Arbor Day to Honor Steinbacher

The public is encouraged to attend the 31st Annual Arbor Day celebration at Two Strike Park. During the ceremony a tree will be planted in memory of SPC Nick Steinbacher who lost his life in December 2006 while serving his country in Iraq.

The event will be hosted by the Crescenta Valley Town Council, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation.

The dedication of the tree in Steinbacher's honor is an extension of the community's outpouring of support for the family and their son's memory. Steinbacher became the 300th Californian killed in Iraq when he suffered fatal wounds from an explosion during a night patrol on December 10, 2006. Community members lined Crescenta Valley streets as the hearse carrying the fallen soldier's body was driven to the funeral services on Dec. 20.

It is appropriate to honor him this way, said Charles Beatty, CV Town Council member and chair of the Arbor Day event.

There will be several information tables and booths set up including a table for people to drop off items for the soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Any Boy Scouts that have old compasses, people that are deployed in these regions absolutely need them," said Fred Beyt, alternate CV Town Council member.

The list, found at the end of this article, is part of the ongoing donation program that was started by the Valley Sun newspapers. After hearing about the items needed, Beyt took it upon himself to champion the cause by collecting donations from everyone and everywhere.

"I had 100 gloves donated by Allied Waste," Beyt said.

He is having difficulty finding compasses, and suggested that any Boy Scout that is no longer using his compass could donate it. Beyt, a Vietnam veteran, has received some resistance to the idea of the donations, however he reminds people that it is about the men and women that are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, not the politics of war that should motivate donations.

"These people are over there and they need our help," he said.

Beyt will have a collection box at the Valley Sun table during the Arbor Day celebration where those who wish to donate can.

"If people can't come to the park they can certainly call me or e-mail me and I will pick it up," Beyt said. Beyt's number is 618-8496; his e-mail is beyt@att.net.