East Bakersfield High School Alumni
Bakersfield, California (CA)
Recent Members
| Cammy Ellis | 1988 |
| Christian Escobar | 2004 |
| Christopher Chavez | 1995 |
| Jacob Fimbres Fimbres | 2000 |
| Justin N | 2007 |
| Marianne Rangel | 1969 |
| Monica Vasquez Monica Vasquez | 2004 |
| Tony Tony | 2007 |
Military Alumni
Honoring Our Heroes
This area is dedicated to our alumni that have served or are serving in our armed forces!
Lost Class Rings
Have you lost your East Bakersfield High School class ring? Have you found someone's class ring? Visit our Blades lost class ring page to search for your class ring or post information about a found ring.
Honored Military Alumni
Allie Roush
Class of 2007
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Welder. 1 Deployment to Afghanistan. Honorable Discharge.
Class of 2007
Marine Corps, 5 Years
Welder. 1 Deployment to Afghanistan. Honorable Discharge.
Anthony P. Gonzalez
Class of 1977
Army, 20+ Years
Joined Army Oct 1976, went to Boot Camp 25 July 1977. Retired Army 1999 out of Fort Irwin, CA where I still to date work by training Soldiers and I continue to deploy. Was in Iraq in 2007 to 2008 and again in 2010 for 8 months and will be going back August time from for 6 months or more.
Class of 1977
Army, 20+ Years
Joined Army Oct 1976, went to Boot Camp 25 July 1977. Retired Army 1999 out of Fort Irwin, CA where I still to date work by training Soldiers and I continue to deploy. Was in Iraq in 2007 to 2008 and again in 2010 for 8 months and will be going back August time from for 6 months or more.
Brenda A. Ogden (Camarillo)
Class of 1979
Air Force, 8 Years
Air Training Command (ATC) Honor Graduate, Administration Management, Keesler AFB, MS 6/19/80
Legal Services Specialist, United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command (SAC), Judge Advocate General's Office, Beale AFB, California 3/6/80-3/5/84
Legal Services Specialist, United States Air Force Reserves, Strategic Air Command (SAC), Judge Advocate General's Office, Beale AFB, CA 3/5/84-6/86; Lowry AFB, CO 7/86-3/88
Strategic Air Command (SAC) Outstanding Reserve Legal Services Airman of 1984
Legal Services Specialist Judge Advocate General's Office,
Class of 1979
Air Force, 8 Years
Air Training Command (ATC) Honor Graduate, Administration Management, Keesler AFB, MS 6/19/80
Legal Services Specialist, United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command (SAC), Judge Advocate General's Office, Beale AFB, California 3/6/80-3/5/84
Legal Services Specialist, United States Air Force Reserves, Strategic Air Command (SAC), Judge Advocate General's Office, Beale AFB, CA 3/5/84-6/86; Lowry AFB, CO 7/86-3/88
Strategic Air Command (SAC) Outstanding Reserve Legal Services Airman of 1984
Legal Services Specialist Judge Advocate General's Office,
Chris Coodey
Class of 1978
Army, 6 Years
13-B - Redleg, Served Honorably with 1st ID - 2/5 FA. Stationed Ft.Riley KS and Ulm, FRG. Mighty Fine Times Indeed!
Class of 1978
Army, 6 Years
13-B - Redleg, Served Honorably with 1st ID - 2/5 FA. Stationed Ft.Riley KS and Ulm, FRG. Mighty Fine Times Indeed!
Daniel Zapien
Class of 2003
Marine Corps, 6 Years
Participated in Operation Phantom Fury (Battle of Falujah) in 2004 as a Combat Engineer specializing in demolition. He has also completed two 2-year tours in Okinawa, Japan deploying with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit three times.
Class of 2003
Marine Corps, 6 Years
Participated in Operation Phantom Fury (Battle of Falujah) in 2004 as a Combat Engineer specializing in demolition. He has also completed two 2-year tours in Okinawa, Japan deploying with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit three times.
Dennis Bair
Class of 1964
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1967 while a student at Long Beach State. Was an infantry platoon sergeant when I earned my BA and took a leave of absence from LAPD in 1973 for OCS/TBS at Quantico. Retired as a LtCol in 1993.
Class of 1964
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1967 while a student at Long Beach State. Was an infantry platoon sergeant when I earned my BA and took a leave of absence from LAPD in 1973 for OCS/TBS at Quantico. Retired as a LtCol in 1993.
Earl Cotten
Class of 1951
Army, 7 Years
Overseas duty was in the Arctic during the Korean war. Training was Surgeons Assistant.
Rank was Sp4
Class of 1951
Army, 7 Years
Overseas duty was in the Arctic during the Korean war. Training was Surgeons Assistant.
