Historian to discuss SLO County military history at library event
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Erik Brun.
– The Paso Robles City Library will host a local history presentation on the military history of San Luis Obispo County on July 8 as part of the USA 250 birthday celebration.
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Erik Brun will present “Military History of SLO County” from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Library Study Center.
Brun grew up in Goleta and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a master’s degree in public history from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of La Verne. He has also completed graduate-level history coursework at California Polytechnic State University. Brun and his wife have lived and worked in San Luis Obispo County intermittently since 1985.
According to the library, Brun will trace more than 450 years of military history on the Central Coast, examining the region’s role in national defense. The presentation will cover the area’s evolution from early coastal activity and World War II training grounds to Cold War-era military innovation.
Brun will also discuss large-scale troop movements, amphibious assault training, and the establishment of the Combat Developments Experimentation Center, where Fort Hunter Liggett served as a testing ground for new tactics, equipment, and operational concepts.
The presentation is open to ages 16 and older. Space is limited.
Click here to register and for more information.
