Soon after Portrait Of A Warrior Gallery opened I was privileged to be with the Bakersfield Southeast Asia vets on a tour. I was amazed at what was going on honoring our fallen and a place for veterans and family members can come and hang out. I was so enthused that as soon as I could see, some light in my schedule that I joined as a docent at the gallery now I help facilitate a faith base class for those that suffer from PTSD symptoms. Poor Veteran just wondering what he could do. There’s a lot of opportunities that rise.
This Gallery/Museum is an extremely moving experience. Always Remember/Never Forget is not just a thought but a mission statement. It is such an awe inspiring experience when you take a tour presented by one of the knowledgeable docents. Tears are common place.
A great collection of memorabilia from Vietnam and the 'mock' team room is so realistic.
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Once the MIA room is completed with 1000s of missing service members dog tags, it will be a spectacular presentation. Again, so moving. Back in the day, I had a stainless steel POW/MIA bracelet I wore. {Wish I new what happened to that..}
The families of the fallen warriors can often be seen sitting on the bench in front of their family member's portrait. It can be healing for some.
I truly wish more people took the time to visit the Gallery,, they will be so glad they did.
I am wife of my late husband a Marine Corp. Veteran David S Leal. His passing was 9/18/2022. I donated his Dress Blues. The Gallery graciously displays this proudly. I was very emotional and proud. He is missed dearly. This is an honor for my husband, myself, family and friends. He was proud to be a Marine/Corporal. David also served on the Kern County Honor Guard. I thank the Portrait Of A Warrior Gallery Kern County
The Gallery is a perfect example of providing honor, history and gratitude from a grateful community.
A beautifully moving experience. Our docent was extremely informative and engaging. This is a must see for any American.
We are so grateful to have this nonprofit as one of the faces of our Veteran community and past wars. They are a trustworthy and honorable organization and it is a blessing to see them in our community representing our local heroes
The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery is a true model of the respect and honor that the men and women who gave their lives for our country deserve. We received a tour from a very nice veteran who educated us on the Gallery's history and the lives of many Kern county veterans whose portraits are on display. We are excited to see its continued expansion with the dog tag project and look forward to returning for a visit soon.
We are part of an international service organization where supporting our active military and veterans is a key part of our membership. Our group visited the Gallery in May and we had an incredible experience with hosts who not only gave us a tour, but also shared their personal stories with us. Some of our local members knew some of the fallen heroes portrayed on the walls of the Gallery. Seeing how these heroes were remembered with respect, dignity, and honor was heart-warming and so deserved. And we could see that it is also a place for individuals to come to reflect on their own experiences and give their respects to those who passed. Thank you for creating such an impactful experience that we will always remember.
Back in the later part of 2022 I was asked to be interviewed for a story about being a Desert Storm Veteran for Bakersfield Life Magazine. Steven Mayer who wrote the story suggested The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery to do the interview, I said that would be awesome since I follow them on social media but I have never been. I arrived early to the interview so I could look around and was greeted by the gallery staff. The staff at the gallery are the kindest people and very knowledgeable. As I walked around the gallery emotions are building up inside of me, as a Veteran who has deployed to combat 4 times from Desert Storm to Iraqi Freedom but was able to come home. Survivors guilt started to overwhelm me as I stood in the room with the portraits of the local heroes we lost in the Post 911 wars, but not like when I returned from Iraq in 2003 as I watched to war on the news everyday wishing I was still there to finish doing my part and hopefully end the war. During my interview I was asked by the staff if I would like to ring the bell, one ring for every hero that we lost locally Post 911, I was also told I could ring the bell for anyone I had lost during combat, so I rang the bell one more time for James Miller, our supply guy who was KIA at the end of the ground war during Desert Storm. Since the interview at the gallery I have been asked couple time to sit on a panel to take questions from groups that come to visit the gallery, I agree to do this because it helps educate all ages of how real Veterans are compared to the TV Veterans. I am not a social person but when it comes to Veterans, PTSD and getting help for them, I will open up, be vulnerable and listen because not just myself but there are a lot of Veterans willing to help, we just need to know who and what kind of help they need.
If you have never been to the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery, go.
My daughter and I had the honor of visiting the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Kern County on 9/11 of this year, and were immediately greeted by 2 of the warmest and most patriotic guides. Sandi was kind enough to give us an extremely thorough tour that was not only age-appropriate for my 5 year old, but also so inspiring for her. Each room, corridor, and walkway was so intentional in honoring our brave servicemen and women, and it was truly a humbling experience. My favorite room was the simulation room that resembled the barracks, complete with the sounds, sights, and smells of wartime barracks - it was so moving to be in that room, and to truly appreciate what it is like for those who sacrifice so much to defend our Great Nation. We will definitely be visiting again, and I hope to one day be a volunteer there as well.