Rank was Sp4
Earl L. Cotten
Class of 1948
Army, 7 Years
I was stationed in the Arctic (Alaska before it was a state) when the Korean war began. Arctic duty lasted 27 months., I was a Surgeons Assistant at the Army General Hospital at Ft. Richardson, AK and assisted in surgery on many soldiers wounded in Korea. and flown to AK before returning to the lower 48 states. After leaving Army I obtained Masters Degree in Theology and had a long career as an American Baptist minister. My home town was Bodfish up near lake Isabella.
Class of 1948
Army, 7 Years
I was stationed in the Arctic (Alaska before it was a state) when the Korean war began. Arctic duty lasted 27 months., I was a Surgeons Assistant at the Army General Hospital at Ft. Richardson, AK and assisted in surgery on many soldiers wounded in Korea. and flown to AK before returning to the lower 48 states. After leaving Army I obtained Masters Degree in Theology and had a long career as an American Baptist minister. My home town was Bodfish up near lake Isabella.
Edwina Davis
Class of 1967
Marine Corps, 12 Years
I served as a Training and Audiovisual Support Officer. I was stationed at MCB Quantico, Virgina; MCAS Iwakuni, Japan; MCB Camp Pendleton, CA; and MCAS Kaneohe, HI. I obtained the rank of Captain and learned the skills in audio visual and television production that would define my continuing civilian career. The Marine Corps is a family and I have been forever thankful to have been and always will be a Marine!
Class of 1967
Marine Corps, 12 Years
I served as a Training and Audiovisual Support Officer. I was stationed at MCB Quantico, Virgina; MCAS Iwakuni, Japan; MCB Camp Pendleton, CA; and MCAS Kaneohe, HI. I obtained the rank of Captain and learned the skills in audio visual and television production that would define my continuing civilian career. The Marine Corps is a family and I have been forever thankful to have been and always will be a Marine!
Gabriel Bustamante
Class of 1996
Army, 13 Years
Communications
Still in and going strong
SFC Bustamante
Class of 1996
Army, 13 Years
Communications
Still in and going strong
SFC Bustamante
James Helmling
Class of 1989
Army, 20+ Years
Currently active in the Army with 23 years of service. I am a training and operations manager for a tranposrtation unit.
Class of 1989
Army, 20+ Years
Currently active in the Army with 23 years of service. I am a training and operations manager for a tranposrtation unit.
Jim Warner
Class of 1961
Navy, 4 Years
I was a shipboard electrician, PO-2. I participated in the Cuban blockade and several operations in the Pacific.
Class of 1961
Navy, 4 Years
I was a shipboard electrician, PO-2. I participated in the Cuban blockade and several operations in the Pacific.
Juan Contreras
Class of 2003
Marine Corps, 4 Years
1371 Combat Engineer
1st CEB 1st MAR DIV.
OIF 05-07
2/4, 2/5
Class of 2003
Marine Corps, 4 Years
1371 Combat Engineer
1st CEB 1st MAR DIV.
OIF 05-07
2/4, 2/5
Leonard L. Alvarado
Class of 1965
Army, 2 Years
MEDAL OF HONOR
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Leonard Louis Alvarado, United States Army, for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam on 12 August 1969. On that day, as Specialist Four Alvarado and a small reaction force moved through dense jungle en route to a beleaguered friendly platoon, Specialist Four Alvarado detected enemy movement and opened fire. Despite his quick reaction, Specialist Four Alvarado and his comrades were soon pinned down by the hostile force that blocked the path to the trapped platoon. Specialist Four Alvarado quickly moved forward through the hostile machinegun fire in order to engage the enemy troops. Suddenly, an enemy grenade exploded nearby, wounding and momentarily stunning him. Retaliating immediately, he killed the grenadier just as another enemy barrage wounded him again. Specialist Four Alvarado crawled forward through the fusillade to pull several comrades back within the hastily-formed perimeter. Realizing his element needed to break away from the hostile force, Specialist Four Alvarado began maneuvering forward alone. Though repeatedly thrown to the ground by exploding satchel charges, he continued advancing and firing, silencing several emplacements, including one enemy machinegun position. From his dangerous forward position, he persistently laid suppressive fire on the hostile forces, and after the enemy troops had broken contact, his comrades discovered that he had succumbed to his wounds. Specialist Four Alvarado's extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
?General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3942 (October 23, 1969)
Action Date: August 12, 1969
Service: Army
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Company: Company D
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Alvarado also received a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with "60" Device, Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation First Class, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle, Auto Rifle and Machine-Gun Bars.
Leonard L. Alvarado is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery despite having earned the right to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Leonard L. Alvarado was the only enlisted soldier to have a firebase named for him, "LZ Alvarado" (all the other firebase names were chosen randomly, much like hurricane names).
