Tehachapi News

Civil Air Patrol Cadets participate in wreath ceremony at veterans cemetery

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Civil Air Patrol cadets from Tehachapi Composite Squadron 46 and Bakersfield Composite Squadron 121 assisted Saturday, Dec 12 at the Bakersfield National Cemetery with the wreath laying ceremony sponsored by the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club.

The event was attended by many veterans groups, dignitaries and local citizens. 

"Wreaths Across America" trucks the wreaths all the way from Maine on donations provided by organizations and individuals. All across America, on this date, wreaths are placed at the National Cemetery's to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. This effort was first organized in 1994 by Worchester Wreath Company who wanted to "Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and Teach our children the value of freedom."

Each cadet learned the value of paying tribute to the fallen.

Bakersfield Squadron's Deputy Commander for Cadets, 1st Lt. Casey Schaubschlager, himself a USMC Iraqi war veteran, understands honor and sacrifice. He took special care to instruct the cadets on how to ceremoniously place the wreath, take one pace back and slowly render a salute at each grave. 

"This was certainly a very moving day for us," one cadet remarked.

All the cadets attending were glad they were able to help and look forward to continuing support to the National Cemetery.

"It is truly an honor to serve those who have given so much to us.”

With some wreaths left over, and the Rotary's approval, the Bakersfield Squadron cadets went on to Hillcrest Cemetery and placed the remaining wreaths upon soldiers graves there. 

—Lt. Col. Carol Schaubschlager, Commander, Tehachapi Composite Squadron 46