April 27, 2026
Carefree was honored to kick off the Marine Corps–Law Enforcement Foundation’s Gathering of Heroes with a special welcome in the Carefree Desert Gardens at the Veterans Memorial! ✨
It was an unforgettable gathering that brought our community together to celebrate true American heroes. We were privileged to welcome Medal of Honor recipients 🎖️ COL. Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr., CSM Robert Martin Patterson, 1st LT. Brian Miles Thacker, and MAJ James Allen Taylor.
The evening also featured a beautiful performance of the National Anthem and American the Beautiful by local student Ava Cohen 🎶, along with words from Mayor John Crane and COL. Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. that served as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unity that define our nation. 🪖
Prior to the event, Rusty Crossland welcomed the group of distinguished veterans—including the Medal of Honor recipients, World War II veteran Sgt Major John Taylor, Sgt Bob Jenkins —to explore his RH Crossland Foundation Historical Sports and History Museum near Spanish Village at 37555 North Hum Road. 🖼️
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this special gathering so meaningful! ❤️
It was an unforgettable gathering that brought our community together to celebrate true American heroes. We were privileged to welcome Medal of Honor recipients 🎖️ COL. Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr., CSM Robert Martin Patterson, 1st LT. Brian Miles Thacker, and MAJ James Allen Taylor.
The evening also featured a beautiful performance of the National Anthem and American the Beautiful by local student Ava Cohen 🎶, along with words from Mayor John Crane and COL. Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. that served as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unity that define our nation. 🪖
Prior to the event, Rusty Crossland welcomed the group of distinguished veterans—including the Medal of Honor recipients, World War II veteran Sgt Major John Taylor, Sgt Bob Jenkins —to explore his RH Crossland Foundation Historical Sports and History Museum near Spanish Village at 37555 North Hum Road. 🖼️
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this special gathering so meaningful! ❤️