The Barstow Code Talkers

The Barstow Code Talkers
Following World War II, four Navajo Code Talkers found employment at the Marine Corps Supply Center in Barstow, California, while a fifth worked for the Santa Fe Railroad.

All five men settled in Barstow, raised their families, and eventually retired there.

For years, the city of Barstow and its residents remained unaware that these distinguished veterans were living in their community.

The Water Tank Mural Tribute
In 2020, the families of these men contacted Barstow Mayor Julie Hackbarth-McIntyre to ensure she knew of their fathers' significant roles in World War II.

The Mayor proposed creating a tribute for the city: a highly visible mural of the five Code Talkers painted on a large water tank along Barstow Road.

Honoring the Veterans
During the event, Colleen called upon the families of the veterans to step forward and display pictures of their fathers, along with the Congressional Medals awarded to them by President George W. Bush in 2007 at Window Rock, Arizona. The five Code Talkers recognized were:

Joseph H. Tom (Family present)

Jimmy L. Benally (Family present)

Joe Morris Sr. (Family present)

Nelson Draper Sr. (Family unable to attend)

John Chee, noted as one of the original 29 individuals who created the code (Family unable to attend)

The Code Talkers' Legacy
Colleen emphasized that many Code Talkers did not view themselves as heroes; they simply believed they were going to war to serve their country.

She concluded her remarks by sharing that her father would always begin his presentations with a Navajo phrase that translates to, "My weapon was my language".