Grand Marshal Announced for the 89th Annual Pioneer Days

Monday, September 8, 2025

The City of Twentynine Palms is proud to announce that longtime resident and community leader Herman Platzke has been selected as the Grand Marshal of the 89^th Annual Pioneer Days, presented by Bowladium Family Fun Center.

Platzke, a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, dedicated 26 years to serving his country. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he completed two tours in Vietnam and served with four Marine divisions and two Marine air wings. His assignments included Marine Security Guard in Kolkata (Calcutta), India; Communications Chief with the 31^st Marine Amphibious Unit; and three tours at the Marine Corps Communication Electronics Schools in San Diego and Twentynine Palms. His commendations include the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his military service, Platzke continued to embody the Marine Corps spirit of service by dedicating himself to the Kiwanis Club of Twentynine Palms. Since joining in 1994, he has served in numerous leadership roles including president, secretary, fundraising chair, lieutenant governor of Division 47, and District Chair for the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund. He is currently a Champion for the Possibility Project and serves as a Kiwanis Children’s Fund Ambassador for the California-Nevada-Hawaii District.

Beyond his professional and civic commitments, Platzke is a devoted family man. He and his wife Dina share a blended family of children and grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his loved ones, as well as theater, photography, painting, traveling, and volunteering in the community he has long called home.

“We are honored to recognize Herman Platzke as this year’s Grand Marshal,” said Scott Clinkscales, Community Events Coordinator. “His lifelong commitment to service, both to our country and to the Twentynine Palms community, exemplifies the spirit of Pioneer Days.”

The 89^th Annual Pioneer Days celebration takes place October 16-19, 2025, featuring a weekend full of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and the beloved parade downtown.

For more information about Pioneer Days, visit 29palms.org or call (760) 367-7562.

Special thanks to our sponsors and partners for this year’s Pioneer Days! The 89^th Annual Pioneer Days is presented by the Bowladium Family Fun Center. Our partners include Friends of the Historic Plaza and Rediscover 29. This year’s Associate Sponsors are the Kiwanis Club of Twentynine Palms, Libby’s Realty, and Mountain View Ranch. Our Supporting Sponsors are Desert Ace Hardware and Navy Federal Credit Union. Finally, this year’s Contributing Sponsors are the 29 Palms Creative Center and PadMai Onigiri.