They do so much for Vietnam Era Veterans. Their primary focus is to display portraits of fallen service members who serviced during 9/11 and the war on terrorism. The portraits are more than just individual pictures; they include pictures from childhood and major life events. There is also an eagle in the corner of each portrait, with different facial expressions, indicating what kind of personality that person had. There are other types of memorabilia, including a "battlefield cross", folded American flags and donated uniform items. There is one room dedicated to Vietnam era veterans and another room that is so realistic, you will feel like you are about to go to war. The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery is worth supporting and is definitely a must-see when in downtown Bakersfield, California.
Portrait of a Warrior Gallery has always held a special place in heart. A place to honor our Kern County warriors who gave all, and the many men and women who have served honorably. The many volunteers that continue to serve the fallen and local veterans, sharing their stories, honoring their memory and service. I never knew that I, and my extended family, would end up on the receiving end of their service. There is a Hall of Remembrance, where they educate, and raise awareness about veterans who return home and struggle with many issues, and many unfortunately think suicide is the only option. They honor local heroes who made that decision, and tell their story as well, one of those heroes being my brother in law, Travis Flenniken. I was involved and supportive of the gallery because my brother in law was a Marine. He returned home and struggled to find a healthy path forward and when we heard of the horrific news, I reached out to a few amazing veterans that serve at the Gallery. They immediately went to work, helping Travis' parents, my in laws, get connected to any services, and help with setting up needed organizations to lay Travis to rest at the Arvin National Cemetery, and helped coordinate a wonderful service supported and attended by many veterans, and supportive community members, almost all who never met Travis, but showed up. This in an amazing facility, and organization that is doing immeasurable good for our local veterans, their families and educating the community.
The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Kern County is a place of honor, remembrance, and healing. I am an Army Combat Veteran and suffered the woes and trauma of combat. I am here today because of men like the ones whose portraits hang in this gallery. The gallery tour is an experience everyone should witness. It is emotional, it is perspective changing, it is difficult. But remembrance and mourning here can quickly change to reconnection and integration for many disconnected or isolated veterans. It sparks something inside. It shines light on what is truly important. Gold Star families enduring the hardship of losing a loved one can rest assured that their servicemembers ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten here. They will always be remembered, always honored. This gallery is suitable for all ages and can host private small tours or large group/school tours. There are many resources, and many dedicated personnel who make this non-profit possible.
Valley Baptist Church has a great relationship the portrait of a warrior gallery, in Bakersfield, California. Our church has hosted, large patriotic, events and the gallery has been gracious and generous enough to bring their portraits to our church and put them on display in our foyer. We have two large auditoriums and they have put them on display in both of them. This is a considerable amount of work on their part, and it creates an incredible effect on those who see the faces of the fallen from Kern county since 911.
Also, we have worked together with the gallery in providing small groups support for veterans who are struggling with different issues. We have always worked well together with them, and have recommended many of the veterans of our church to their programs.
We look forward to working with him in the future
This is a wonderful organization lead by a passionate veteran, Jason Geis that has given his life for our country. The entire staff and volunteers are dedicated and knowledgeable to give an experience you will not forget! If you have not taken a tour of the facility, you should. It will change your life and give you some perspective of why we all need to be involved.
I’d like to share about the other things that happen in this incredible place in addition to the amazing portraits of our Post 9/11 Fallen on the battlefield and our Post 9/11 Veterans, who with honorable service to our Nation, also lost their lives under many different circumstances. No matter how they passed, their lives of service are worthy of honor and like our motto: “Always Remember & Never Forget.”
So, in addition to these incredible portraits that are painted or drawn by local artists of Kern County, California at no cost to the gallery – what else does this 5,000’ place do for our community?
Well, in my humble opinion, it is the HEART of downtown Bakersfield and our county of Kern. We give a personal tour to every person who stops in on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday between the hours of 10 & 3. You can find additional details and see pictures of our exhibits at: www.kern-warrior.org.
The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Kern County teaches every visitor about Veteran Suicide that is ravaging our Veterans and Active-Duty community, and it has impacted our community like all others who have Veterans residing within their county lines. It is a devastating outcome as once you make that decision, the hurt and loss are just passed on to each of the family and friends left behind. We show signs and symptoms of Veteran Suicide and provide access to resources that can professionally help those in need or for those being educated, that if they know of someone exhibiting signs of suicide, what can they do to be the one to help or give guidance and resources to the Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member affected by the trauma of service in wartime or peacetime.
