A Veterans Gathering on the Low Level

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, we will be hosting our first Veterans gathering on the Sidewinder Low Level. Get ready for great food, new friends, old stories, and FAST jets! This first event will be a trial-run for future events, and we're already setting a tentative second date for this Fall-  Wednesday, November 4th, 2026- a week before Veterans Day. 

Physical ability shouldn't keep the Greatest Generation from experiencing the Sidewinder. Our goal is to make viewing the jets along the Sidewinder easily accessible to Military Veterans that may not be able to hike or make the trip on their own. No hiking is involved and  Veterans from the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Army are encouraged to join us. 

Thanks to our partners, we will be providing transportation to & from the Kern River Valley from Van Nuys, California.  Shade tents, tables and chairs,  food and drinks will also be provided at no cost. The shuttle will leave at 5am and we will arrive along the Kern River before 9am. Plan to spend about 5-6 hours along the river- we will depart the river around 3pm, returning to Van Nuys before 8pm. 

Currently we have one shuttle lined up- with space for 13 Veterans- if the demand is great enough, we can add additional shuttles. If you have family or friends that would like to meet us out there, the area where we will be setup is called "Calkins Flat Dispersed Area."  There are restrooms onsite as well. 

This is a free, no-cost event. If anyone reaches out asking for any type of payment, please do not respond. If any of our Veterans have special needs, please let us know how we can accommodate them.