziest part about it [was that] the Thirty-eighth Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Berger, who had just retired two years ago, was at the polo match. He came up and said hi to us. And I didn’t know who he was at first because I was so focused on what I was doing. All I saw was a guy in a Marine Corps Retired hat. I was like, oh, that’s cool.”
Sgt Davis pauses and smiles as he recalls what followed. “[When] I turned around, one of the guys behind me is like, ‘Do you know who that is?’ Am I supposed to? He’s like, yes! He’s the Thirty-eighth Commandant of the Marine Corps. So I changed [real quick] and we were able to get pictures with him.
“But the event went off without a hitch, and the hospitality there was amazing. I mean, everybody was so excited to have us there, and the greatest part about it in my mind was they had an Army unit that was supposed to come out, but they canceled at the last minute. So we were able to kind of step into their place.”
The polo match was followed by the Memorial Day parade on Constitution Ave., behind the White House, and another sporting event. A Washington Nationals game, which was the first time the MCG had been on a baseball field when the field was active. The Nationals management was very particular about their field. The MCG was only allowed on the warning track at the perimeter of the outfield. “I’d say it was like 10 foot wide,” Sgt Davis recalls. “So, to get the horses to be able to turn and then turn again to get out, we had to do some Marine Corps stuff ... adapt and overcome ... just kinda
to make it happen. After that, everything we did went off without a hitch.”
The crowd could be herd cheering but not seen because they were up in stadium seats and as far away as 400 feet. It wasn’t a night game, so it wasn’t too crazy, but Sgt Davis flashes another smile and says, “But everybody loved it.”
During the return trip home, the MCG stopped in Elizabeth, CO, and performed at the Elizabeth Stampede which consisted of 4 rodeo performances and a parade. The team was there approximately four days. “Every rodeo we go to is something spectacular. Rodeos are the greatest because they have, hospitality out the wazoo.
They’re home a short while, enough for some R&R, then they travel to the Cody Stampede and Rodeo in Wyoming, known as the “Rodeo Capitol of the World.” Renowned for being one of the longest-running and most successful professional rodeos, the Cody Stampede is distinguished as the only rodeo in the country to host nightly performances throughout its duration. After their performances in Cody, the MCG will journey to Estes Park, Colorado for the roof-top rodeo there, which will conclude their trip.
The MCG is unique. There’s no other like it. But that billeted at the Barstow logistics base wasn’t always the only one. It just is now. And it’s not simply a color guard on horses that makes us swell with pride when we see them pass in a parade or at an event.
It is the Marines on the horses.
Nothing makes us rise more quickly and straighter, and maybe makes us salute our flag more proudly than a Marine in dress blues. No other uniform is more
emblematic of the esprit by which they perform their duties, or the code they honor, or the dedication to God, country, and our way of life that they have sworn to serve, protect, and defend.
Sgt. Davis probably said it best. “Every time we do a parade or [event], the atmosphere completely changes [when they see us.] You can tell as we’re riding by that people are standing up, people are saluting, and people are [cheering.] But, yeah, there definitely a difference in how people react when Marines carrying the American flag go by.”
His comment made me think of what he said throughout the interview in describing the team’s attitude when they encountered difficulties during the trip. “Adapt and overcome,” he remarked with a smile.
Copy that.
It is what Marines always do ... what they have always done.