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
Class of 1965
Army, 2 Years
MEDAL OF HONOR
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Leonard Louis Alvarado, United States Army, for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifleman with Company D, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during combat operations against an armed enemy in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam on 12 August 1969. On that day, as Specialist Four Alvarado and a small reaction force moved through dense jungle en route to a beleaguered friendly platoon, Specialist Four Alvarado detected enemy movement and opened fire. Despite his quick reaction, Specialist Four Alvarado and his comrades were soon pinned down by the hostile force that blocked the path to the trapped platoon. Specialist Four Alvarado quickly moved forward through the hostile machinegun fire in order to engage the enemy troops. Suddenly, an enemy grenade exploded nearby, wounding and momentarily stunning him. Retaliating immediately, he killed the grenadier just as another enemy barrage wounded him again. Specialist Four Alvarado crawled forward through the fusillade to pull several comrades back within the hastily-formed perimeter. Realizing his element needed to break away from the hostile force, Specialist Four Alvarado began maneuvering forward alone. Though repeatedly thrown to the ground by exploding satchel charges, he continued advancing and firing, silencing several emplacements, including one enemy machinegun position. From his dangerous forward position, he persistently laid suppressive fire on the hostile forces, and after the enemy troops had broken contact, his comrades discovered that he had succumbed to his wounds. Specialist Four Alvarado's extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
?General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3942 (October 23, 1969)
Action Date: August 12, 1969
Service: Army
Rank: Specialist Fourth Class
Company: Company D
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Alvarado also received a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with "60" Device, Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation First Class, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle, Auto Rifle and Machine-Gun Bars.
Leonard L. Alvarado is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery despite having earned the right to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Leonard L. Alvarado was the only enlisted soldier to have a firebase named for him, "LZ Alvarado" (all the other firebase names were chosen randomly, much like hurricane names).
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
Leonard Rodriguez
Class of 1967
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Communications 2591
Drill Instructor 8511
Small Systems Computer Specialist
Class of 1967
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
Communications 2591
Drill Instructor 8511
Small Systems Computer Specialist
Leonard Rodriguez
Class of 1967
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
May '68 - May - '71
Oct '76 - Jul - '96
MOS
2591 Communications Chief
8511 Drill Instructor
4066 Small Systems Computer Specialist
Class of 1967
Marine Corps, 20+ Years
May '68 - May - '71
Oct '76 - Jul - '96
MOS
2591 Communications Chief
8511 Drill Instructor
4066 Small Systems Computer Specialist
LTC. John Paulsen
Class of 1965
National Guard, 20+ Years
Arizona Army National Guard
Class of 1965
National Guard, 20+ Years
Arizona Army National Guard
Michael Don Lucas
Class of 1964
Navy, 7 Years
BUH2[Combat Carpenter PO 2nd class] Class A School "BU" Nov. 65 to March 66; U.S. Naval Construction Battalion 62 & 121 Gulfport MI.;Hue Phu Bia,Vietnam Jan.67 to Dec.67.
Class of 1964
Navy, 7 Years
BUH2[Combat Carpenter PO 2nd class] Class A School "BU" Nov. 65 to March 66; U.S. Naval Construction Battalion 62 & 121 Gulfport MI.;Hue Phu Bia,Vietnam Jan.67 to Dec.67.
samantha lee fellows (lagae)
Class of 2005
Navy, 5 Years
samantha entered the navy september 18 2007. she enlisted for 8 years 5 active and 3 reserve.her job in the navy is information system tech.
Class of 2005
Navy, 5 Years
samantha entered the navy september 18 2007. she enlisted for 8 years 5 active and 3 reserve.her job in the navy is information system tech.
Teddy Brown Harrison
Class of 1962
Army, 12 Years
I was in the US Army Nurse Corps, 359th Combat Support, 63rd ARCOM, during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and was discharged 2 months before the invasion of Afghanistan--my time was up, and I opted for discharge. (A friend of mine with the same time in was sent--at age 60!) I received Expert in automatic rifle, the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct, the "Welcome to the Army" medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Phillippine Unit Citation, the Military Surgeons' Medal (Nursing Wing), and the Army Service Medal, mostly for just being scared, staying alive, and not resigning my commission. I was a captain at the end; I had no hope of ever becoming a major because I didn't want to go to graduate school.
The Army was thrilling and difficult, and the medical part of it was very like MASH the movie. It produced feelings I would not have experienced in my whole life had I not joined. Being convinced I could fight and die with and for any of my fellow soldiers was a stunning revelation to me. Also, to feel able to follow General Schwartzkopf into hell was amazing.