Additionally, the gallery Education Room hosts many local Veteran non-profits and their monthly board meetings for free if they provide direct service to Veterans within our community. The great Vietnam Veterans hold a weekly 90-minute Post Traumatic Stress meeting that is heavily attended and open to all eras of service. We have held 4 classes of ReBoot Combat Recovery: REBOOT Recovery - Trauma Healing for Everyone and we refer Veterans and First Responder to Men’s or Women’s Legacy at Might Oaks Warrior Programs in San Miguel, California: The Mighty Oaks Foundation – Veteran Recovery Programs & Support (mightyoaksprograms.org) and both are free to the Veteran and if the Veteran completes the program – the spouse can attend the corresponding progr4am for free too.
The Portrait Gallery has held guitar and keyboard lessons where a local gentleman secured a $32,000.00 grant for PTS healing through music. The Veterans (15 at a time) would come to class and receive a free brand-new acoustic guitar and come to 6 lessons and if they completed these lessons, they would keep the guitar and then they could take the keyboard class that worked the same way. Once complete, if the Veteran wanted to continue lessons, then we would find them discounted lessons from a local instructor to continue to help with PTS and depression etc.
Equine therapy has been a focus of the gallery as well and we partner with Equine Empowered Therapy in Caliente, California who’s founder Mike Dunn, a Vietnam Veteran who got his program approved by the Veterans Administration: E.E.T. (equineempoweredtherapy.com) This program is a half day experience (Free for those who attend) enables you to be your true self working with wild stallions and other horses to work through tough issues pertaining to PTS.
There is a art therapy program that we are working to get that will incorporate painting a mask and telling a story with it to show the world how you are felling as a Veteran and the day-to-day struggles that many face and go through. More to follow in the future on this inspiring program.
We have a Vietnam Memorial Room where 178 local Vietnam Veterans gave their life, and their actual pictures are displayed all around you. There is also a Vietnam Memorabilia Room that is put together and maintained by local Vietnam Veterans. In addition, there is a Post 9/11 Team Room put together by local Post 9/11 Veterans that give you the feeling of living quarters in Iraq & Afghanistan for junior enlisted personnel.
The bottom line is that an amazing Veteran named Ken Pridgeon from Baytown, Texas inspired us here in lil ole’ Bakersfield follow his lead and create the second of its kind in the Nation with the hopes that every county in every state follow our lead and develop their own way of Always Remembering and Never Forgetting the sacrifices of their local heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. If each of us did our part, then we could honor every single fallen or missing service member in this country. See Ken Pridgeon’s gallery here: Fallen Warriors Memorial Gallery in Houston: Amazing Portraits! - WanderWisdom
So, when you are in Bakersfield, California that lays in the Central Valley, stop in or give us a call to schedule a tour of this amazing heart of our community – called – Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Kern County. You will not be disappointed and bring your tissue…
I am writing this letter to highly recommend the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery in Kern County. This exceptional gallery has been instrumental in preserving the memories of Kern County's Fallen Heroes and honoring their sacrifice through the display of portraits, biographies, and educational exhibits.
The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery serves as an invaluable resource for the community, providing a space for healing and remembrance for our veteran population. The gallery's commitment to honoring our Fallen Heroes is truly commendable, as they ensure that the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country will never fade away.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery is their dedication to continuous transformation. By constantly evolving their exhibits and educational programs, they engage and educate the communities within Kern County. This commitment to growth and adaptation ensures that the gallery remains relevant and impactful in the lives of both veterans and the wider public.
The impact of the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery extends far beyond the physical space it occupies. It serves as a testament to the resilience and bravery of our armed forces, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our Fallen Heroes. Through their efforts, the gallery fosters a sense of unity and gratitude within our community.
I have had the opportunity to visit the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery several times, and each visit has been a deeply moving experience. The passion and dedication of the staff and volunteers are evident in every aspect of the gallery's operations. They go above and beyond to ensure that the memories of Kern County's Fallen Heroes are kept alive and honored.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery. Their commitment to preserving the memories of our Fallen Heroes, providing healing opportunities for veterans, and educating the community is truly exceptional. It is through institutions like this gallery that we can honor the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and ensure that their legacies endure for generations to come.
