Support and events for local veterans

Jason Stanley and Kevin Davey spoke at the Rotary Club on Nov. 4, sharing about local events and organizations that honor and support veterans in various ways.

Stanley, the Quality Advocate Specialist at Airstreams Renewables, spoke first. He told how the company was founded in 2003 by Dave Schulgen. It started in Tehachapi and is now on seven military bases, nationwide. Airstreams' core values, "accountability, respect and integrity," are effectuated in many ways, but chiefly by serving veterans. As Stanley put it, "Our veterans served and now it's our turn to serve them." Airstreams is a place where veterans can become certified wind turbine technicians. All of the students are veterans and can use the GI Bills they earned through military service to invest in themselves and fund their training without incurring student loan debt. The campus boasts low student-to-instructor ratios, a dormitory, cafeteria and a staff of individuals who put their hearts and souls into their work. Airstreams is proud to have an 85% placement of their graduates in the industry. To learn more about Airstreams Renewables, visit them online at http://www.air-streams.com.

Stanley also serves as commander of Post 221 of Sons of the American Legion (SAL). Any male descendant of someone who served in the military can become a member of the SAL. The meetings promote family values and honor veterans. Activities include CPR classes, ham radio instruction, campouts, hiking and SALs ages six to 60 gather to help older veterans with yard work. "We meet, we train, we hold each other accountable," Stanley said. "It's all about the past, present and future." The Sons of the American Legion meet at 5 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at 125 E. F St., Tehachapi. For more information, email [email protected].

Kevin Davey is a U.S. Army veteran and commander of the American Legion, Post 221. Established 101 years ago, it's the oldest military organization in Tehachapi. Davey spoke about Wreaths Across America, an initiative whose mission is to "Remember, Honor and Teach," by laying a wreath at the final resting place of each U.S. veteran. At 9 a.m. on Dec. 18, Wreaths Across America will be at Tehachapi Eastside Cemetery, laying wreaths on veterans' graves and saying each veteran's name aloud. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/14761/Overview/?relatedId=17842.

The Rotary Club of Tehachapi is a volunteer service organization with the motto, "Service Above Self." The Club meets on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. For more information about Rotary Club, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofTehachapi/ or contact club President Paul Kaminski, (661) 699-5851.