*Article from Stroll River Bottoms, May 2026*
Written By: Dena Hymas
Les Brown’s military service reflects the quiet dedication of many citizen-soldiers who balance military duty with family, education, and career. Brown served for six years in the Army National Guard, beginning his training in 1969.
He completed Basic Training at Fort Ord, California, before continuing to Advanced Individual Training at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California, where he trained in military intelligence. After returning home later that year, Brown began attending law school at the University of Utah while fulfilling his service obligations in a reserve capacity.
During this time, he also reached an important personal milestone. In the fall of 1970, Brown married Karen Yarn as he continued to balance school, family life, and his military responsibilities.
Brown spent the final two years of his service as a platoon sergeant, leading a Spanish-speaking platoon. His leadership role reflected the trust placed in him by his fellow soldiers and superiors.
Although he was never activated or deployed, Brown valued the experience and training he received during his years in the Guard. When his enlistment concluded in 1974, he chose not to reenlist after being elected County Attorney, a role that required his full attention.
Looking back, Brown remembers his service positively—an important chapter that allowed him to serve his country while building the foundation for his future career and family life.
