YPG renames building after late accomplished employee

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) honored one of it's late employees by renaming a building after him.

The building formerly known as the Range Operations Center (ROC) is now the Bracamonte Range Operations Center (BROC).

It's named after Larry Bracamonte, an employee of YPG for almost 40 years who passed away last August after a battle with cancer.

Col. John Nelson, the YPG Commander, says "He had such an impact we thought it was only appropriate."

Bracamonte started at YPG in 1987 and worked his way up to Technical Director, the highest-ranking civilian position on the entire installation.

Col. Nelson says, "37 years on this installation. It's been 82 years they've been testing out here so almost half of the time that this place has existed, he's been here."

Many who remember him say he was the most intelligent and dedicated person they knew.

Elizabeth Johnson, Bracamonte's niece explains, "A friendly, calm, steadfast, and humorous person in our lives."

She says her uncle was a firm believer in the mission and test operations that take place everyday at YPG.

"He loved the people he worked with and he loved the challenges the job presented. He believed that the work done here today could be difference out there tomorrow," she added.

Bracamonte was a Yuma native whose father also worked at YPG.

Many of his family members were in the crowd including his wife Matilda, who accepted several awards on her husband's behalf.

"He's been a big part of establishing a legacy around here that everybody is here to follow and he built a culture that is still here today so he's basically a legend around here," Col. Nelson states.

As long as this building stands, Bracamonte will always be remembered.