My husband and I first heard about Portrait of a Warrior Gallery on television in 2018; Marc Sandall was asking for volunteers to help paint the building. The next day we showed up in our work clothes. My husband Raymond, a Bietnam veteran, considered the Gallery his 2nd home.
Since Raymond's death over a year ago, I have found comfort in volunteering here, working with others who also want to honor the members of our military.
As a docent I am privileged to give tours at Portrait of a Warrior Gallery, relaying stories of Kern County's Fallen Warriors to the public, that Gold Star Family members, fellow service members and friends have shared so that we can keep their memories alive.
Our motto is :
ALWAYS REMEMBERED - NEVER FORGOTTEN
We love to give tours to students 8th to 12th grades, Veterans groups and service clubs, We can arrange for a military panel from several different wars to have question and answer sessions after a tour.
This memorial gallery is a special gem and we hope to see you soon.
Embracing the profound privilege and honor of safeguarding the legacy of our nation's bravest souls, is the Portraits of a Warrior Gallery, in Bakersfield, California. This amazing non-profit realizes that we, the fortunate heirs of liberty's costs, must carry this mantle with impassioned pride. From the dawn of our storied republic, valiant hearts have staked their lives on the altar of freedom. Indeed, while every sacrifice is immeasurable, there are those who have paid the ultimate price. It is with profound respect and a sense of sacred duty that these sacrifices are remembered - by stalwart defenders - at the Portraits of a Warrior Gallery.
Here, amidst the hallowed exhibits, the selfless band of volunteers, many clad in the noble fabric of past service, devote themselves wholeheartedly. With unyielding dedication, they have breathed life into the echoes of bygone battlefields—illuminating the dauntless spirit, the indomitable courage, and the supreme sacrifices of those from World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Korea. Yet it is the poignant homage to our post-9/11 Veterans from Kern County—those who served with valor and fell while holding freedom's torch—that stirs the soul most deeply.
The Portraits of a Warrior Gallery is more than a repository of memory; it is a beacon of honor and a solemn pledge to remember our Veterans with the reverence they deserve. They are the sentinels of history, educating our youth on the steep cost of liberty, and ensuring recognition for the weight of the freedoms we enjoy. They stand as a perpetual monument and a source of comfort to the family of the United States' fallen.
There exists no entity more worthy of recognition for their undertaking than The Portraits of a Warrior Gallery. It stands as a testament, a local and national heirloom, ensuring that the legacies of these extraordinary men and women endure for all posterity. We enthusiastically ask that they be celebrated and support of this invaluable institution, a custodian of valor, a guardian of heroic tales, a treasure beyond measure.
This place is absolutely amazing. What an awesome tribute to our men and women who sacrifice everything for this country. Thank you to all at the Gallery.
As a veteran and native to Kern County, I was invited to speak at the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery’s 5 year anniversary and I hadn’t even been to the gallery before. It was built while I was away, still in the Army. To speak at such an event I felt it necessary to visit the gallery beforehand. To see what I now consider a staple and a necessity in Bakersfield, and to Kern County as a whole, left me speechless and with heavy emotions.
The representation and remembrance this gallery provides in no less than amazing! They have done an incredible job to show absolute respect and a humble embrace to the men and women who chose to leave their homes in Kern County, and join the United States military to go fight an enemy that had the desire to bring terror, persecution, violence, and death to our country. As a veteran with first hand combat experience, I consciously will critique establishments in a sense to conclude if they’re intentions are truly dedicated to the remembrance of the fallen, and to paying all the honor and respect those individuals deserve, or do they boast about remembrance of the fallen, but to only further profit a business by attaching propaganda that’ll pull attention away from what is really important.
The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery and the amazing staff who operate it, could not be more dedicated to projecting the observance of those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom of many who will never know who they are. That is why we owe the decency to remember who they were, and to keep their spirit and their name alive through the ages. It’s their sacrifice that we have the ability to live as freely as we do.
-Guy Anderson
SSG, US Army, retired
As a Marine Corps Veteran it was great seeing to partner with Portrait of A Warrior Gallery to do a book signing as a Fundraiser for the Gallery and Honor Flight of Kern County. Both organizations dedicated to supporting our local veterans.
