Camp Hamilton Veterans Memorial Park

David Cole Lang's mother talks about her son's life, his struggles with a TBI and PTSD, and his death.

On a rainy December Day, Glenn Denton tells stories about veterans he knew whose friends and families planted trees in their names after the veteran's death.

Master Sergeant “Penny” Pennybaker served with the Marines in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was a much loved member of the Bodfish Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association and active volunteer at Camp Hamilton Veterans Memorial Park. Listen to his friend Glenn tell Penny's story.

Sgt Earby Ray Edwards served with the Marines in Korea. Decades later, he learned about Camp Hamilton, attended many functions, and volunteered. He and MGySgt (ret) Glenn Denton became good friends. Listen to Glenn talk about his dear friend in this podcast.

Patricia Marie Oldham, also known as Rocky, graduated from Garces and joined the Marine Corps. She was a communicator.

MGySgt (ret) Glenn Denton introduces fellow 1st Marine Division Association Bodfisher Gunny Ben Holiboich, who is honored at Camp Hamilton Veterans Memorial Park.

Carol Van Pelt shares the story of her first husband, Budd Ray, who served in Vietnam. The American Legion Riders Chapter 26 maintains his and other veteran memorial trees at Camp Hamilton.

Lucky Cooper served with the Marine Corps in World War II and later became a "Bodfisher" with 1st Marine Division Association. MGySgt (ret) Glenn Denton tells the story about one "lucky" camping with his friend Lucky.

Henry Borgardt served with the Marine Corps in World War II. Henry helped Glenn dedicate trees to veterans at Camp Hamilton. When the World War II vet passed away, Henry’s was the first tree planted outside the original fence line. Except, Henry's tree planting experienced an unexpected weather event - or wasn't it Henry? Listen to Master Gunnery Sergeant (retired) Glenn Denton tell the story.

This story was recorded in November 2019. Sadly, Tim Hill died by the following January. His death had a profound effect on Camp Hamilton members. **** Many stories that occur at Camp Hamilton Veterans Memorial Park should be remembered and cause the listener to laugh. The incident between Gunny Hill, the caretaker, and the skunk is one such story. Listen to the story here and read the story on our Facebook page.

Lance Corporal Hayward Kimo Hamili Peleiholani was born in Pahoa, Hawaii on June 14, 1950. He started his tour in Vietnam on April 13, 1969 and was killed in action on August 26, 1969. Kimo served with Golf Company 2/7.  The trees for Kimo and the Golf Company 2/7 are on the perimeter of Camp Hamilton Veterans Memorial Park, which was founded by MGySgt Glenn Denton (Ret). These Marines are on the perimeter because they are guarding the other veterans in this park - the world - Glenn’s world.  L/CPL Peleiholani’s name is on the Vietnam Memorial Wall Panel W19, Line 101.

Private First Class Gerald Allen Smith was born on January 8, 1951 in Ogden, Utah. The 18-year-old Marine started his tour in Vietnam on August 11, 1969. He was killed in action less than three weeks later on August 29th. He served with Golf Company 2/7.  Gerald’s name is on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Panel W18, Line 9.  His tree at Camp Hamilton is on the western perimeter guarding the trees dedicated to veterans from the Merchant Marines (Pre-World War I) to today.

In this episode, MGySgt Glenn Denton (Ret) explains what Camp Hamilton is to the Bakersfield Naval Sea Cadets. Glenn is Camp Hamilton's founder. The Naval Sea Cadets come out to Camp Hamilton as volunteers to clean-up the park and provide the Color Guard for our Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies.

Corporal David D.L. Young served with Golf Company 2/7 in Vietnam with MGySgt Glenn Denton (ret), founder of Camp Hamilton. D.L. was the leader of the squad. Glenn was D.L's fire team leader. Months later, D.L. would go on R&R and Glenn would be given the leadership of the squad. When he returned, rather than move to a new squad, D.L. became Glenn's fire team leader. Their bond was that strong.

Staff Sergeant Oliver Clifton Stamps was born in Baltimore, Maryland on 27 January 1938.  The 31-year-old Marine started his tour in Vietnam with Golf Co 2/7 on 15 October 1969 and was killed in action on 7 January 1970 in the Quang Nam Province. 

Private First Class Stephen Earl Cunningham was born 5 February 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 22-year-old's tour in Vietnam began on 4 August 1969 with the Marines in Golf Co 2/7.  Less than three weeks later, Stephen would be killed in action on 23 August 1969.

The Culp Family tree was planted by one brother for his three brothers. The entire family served in the military.  CPO Awain B. "John" Culp served in Korea with the U.S. Navy. John was born on 25 October 1939 and died on 10 January 1992. Isaac Richard Culp served with the Army infantry in Germany from 1964-1965. He died 11 March 2004. He served on the USS Mahoning County. SP/4 Jerry H. Culp served in Vietnam with the Army. He died of Agent Orange exposure on 23 March 2003.

SSGT Barney Cadena saw heavy action in Vietnam and, as a result, suffered many problems that he fought through. He was a very good many. One memory that MGySgt (Ret) Glenn Denton has of Barney includes a story about dress blues. Not all Marines had dress blues, but Barney had had embassy duty. One day, Barney entered the Bakersfield Marine Corp Recruiting Station wanting to sell his dress blues, which included all of his ribbons and awards. Glenn saw that both of them had the same ribbons from Vietnam. Glen purchased the dress blues and placed the ribbons in a safe place. Twenty-five years later, Glenn had started Camp Hamilton and Barney had started a thrift store with all proceeds going to veterans issues. The store was doing very well and Barney was very active in the veterans community. One weekend, Barney attended a Camp Hamilton function with his family. Glenn thought about those ribbons on the dress blue uniform, went home, and searched and searched until he found those ribbons to return to Barney. When Glenn returned to the camp, he called formation and re-presented the ribbons. Barney’s tree is a bottle tree. The leaves on the tree is like candy to all the animals at Camp Hamilton.

Eugene Cox was Cheparnie Cox’s son. He served in the Army during World War II and later was heavily involved with the VFW. Cheparnie’s daughter Sue married Martin Newton, who served with the Navy during World War II.  Three trees are planted for the Cox/Newton family at Camp Hamilton. At one time, the memorial placards would constantly be moved because the family believed that Cheparnie should have the best tree. The trees have been planted and replanted through the years. Both Eugene and Martin have plum trees, which plum in March. However, Cheparnie’s grave marker was installed at Camp Hamilton, the placards stopped moving.

Howard Gin was quite a character. He was a Marine Corps veteran who served in Korea. When he left the service, Howard entered politics in the Bay Area, even claiming that he was the mayor of Chinatown. Howard was an incredible cook. At 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, and Camp Hamilton functions, Howard could be found in the kitchen. His best dish was duck. When you visit Camp Hamilton for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, you will notice a set of state flags. Those flags were donated by Howard.