Independence Veterans Memorial Park Proposal Faces Delays, But Supporters Remain Determined

By Debra Holm

At the July Inyo County Board of Supervisors meeting, a proposal to create a Veterans Memorial Park in Independence honoring two local heroes faced unexpected resistance, leaving supporters both disappointed and determined.

The community-led project, involving the Independence Civic Club, the Special Operation Association (SOA), and the Special Forces Association (SFA), proposed the transformation of a dirt lot—currently used for informal parking—into a landscaped public space honoring the two extraordinary servicemen, MG John “Jack” Singlaub and CPT James Birchim, both Independence natives with deep ties to the Owens Valley.

The Inyo Register reported that the planned memorial would occupy the southwest corner of the Independence Courthouse campus, where the old county jail once stood, transforming the dirt lot into a landscaped memorial, entirely funded through grants and donations.

Committee member Nancy Masters noted the location was chosen to beautify what local residents have called “the ugliest spot in Independence” and to provide both a place of honor and a spot of respite for residents and visitors.

When some Supervisors suggested the memorial should recognize all local veterans rather than focusing on two individuals, Lone Pine resident and committee member Travis Powell—an Army medevac pilot who served eight years in Iraq and Afghanistan—pushed back.

Speaking to The Sheet, a weekly local newspaper, Powell was unconcerned “with the larger vet population needing any particular award or recognition,” adding that “a generic memorial was politically safe. It’s okay… if not everyone gets a trophy.” Powell said, “These guys did something unique. A small town producing this type of talent (Singlaub and Birchim) is rare and should be lauded.”

HONOREES AT A GLANCE

Concerns from the Board

While Supervisors Jennifer Roeser and Will Wadelton have expressed support for moving forward, other board members have voiced concerns. Issues raised include the loss of parking spaces for county employees, water supply for landscaping, ongoing maintenance costs, and, as mentioned earlier, whether the memorial should honor all veterans rather than focusing on two individuals.

Supervisor Jeff Griffiths questioned why the project should create a new park rather than place a memorial within an existing one. Supervisors Trina Orrill and Scott Marcellin emphasized the need for more detailed plans, including architectural renderings, water sourcing, and parking adjustments, before granting approval.

Supporters, however, point out that without the Board’s preliminary approval of the site, fundraising and detailed planning cannot proceed—a “chicken-and-egg” dilemma that continues to stall progress.

Community Response

The local press has been critical of the county’s initial hesitation, with some residents expressing frustration that verbal praise for veterans is not being matched with policy action. As veteran Randy Short told The Sheet, “If we can’t recognize this gentleman [Singlaub]… then we’re missing something. I’m personally offended by the pushback.”

Next Steps

A working committee consisting of Civic Club members, John Singlaub, Dr. Bob Reed of SFA Chapter 78, and Rick Estes of the SOA, has been formulating plans, coordinating with County departments, fundraising, and applying for grants. According to Don Bright, one of the project’s leaders, the committee is now meeting with county staff to address questions about site preparation, cost estimates, Caltrans requirements, and water access. The goal is to convert at least two of the three supervisors currently withholding support, allowing the project to move forward to the design and fundraising stage.

While the July meeting was a setback, the memorial committee most definitely hasn’t given up.

About the Author:

Debra Holm has served as the art director/graphic designer of Chapter 78’s Sentinel since February 2012, and is also Chapter 78’s webmaster and social media manager.