I happened to be at a VFW meeting 18 months ago when it was mentioned that volunteers were needed at the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery, Having just moved to the area, I hadn't had a lot of contact with the veteran community. I visited the gallery, was given a tour, and was hooked. I volunteered immediately. The gallery does a tremendous job of recognizing the Kern County fallen for not only post 9/11, but also the Vietnam warriors that have made the ultimate sacrifice. The Gallery is also extremely active in working with all of the veteran community, especially the Honor Flight and Veterans suffering from PTSD. Even though it's an honor to give a tour to anyone from the area, it is especially heartwarming when you have an opportunity to give a tour to family members or veterans that are taking to tour for the first time,
The Gallery is not only a place to honor and remember our fallen warriors, but it is a place of healing. It's a place to come to grips with our past and to make peace with yourself. I was invited there when it first opened but was hesitate to be there for fear that I would be overcome with emotion and memories, some not so good. Finally in 2021, with the support of family, friends and Veterans I was able to tour the Gallery. I walked into the Vietnam Memorial room and there, front and center, was the photograph of my brother. There he was in a room full of other brothers, sons and fathers. Yes, this is a place of healing and a place to let go of the pain. I was so moved not just by seeing him there, but of every warrior honored there. I have since become a Docent and guide visitors through this journey to pay our respect to the fallen. I remind them that " Poor is the nation that has no heroes, shameful is the nation that has heroes and forgets them."
The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery is a crown jewel of our community here in Kern! The volunteers and docents are all wonderful people who are happy to share their stories as well as the stories of all the brave men and women who lost their lives in the defense of our freedoms and country. The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery memorializes all of the Kern county service members who died in combat and serves as a place of healing for the surviving family members and any members of the veteran community.
Being a Women Marine Veteran who served during the Vietnam Nam Era, I cried the first time I went through this gallery! I live about 50 miles away in a small town named Tehachapi, CA. The gallery is in Bakersfield CA.
Each time I go to the gallery I am amazed at the knowledge the docents and their knowledge of each war and the tours they provide for veterans and their families. We have over 27 portraits of those Vets who have fallen since 911 and are from Kern County. Not to mention several others who lost their lives in WW1, WW11, Korea, and Vietnam.
There is always time to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing through the education room.
This gallery lets me remember and Never forget those brave men and women who have gave their ultimate sacrifice!!
The gallery offers most of all healing and knowledge of our freedom!!
In May of 2021 I got connected with the gallery through Jason Geis. He ask if I would consider volunteer at the Gallery. I told him I would. Prior to that I never heard of it. He sent me an outline of the hours I would work and I agreed. I went into it and Ed was there so I introduced myself. I have been there ever since.
It can be somewhat overwhelming at times. I really did not know what to expect. But, it was a place I knew I wanted to be.
Being a Vietnam veteran I connected with it. Always Remember Never Forget!
The 27 Iraq and Afganistan vets, the 177 Vietnam vets. The 22 a day wall. How could not be emotional just being in the Gallery. It is a place of honor and tribute to the men on those walls and to all who serve or have served. It is an honor for me to donate my time to the Gallery.
To those who love America please visit us.
What I like about the place is you never know who will walk through the door. We have high school students, the Young Marines and many more. We have a traveling display of our 27 fallen so we can show others about what we are.
It is hard for me to discribe the Gallery and do justice to what it is. I can say please visit and we be always grateful to give you a tour.
Serving at Portrait Of A Warrior Gallery has been totally awesome this past year! I saw an opportunity to give some of my time to serving the veteran community. I started as a docent almost a year to the date last October. I am very into sharing history especially to our students at our local schools. This is an opportunity to share pure history. We have mini of our soldiers that have been memorialized at Portrait Of A Warrior since 911 and also we have a memorial room for Vietnam vets. 200 patriots that have given their life serving their country, I think this is totally awesome ! As a wounded combat Marine in the Vietnam era, I made it home and was able to serve in 1969 to this date. I love working at Portrait Of A Warrior I am kind of like the handyman docent. I also serve our veterans as a facilitator teaching a class on combat trauma and helping our PTSD community how to cope with what they experienced serving our country. Supporting our Goldstar mothers and families is an experience that makes my heart well up when sharing a prayer and a hug when it’s needed to comfort the loved ones is what it’s all about! to me! Once a Marine, Always a Marine, continuing to serve! Visit our POAW Gallery and be blessed!
The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery is a non-profit organization staffed by docents who are: veterans, VA college work study students, High School student volunteers.
When stepping into the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery you'll become aware that this is much more than just a place of respect for Kern county veterans. But, a unique gallery created to always remember and to never forget the sacrifices of our local veterans, and families.
In the main gallery you'll view the battle field cross, US flag, military service flags, gold star mothers flag. And most importantly, the 27 post 9/11 veteran portraits - each containing personal scenes that the family has requested the artist include in the portrait.
