Tehachapi News

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It was a pleasure to see the recent photograph of the soldiers serving in Iraq holding the giant thank you card that was signed by citizens and visitors to Tehachapi last October and November.

Each of the near two thousand heartfelt signatures on that card was garnered during the patriotic show "Boots on the Ground," a six week tribute to our troops in art and photographs by Elisa Stepp and her brother, Melvin Krambule. This brother and sister team provided an exhibit depicting real people, and actual situations of our military personnel working with and helping Afghani citizens and children whose lives and villages were disrupted and destroyed by the Taliban. The ACO 2-5 INF 25th Division in which Melvin served, helped re-establish stability in the area and helped the local elders and villagers rebuild their communities. Many new schools were constructed and wells dug to help these war torn communities.

"Boots on the Ground," sponsored by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association and exhibited at Gallery 'N' Gifts, was not just an art show, but provided the community an opportunity to take an active part in paying homage to the military as well.

Marjorie Colby, Fine Arts Director for Tehachapi Valley Arts Association, spent countless hours planning and coordinating the community tribute. Display items came from the fine members of the American Legion Unit #221 and the the VFW Post of Tehachapi. Their members brought in military uniforms, artifacts, newspapers of their time in service, retired flags, and photographs of themselves. The Women of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #221, volunteered hours of their time  in helping collect and display these items. Special thanks to Harriet Clendenin and Mary Ann Hester for their time and services and information.
Many in the community brought in photos of loved ones for the Wall of Honor, photographs of men and women from Tehachapi, that are now or have served in the military. The photographs on the honor board were displayed during the six-week tribute, and are now being formed into a lasting book of memories that will be on display in the gallery. The book should be ready by July 4th.
Many thanks to Kathy Hinkle and especially Julie Amstutz for the discounted supplies and outright gifts for this book of honor entitled "Our Tehachapi Stars". The title is a take off of the Blue Star Banners provided by the American Legion, which show we have a loved one now serving in the military.

Each shopper and visitor to Gallery 'N' Gifts was invited to sign and was directed to the giant thank you card graciously provided by Main Street, Tehachapi.

Tears were often seen welling up into the eyes of the willing signers. During the six weeks long show, Gallery 'N' Gifts members talked with each of the almost 2,000 card signers who came in, many of them specifically wanting to send a greeting to our troops in Iraq. We met men and women from Edward's Air Force Base who had heard about the card — some of them preparing to leave for Iraq in the very near future.

We met World War II Veterans who told us stories that brought tears to our eyes. We met and talked with the many mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters who had someone serving in the military. They felt good about being able to express their thanks to someone "over there."

Tourists passing through town also signed the card. We met survivors — of England's World War II bombings, and survivors of prison camps. We were honored to meet veterans of the Korean War, of the Vietnam War, and of the Gulf Wars. There were nurses, dock loaders and others who had unique assignments that supported the military during the various wars.

In addition to getting the huge card filled with signatures, we  were able to adopt out over 150 military men and women with pen pals. How timely was that, with the holidays just around the corner?

Joey Reed, who designs and organizes large ceremonial presentations for stadium and arena events, designed a custom flag presentation for the opening of the "Boots on the Ground" military tribute. The Boy Scout Troop 594 of Bear Valley Springs performed the ceremony. Scout Masters, Brian St. John and Col. (ret.) Mark Pestana, were there with scouts Trevor Reed , Steven  Pestana, Zack St. John, and Lance Luttkus. With cool blustery October winds blowing, it was a spectacular sight as the flags whorled in the wind throughout the ceremony. Thank you fellows, it was wonderful.

"Boots on the Ground" was a privilege to sponsor and provided the community a means by which they could to show their patriotism and heartfelt thanks to our troops. Thank you, citizens of the Tehachapi area, for your part in this tribute.Together, we honor the brave men and women that have, and are now serving our great country, that we may remain free and safe from harm.