With the installation of a new base commander at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, former staff and other military officials joined Brig. Gen. John Lathrop (retired) for a farewell luncheon Friday at Madera’s Steak and Ribs in Los Alamitos.
About 30 troops and civilians joined the General who is a former JFTB commander and Commander of the 40th Infantry Division of the California National Guard for his farewell luncheon.
“The (JFTB) has a great future,” said Lathrop, who swapped war stories with friends and staff members during the luncheon. As much as he has enjoyed his service to the nation and the military, Lathrop said it was “time to let younger people take the lead.”
Lathrop said incoming JFTB Commander Nick Ducich would provide “outstanding leadership” in the months and years ahead.
Lathrop’s wife Mary said they will be moving to the Washington, D.C. area to be near their daughter, who works for a major military association near the Pentagon.
Col. Rick Lalor, who worked with Gen. Lathrop, said “I think I speak for everyone who’s worked with you to say thank you for your friendship, leadership and dedication.”
Lalor also promised Lathrop, a huge Red Sox baseball fan, that he would uphold support for “Red Sox nation” in his absence.
Lathrop served for more than three decades in various capacities, has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), the Bronze Star Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster) the Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) and dozens of other awards, medals and accolades.
Courtesy photo