Walking further into the gallery, you'll find the Hall of Honor recognizing the PTSD tragedy in the nation, the vietnam memorial room containing 177 photos, a team room emulating Iraq & Afghanistan veteran living conditions.
When leaving the gallery, I hope you find a feeling of solace.
It's my honor to volunteer as much time as possible as a docent for this exceptional gallery.
Portrait of a Warrior Gallery is a place where we as American Citizens, can pay honor to our Military Men and Women. The faces in the paintings , sketches, and photographs are those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. When you visit the gallery, the feeling one receives, is that these are not just names, but people who were, and are loved by family and friends. The environment is filled with wonderful people who feel blessed to be part of such a beautiful memorial.
The first time I walked into POWG I was struck with a flood of emotions-allegiance, dignity, fidelity, patriotism… Each room, even the hallway, explores the lives and life of a Warrior that served our country. And for our Veterans-> classes, support groups, small library and an opportunity to be part of the Gallery. I encourage you to visit, alongside a docent, this Gem in our community.
Susie M.
“Always Remembered - Never Forgotten” is the motto of Portrait of a Warrior Gallery. Throughout the Gallery’s more than 20 exhibits and displays which honor sacrifices made by Kern Counties veterans and Gold Star families, that motto is evident. The docents do their best to keep alive the memories and service of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
The original portraits of Kern County’s Post 9/11 veterans are unique life story portraits that include within them vignettes portraying memories provided by the Gold Star Families to local artists Nellie Scarborough, Thomas Zachery and David Vanderpool.
After my first tour of Portrait of a Warrior Gallery just over a year ago, I knew this was a special place that I wanted to be a part of. I immediately volunteered to become a docent. I wanted to do my part to honor those who have served in our military and especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Most of our docents are veterans, or retirees, some are paid VA Work Studies (a benefit from their post 9/11 military service), and we even have some high school volunteers.
If you visit the Gallery, I hope you will spend a few minutes at the powerfully emotional 22 A Day Wall. This display is dedicated to making the public more aware of the terribly high suicide rate of active military and veterans. Docents help our visitors understand more about this ongoing national tragedy.
At the Gallery, several non-profit Veteran groups, or non-profit groups who provide services to Veterans, have their monthly, bi-monthly or weekly meetings. Some are for PTSD and Combat Trauma healing, some are Veteran peer groups and one is for Military Women. This is a very special way we can help support the needs of local Veterans. Portrait of a Warrior Gallery also lists nearly 200 resources available to local veterans on our website, continuing in their determination to Always Remember and Never Forget, not just those who were killed in action, but ALL of our Veterans.
Like many nonprofits, it's the volunteers that makes it worthy of a 5-star rating. The Gallery itself is amazing. A tribute to those 27 men from Kern County who sacrificed their lives to preserve freedom after the terrorist attack on 9/11. It also includes a tribute to the 177 men from Kern County who lost their lives in Vietnam. There are 2 Metal of Honor recipients in this room. They have a library of military books in the conference room and have a suicide awareness wall. They are putting together a POW/MIA room where they will hand 82,000+ Dog Tages of the MIA/POW since WWII. The docents will gladly escort tours or answer questions to those taking a tour. The subject matter and the docents deserve a 5 Star rating.
The Portrait of a Warrior Gallery is a unique (2nd of its kind in the country) place of honor for the heroes of Kern County. The warriors that paid the ultimate price and did not return home. Here, at this place, they will be ALWAYS REMEMBERED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Th Gallery is run by volunteer docents and VA paid veterans (currently enrolled in college). All donations go directly to keep the doors open and visitation FREE to the public. I love this place !!!! Everyone should visit. Just being there puts a lot of things in this life, in perspective.
Once you enter the "Portrait of A Warrior Gallery," you will never leave the same! As you walk each room and halls of the building you will experience such a touching and emotional feeling. The community of Bakersfield came together and created this beautiful space with amazing real life photos of our 27 fallen heroes from Kern County. We pledge "To always remember and never forget our 27 heroes.
Its a honor to belong to an organization that promotes the recognition of our fallen heroes. The community has embraced this project and has shown the local Gold Star families that THIS county will never forget.
Portrait Of A Warrior Gallery is more than a building with painted portraits hanging on the walls, its a building of Honor with a Patriotic atmosphere to keep the lives and memories of our Post 9/11 Service Members-who died fighting for our freedom. The gallery is full of education, art, culture, history, and more. We are proud to work directly with our Gold Star families Come take a tour/Tours held daily.