94-year-old Ft Ord Resident

This is Interesting


I am writing an article for the Otter Realm this week about the deconstruction of the old Barracks on Division Hill located second st and Divarty. Curious as to what the history of these five buildings were, i sought out an army historian. He told me about the rock wall around the building that was built by POW's from either Germany or Italy during WWII. 94-year-old Retired Army Major Lee Stickler informed me that the barracks were done being built in September 1940 or 41. He was shipped up to Ft. Ord in June of 1940. The first tow buildings built were the division hill barracks and the horse stables.

Stickler was a member of the 76th field artillery during world war two. This was Horse drawn artillery. The unit was later broken up to the 74th, 75th, and 76th Field/Mechanized artillery unit. It was very interesting to hear from someone that had been here since the begging of Fort Ord. Now everyone seems to be consumed with tearing down the old buildings. making a beautiful college campus. But what about the history of the old military base? What about our past? Shouldn't we remember what went on here?

Stickler said it was sad to see something from his past be demolished. At the same time, he he acknowledged the importance of education and admitted the importance of CSUMB.

All in all i found it very amazing to talk to a man that has been breathing for 94 years. A man who served his country and fought in Europe during World War II. One of the first group of soldiers to stay at ft Ord in the division hill barracks. So my perspective had changed. what i once say as eye sores on this campus, i now see as a part of our states and country's history that to some extent should be preserved and shown off for generations.