Veterans Day bench dedication

The City of Tehachapi is assisting the Tehachapi American Legion Post 221 with a bench dedication ceremony on veterans Day, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m., at 125 E. F Street.

American Legion Post 221 is dedicating a donated custom-made bench from the renewable industry to honor the memory of Tehachapi resident Gilbert Louis Mitchell who was a Naval Flight Officer. Mitchell has been MIA since 1968 while serving in North Vietnam. His aircraft was shot down and his body was never recovered.

"I have been looking for a way to honor Gilbert Mitchell's service and recognize him as Tehachapi's only MIA. The opportunity to dedicate this bench to him is something the American Legion is happy to work with the City of Tehachapi and Canvus," said Lynn Eckert, Post Commander.

The City of Tehachapi donated the concrete work, installation of the bench and purchased the plaque honoring Gilbert Mitchell. The bench is custom made from wind turbine blades from the renewable energy industry and donated to the city of Tehachapi.

"When the American Legion talked about a way to honor Gilbert Mitchell, the timing worked out perfectly as we were able to help them through this collaboration with the recently donated benches. We felt it was appropriate to make sure the first of six benches to be placed throughout the city be given to the American Legion for our veteran community," said Greg Garrett, Tehachapi City Manager.

Canvus, a manufacturer of products made from wind turbine blades, released the following statement, "We are so happy to be part of the Tehachapi community with the donation of these one-of-a- kind benches. We are honored that American Legion Post 221 and the City of Tehachapi are using our products to honor the legacy of veteran Gilbert Mitchell, sharing an amazing story that the whole community can connect with. We hope these benches are enjoyed for decades to come."

Also scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11, is a veterans Day Ceremony at Central Park at 11 a.m. (the veterans Day Parade was canceled due to lack of participation).

For additional information, contact Mya Acosta, Community Engagement Specialist: [email protected] or (661) 822-2200 ext. 104.