Welcome to Fort Irwin

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Like the entire country, we were all saddened yet glued to the television as the horrific story in Texas unfolded at Fort Hood. So many times we have covered stories around the globe with soldiers stationed in Killeen and we have heard so many stories about the base, it makes you feel connected … right along with our unwavering support for our troops.

Within a few hours of the shooting we got the call. Many soldiers and their families at Fort Hood have at one time come through Fort Irwin, the Army’s massive training site in the middle of the Mojave Desert. While this base is not nearly as large as Hood, Irwin has about 22,000 soldiers and civilians on base each day by midday. Six-thousand cars make the drive off of Interstate 15 down about 35 miles or so across the desolate landscape each and every day. The topography reminds me of parts I’ve seen in th middle east and in Pakistan. The area is arid, cold at night and warm during the day.

Producer Laura Prabucki and I leave LA and battle traffic and the long road for several hours before arriving in Barstow. There we grab a quick hotel room and a few hours of sleep. Photographer Scott King and our satellite truck guru Eric Graychock decide to leave early in the morning and head straight to the fort. Our first task before we leave Barstow is a stop at a quick mart to grab water and any food that is not perishable. Unlike other bases around the country, Irwin is literally in the middle of nowhere.

Because of the concern about the shooting in Texas, Fort Irwin has decided to keep the media about 5 miles away. We have great relations with the men and women here and understand their decision. So, we are parked next to the sign that welcomes everyone, along with a couple of retired tanks. From the knoll where we are reporting, I look in a 360 degree area and see absolutely nothing. Topography that reminds me of stories I’ve covered in the Middle East and in Pakistan. Other than the road that 6,000 cars a day trek down, there’s some scrub brush and tumbleweeds, both greenish yellow from recent rains.

Everywhere we stop and everyone we meet is either watching the reports on television, or expressing condolences for all of those who serve our great nation. It is a tough time for the Army today no matter where you serve. Brothers, sisters, comrades, soldiers….all Americans. Are thoughts and prayers are with you.