I had worked doing receiving during the evacuation of Saigon, but it was with the Red Cross. The Army was so different. I did things I would never have believed I could do (run fast in combat boots, do a whole lot of push-ups, fire a .45, field strip an M16, assist in surgery in the field, assemble a TEMPER tent, actually eat and enjoy an MRE--any flavor--and then be able to have a bowel movement within 4 days, and so on)
I joined the Army when the maximum age for nurses was raised to 52; I was 42, because I felt that while I was a pacifist I knew they'd have their wars whether I went or not. I knew I could care for wounded better then most, so I went. Plus, I was tired of spouting off about the military all the time in conversations and debates without ever having experienced it from the inside; I had never actually felt the deprivation, fear, and incredible satisfaction associated--oh, yes, and there's the glory. Don't forget the glory. Don't forget the incredibly cute uniforms either. Oh, yeah, and it's a feeling you can't describe when you get saluted.
Class of 1962
Army, 12 Years
I was in the US Army Nurse Corps, 359th Combat Support, 63rd ARCOM, during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and was discharged 2 months before the invasion of Afghanistan--my time was up, and I opted for discharge. (A friend of mine with the same time in was sent--at age 60!) I received Expert in automatic rifle, the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct, the "Welcome to the Army" medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Phillippine Unit Citation, the Military Surgeons' Medal (Nursing Wing), and the Army Service Medal, mostly for just being scared, staying alive, and not resigning my commission. I was a captain at the end; I had no hope of ever becoming a major because I didn't want to go to graduate school.
The Army was thrilling and difficult, and the medical part of it was very like MASH the movie. It produced feelings I would not have experienced in my whole life had I not joined. Being convinced I could fight and die with and for any of my fellow soldiers was a stunning revelation to me. Also, to feel able to follow General Schwartzkopf into hell was amazing.
I had worked doing receiving during the evacuation of Saigon, but it was with the Red Cross. The Army was so different. I did things I would never have believed I could do (run fast in combat boots, do a whole lot of push-ups, fire a .45, field strip an M16, assist in surgery in the field, assemble a TEMPER tent, actually eat and enjoy an MRE--any flavor--and then be able to have a bowel movement within 4 days, and so on)
I joined the Army when the maximum age for nurses was raised to 52; I was 42, because I felt that while I was a pacifist I knew they'd have their wars whether I went or not. I knew I could care for wounded better then most, so I went. Plus, I was tired of spouting off about the military all the time in conversations and debates without ever having experienced it from the inside; I had never actually felt the deprivation, fear, and incredible satisfaction associated--oh, yes, and there's the glory. Don't forget the glory. Don't forget the incredibly cute uniforms either. Oh, yeah, and it's a feeling you can't describe when you get saluted.
Teddy Brown Harrison
Class of 1962
Army, 12 Years
US Army Nurse Corps, captain.
Vietnam: Red Cross-Evacuation of Saigon
Desert Shield/Storm
359th Combat Support Hospital, 63rd ARCOM; Public Relations Detachment, Los Angeles; Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, National
Executive Director, Washington, DC
Class of 1962
Army, 12 Years
US Army Nurse Corps, captain.
Vietnam: Red Cross-Evacuation of Saigon
Desert Shield/Storm
359th Combat Support Hospital, 63rd ARCOM; Public Relations Detachment, Los Angeles; Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, National
Executive Director, Washington, DC
Walter Chris Link
Class of 1971
Navy, 6 Years
Advanced electronics tech, working on and repairing, surface search radar, crypto communications systems, and repairing/calibrating electronic test equipment. graduated number 1 in class, and stayed on as an electronics teacher at Treasure Island for 4 years. Served on the USS Wichita AOR1 for remaining time in service. got out in 1976 as a 2nd Class Petty Officer (E5).
Class of 1971
Navy, 6 Years
Advanced electronics tech, working on and repairing, surface search radar, crypto communications systems, and repairing/calibrating electronic test equipment. graduated number 1 in class, and stayed on as an electronics teacher at Treasure Island for 4 years. Served on the USS Wichita AOR1 for remaining time in service. got out in 1976 as a 2nd Class Petty Officer (E5).
William Scott
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
Combat missile tech.
Have a service connected disability from vietnam
Class of 1965
Army, 3 Years
Combat missile tech.
Have a service connected disability from vietnam
Alumni Stories
Read and submit stories about our classmates from East Bakersfield High School, post achievements and news about our alumni, and post photos of our fellow Blades.
School News
Classmate becoms famous.
In the summer of 1940, I enrolled in East Bakersfield High School.
I majored in Mechanical Drawing, and Future Fa...
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Our East Bakersfield High School military alumni are some of the most outstanding people we know and this page recognizes them and everything they have done! Not everyone gets to come home for the holidays and we want our East Bakersfield High School Military to know that they are loved and appreciated. All of us in Bakersfield are proud of our military alumni and want to thank them for risking their lives to protect our country!