Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

Legacy Park at Mojave Air and Space Port was the setting for last week’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The well attended event saw over 150 people turn out to celebrate and honor the sacrifices that so many have made in service to their nation.

Event organizer, Cathy Hansen, a columnist with the Mojave Desert News welcomed those gathered at the outdoor event saying, “Thank you for attending this Veterans Day Ceremony in honoring our veterans who have given to America by serving in our armed forces. We essentially want to remember those who gave their all.”

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Hansen was very pleased with the numbers that attended but was even more thrilled with the beautiful weather that graced the outdoor event. She stated that it has been very different in previous years when attendees had to endure rain, high winds and frigid temperatures.

Several local dignitaries were on hand to add to the event including Don Maben, Second District Supervisor. Miss Mojave 2009, Taylor Johnson led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tim Lomba, an Air Force veteran and well known local soloist who regularly performs at Lancaster JetHawks home games, performed a moving a Capella version of the national anthem.

Stuart Witt, General Manager of the Mojave Air and Space Port addressed the crowd stating, “Veterans Day is deeply personal to veterans. It’s impossible to wake up on this day and not personalize it.” Witt, a veteran himself who has three sons serving in the armed forces added, “It is enormously important that we get together collectively in places like this all across America and reflect, not only collectively but also personally on Veterans Day and what it represents.”

Dave Barr, a motivational speaker and Bodfish resident was the keynote speaker for this year’s event. In his brief message, Barr spoke to attendees about the level of commitment and the can-do attitude that American veterans were and still are renowned for today. Barr who lost both legs to a land mine explosion while serving on active duty, gave thanks to all those who have sacrificed so much for the country they love. The appreciative crowd rewarded Barr with a standing ovation.

It was then time for everyone to make their way over to the airport tarmac to view the static aircraft displays and to watch Bob Grondzik, better known as “Skyraider Bob” and friend Rick Morrison fly their AD-6 Skyraiders in tight formation in a fly-over salute to Veterans Day. The two men were joined by Grondzik’s daughter Dana Mattner who was flying her father’s T-28. “I’m always thrilled to participate in this event because of Cathy Hansen,” said Grondzik, “I respect her and what she is doing here.” Mattner added, “I’m always happy to participate in any event that honors our veterans because I don’t think we do it enough.”

Vicki Porter traveled to Mojave from the Kern River Valley to attend the celebration and to hear Barr speak. After the celebration, the Havilah resident stated, “I found today to be very inspirational. It’s good to see people come out to celebrate our veterans.” Porter’s husband, Bob and Barr are long time friends who share the common experience of being Vietnam veterans who flew in helicopters during the war.

Reflecting on the celebration later on, Hansen stated, “I’ve been organizing this event at the Mojave Airport for the last 12 years and it’s interesting how each year the event just seems to take on a life of its own. The attendance gets larger every year and today’s event was wonderful.” When asked why this annual labor of love is so important to her, the Mojave resident stated simply, “I love my veterans.”