Sept - Oct 2011
Coming Together, Working Together, Helping Another and Saying Goodbye to our Brothers
On September 23rd to the 25th, Oregon will host the 65th Annual Training Conference of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) at the Chinook Winds Convention Center in Lincoln City. We are proud to host this important conference and are grateful to our staff, volunteers and many others who have given generously of their time to make this conference a success.
Jobs and the economy seem to be all that we hear about at both the national and state levels. Jobs are especially important to our returning service members when completing their service and returning to civilian life. If you know of a job, part-time, temporary or full time, you are asked to contact your local employment office or you may contact SFC (Ret) Craig Snitker at 503-584-2393, CTAP Program Manager, Oregon Reintegration Team. In addition and in Central Oregon, you can contact US AF, Kandice Newton, CTAP, 503-421-7448. They will help connect one of our veterans with much needed employment.
On Friday, September 16th we will observe the National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This is not a federal public holiday in the United States but it is a national observance. Many Oregonians will pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war (POW), as well as those who are missing in action (MIA), and their families.
In news concerning the Lebanon Veterans Home, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on July 29th asking for Architectural, Engineering, Consulting and Planning Services for the construction of the Lebanon Veterans Home. At this writing, the responses to the RFP are being reviewed to determine the firm that will be selected to complete this important work.
As always, I want to thank everyone who continues to contribute their time and donations to our Veterans Home in The Dallas. You are truly making a difference in the quality of life enjoyed by the veterans and their spouses who are residence of our home.
In closing let me say that sadly just last month Oregon buried two of our finest from the war in Afghanistan. PFC Brice M. Scott of Eugene was killed in action on July 31st and Hospital Corpsman Riley Gallinger-Long was killed in action on August 11th. Our condolences go out to their families, friends and those who served with them. May they rest in peace.
July - August 2011
Legislature Passes Bills Recognizing Veterans’ Service
As this issue goes to press, the legislature has concluded the work of this session and will return in February 2012 for its next annual session. Among the bills passed this session recognizing veterans who have served our state and nation, were HB 3416 which created the WW II Memorial Task Force. Their task will be to build Oregon’s own WW II Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol.
The Memorial will be built at the intersection of Court and Cottage Streets on a 90 by 90 foot section of ground. It will feature story boards that will cover each of the theaters of war, including the home front, and contain the names of all 3,757 Oregonians who were killed in action during the war.
Central to the Memorial will be a 33-foot, five sided obelisk constructed from Georgia granite and featuring the seals of all of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who served during WW II. Dedication of the Memorial is scheduled for May 8, 2012 to coincide with the 67th Anniversary of VE Day. Oregon’s remaining 30,000 WW II veterans and their families will be remembered at the dedication as well as the 152,000 men and wemen who served.
It is hoped that by holding the event in May that the weather will cooperate and our special guests will be comfortable in what will be a day dedicated to their service. Also this session, SB 951 was passed and in a special ceremony in Governor Kitzhaber’s office, the Korean War Veterans Honor Day was signed into law (see story on opposite page). This bill sets aside every June 25th as Korean War Veterans Honor Day in the hope that Oregon’s 37,500 veterans of what has been called “the Forgotten War” will themselves never be forgotten, but rather, honored for their service in a war for which there is still no peace treaty.
Lastly, the governor also held a ceremony to sign SB 74 that made every March 30th Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. Oregon has some 120,000 Vietnam veterans. It is fairly well known that many of them greet each other by saying, “Welcome Home.” Through this legislation, they have now received a welcome home and recognition of their service that has been long overdue.
I would like to thank all the members of the Oregon House and Senate who worked on these bills and to all of those who voted for their passage. For a wrap-up of other bills, resolutions and memorials impacting veterans, their families and survivors, please see page 5 of this edition of the VETS NEWS.
As always, my thanks to everyone who continues to volunteer their time at the Oregon Veterans’ Home and for your generous contributions to the continued operation of the Home and its services.
