Tehachapi will welcome 'wall to wall' riders
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Henry A. Barrios / The Californian Tehachapi residents and visitors will have an opportunity to meet Wesley Barrientos, left, and Jeremy Staat when they make an overnight stop on Feb. 19, with numerous activities planned to welcome the "Wall to Wall" riders to town
Feb. 19 events celebrate first stop
Sunday, Feb. 19 will be an exciting day in Tehachapi. The "Wall to Wall" cross-country bicycle ride, originating in Bakersfield at the "Wall of Valor" and ending at the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C., will make end its first day with a stop in Tehachapi. What an honor and opportunity Tehachapi has to thank our veterans.
Jeremy Staat and Wesley Barrientos will ride directly to The Apple Shed, when they arrive in town and will be met by Tehachapi Mayor Ed Grimes, other dignitaries, the press and photographers for presentations. They will then ride to the Moose Lodge for more presentations, photos, the fundraising drawing and arrive at the Veterans Memorial Building for photos and presentations.
Ambassadors will be on the streets handing out maps with the locations and times of the various venues.
Staat is a retired NFL player, a United States Marine and a Iraqi War veteran. Barrientos is a three time Iraqi War vet, a three time Purple Heart Recipient and a double amputee. Staat will ride a standard bicycle and Barrientos will ride a hand-crank bike.
The goal of the men is to raise awareness and support for our countries veterans and veteran organizations. A secondary objective is to raise awareness of childhood obesity and how it can be prevented through lifetime fitness activities, specifically bike riding.
"Tehachapi has the opportunity to step up to the plate and show America how our vets should be treated," Grimes said with excitement about the event. "We can set the gold standard and show our country how much we love our vets."
Earlier this year Grimes proclaimed Jan. 3 as Tehachapi American Heroes Day in Tehachapi; it is believed to have been the first official proclamation by a California city to honor veterans of the war in Iraq, welcoming them home and thanking them for their service.
"As a vet myself, I know the sacrifices that are made and it's our part to show the riders how proud we are of them and the difference they have made," Grimes said. "They are genuinely 'good guys,' let's give them all the support they are due."
Mary Lou Vachon, proprietor of The Apple Shed, is so excited about the Feb. 19 event that her patriotism is infectious. And she's already had a chance to get to know Staat and Barrientos.
"Jeremy and Wesley spoke to my son Aaron's class and their passion to teach and educate our kids about vets was heartwarming," she said.
"Our school age children must have patriotic fervor and understand they will be the generation taking care of those serving in the armed forces today," she said. "The rest of us will be gone and it is our job today, to pass on our love and caring for the vets of tomorrow." Vachon would like to see every child in Tehachapi with a flag in their hands downtown on Feb. 19, waving it not only for Staat and Barrientos, but for all American vets.
Several events are planned as Tehachapi awaits the arrival of the two heroes on Feb. 19. A spaghetti dinner will begin at noon at three locations -- The Apple Shed at 333 Tehachapi Blvd., Veteran's Memorial Bldg. at 125 East F St. and the Moose Lodge at 123 W. "F" St. Cost is $10 per adult and $5 per child.
Other events for the entire family are planned that day, as well.
A poker run will begin at 9 a.m. at the Dog House on W. Tehachapi Blvd. There will be a fundraising drawing, the VFW will hold a bake sale, the Miss Tehachapi pageant girls will do face painting and a beer garden at the Moose Hall will open at noon.
Bands will play in various locations. Debbie and Guy Martin will be at The Apple Shed from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the Nitro Cowboys will be at the Veterans Memorial Bldg. from 1 to 4 p.m.; and the Denim Band will be at the Moose Lodge from 2 to 7 p.m. Bring the family -- the kids can meet Staat and Barrientos in person.
All proceeds of the various events will go to the Jeremy Staat Foundation.
For further information contact Harriet Clendenin at 822-1014.
