Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Army SGT John C. Barcellano, Age 26 of Ft. Bliss, TX.
Died Jul. 10, 2017
John Christain Barcellano was born in Newport Beach, California on January 3, 1991. Beginning at birth, John knew how to make an entrance, coming into the world via an emergency C-section.
As a child John was quiet and soft-spoken. From an early age, he was creative and loved working with his hands, wheather it was creating complex Lego creations, building massive K’nex structures, or building with metal toy Erector sets.
John also loved racing gas-powered RC cars and trucks. He spent most of his time outside, riding his unicycle, skateboard, Razor scooter, and MBX bike. He even built a half-pipe where he and his friends would practice their cycle stunts. At 15 John received his first drum set and spent hours teaching himself how to play. During that time, he was also a member of the drumline and marching band at Paloma Valley High School. John’s love of music continued and he formed a number of local bands with friends. He was also very involved in recording and producing for other bands.
After graduation, John attended MSJC for one semester to study sound engineering, but decided that college was not for him at that time. He spent the next few years working at several Starbucks stores. Then, in March of 2013, John enlisted in the US Army, completing his training as an armored tank crew member at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He was then stationed to Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He quickly made friends and became very involved in the motorcycle community where he was known as “Skinny.”
John was deployed overseas twice, and during that time he developed a passion for photography and videography. His talent soon caught the attention of his superiors and in May of 2017, he was transferred to a unit where his duties included photography and filing.
As a person, John was kind, caring, and compassionate. He was very disiplined and whatever he did, he put forth his very best effort. John loved his family and friends very much. He would do anything for anyone at any time. He had an incredible sense of humor and people just loved being around him.
John lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed every day and always made the best out of every situation. Even during his two deployments, John kept busy and always managed to maintain a positive atitude. He was an exceptional individual who touched many lives. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege to know him.
Sgt John C. Barcellano, United States Army
01/03/1991 – 07/10/2017
1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment, 3rd ABCT, 1st AD
Fort Bliss TX
19K M1 Armor Crewman “Tanker”
Proudly served 03/05/2013 – 07/10/2017
Awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal w/3 oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defence Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Medal.
We had a great 6.35 Mile walk. We didn’t let a little rain stop us. We headed out around 5am and what a beautiful flag their at the Bakery. We walked up main street and stopped in at the Veteran Memorial Park. We then walked by the Military Memorial Museum. We then walked by Garrison Park and turned into Holiday Hills. We stopped at the lake and watched the water for a bit and then ended up back at the house. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us today and I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero today. We had 52 honks. It was amazing. The rain kept us cool. On our walk we reached over 500 piles for this year.
Army SGT John C. Barcellano will not be forgotten !
