C
ALIFORNIA, HERE I COME is that old
Al Jolson song you probably heard heading
home from any posting in the Pacifi c, and
there are many reasons for retired offi cers
to love the Golden State. To name just one,
it’s decidedly military friendly.
“California is grateful to all veter- cent of the state’s land area. There Admiral Baker Field in San Diego
ans who have selfl essly served this also are 30 national parks and mon- (popular with golfers and visitors to
nation to protect our freedoms,” uments, nearly 20 national forests, its famed zoo) to Vandenberg on the
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told and dozens of state parks. central coast, where visitors gather
Military Offi cer. “They are always About 30 military RV parks and to view rocket and missile launches.
welcome here in the Golden State.” campgrounds dot the state, from Listings, fees, reservation informa-
California hosts more than 25
military installations with exchanges
and almost two dozen commissar-
ies. In some cases, such as the com-
missaries at the former Fort Ord
and McClellan AFB, facilities have
remained operational after base clo-
sures to serve eligible patrons. Most
bases have special-services sections
with reduced-price tickets for ev-
erything from Disneyland to ski-lift
tickets, and many rent out equipment
such as tents, campers, and boats. At
some bases, medical care is available
for retirees and their dependents.
There also are three veterans’
homes in the state — one with a spe-
cial Alzheimer’s disease unit — two
more opening this fall, and several in
planning stages.
Natural beauty
California is a treasure of amazing
scenery with a great deal of public
land. The Bureau of Land Manage- Vernal Falls
ment alone manages about 15 per-
68 MILITARY OFFICER SEPTEMBER 2009 PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
SSept_Golden.indd
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