May - June 2011
ODVA and State Legislature Working Together To Recognize Oregon’s Veterans
As this edition of the VETS NEWS goes to print, there are approximately 60 days left in the 2011 Oregon Legislative session. The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) has been monitoring and/or testifying on some 54 bills, memorials or resolutions that affect veterans and their families.
While we are dealing with issues concerning veterans’ health, transportation, housing and employment, this session has also dealt with the recognition of the wartime service of our veterans from WW II, Korea and Vietnam.
As you will see in the cover story of this edition, the Governor has signed Senate Bill 74, which created the “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” to be celebrated every March 30th throughout Oregon. This long overdue tribute to these brave men and women was strongly supported by ODVA and a host of our fellow veterans and organizations.
Also supported by ODVA is Senate Bill 951, which creates the “Korean War Veterans Honor Day” to be celebrated every June 25th. Often called the “Forgotten War,” the Korean War was also fought by our brave men and women and has resulted in South Korea being one of the strongest democracies and economies in the world.
Additionally, ODVA is supporting House Bill 3416 that establishes the WW II Memorial Task Force. This bill allows the Task Force to solicit private funding and arrange for the development, design and construction of a memorial to honor Oregon’s World War II veterans and those who supported them here at home. To date, the Task Force has been formed, a design has been proposed and work on fund raising has begun. While this memorial is also long overdue, the memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol will be a fitting tribute to the “Greatest Generation” and all that they did in preserving our freedom and the democratic republic known as the United States of America.
In light of Oregon’s economic challenges, I have been impressed with the Legislature’s willingness to fund programs important to our veterans and their families. They clearly understand the continuing service by our armed forces personnel and our veterans in maintaining the safety and security of our nation. As always, my thanks and appreciation goes out to all of you who continue to support our senior veterans at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dallas. The Stan and Jean Adams Community Center at the Home is moving toward completion and I hope many of you will be able to attend the dedication ceremony that we will be announced in the near future.
March - April 2011
The Oregon Legislature Is Back In Session
The 76th Regular Session of the Oregon Legislature convened on February 1. In looking at the bills, resolutions and memorials that affect veterans and their families, we will be monitoring or testifying on 35 House bills, 20 Senate bills, 12 Senate Joint Memorials or Resolutions, and 10 House Joint Memorials or Resolutions.
Both the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees have hit the ground running and the pace of this session is as fast as I have seen in recent years. The ODVA budget bill will be up before the Ways and Means Subcommittee sometime in March and while it is a very modest proposal, I am convinced that we will be able to carry on our mission with the money proposed in the Governor’s balanced budget for 2011-2013.
ODVA Staff is also working with our Congressional Delegation on federal legislation important to Oregon veterans to include the USDVA proposed budget, amendments to the IRS Tax Code to allow the use of our Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bonds (QVMB) for the funding of our veterans home loans with the lifetime eligibility and the ability to do refinancing of loans within our veterans home loan program.
Two of the bills pending before the Legislature will establish every March 30th as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day and every June 25th as Korean War Veterans Honor Day. While we welcome this legislation, we are equally happy with legislation that supports the creation of a WWII Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol.
The WWII Memorial working groups are well along with the design process and I believe when this work is done we will have a memorial to the “greatest generation” that all Oregonians can be proud of. I hope to have a design mock up in the next edition of the VETS NEWS. The construction on the Stan and Jean Adams Community Center at the Oregon Veterans’ Home is on schedule and we hope to dedicate the Center this spring. Many of you continue to donate your time, materials and money to the operation of the Home and we very much appreciate your efforts.
I would like to thank all of you who continue to support ODVA and our programs and services. It is our honor to continue to do this important work.
January - February 2011
Looking Ahead To 2011
On November 18, we broke ground on the new Stan and Jean Adams Veterans’ Community Center (see related story on page 9). I want to thank all of the veterans, elected and appointed community and state leaders who participated in the event. We look forward to this new facility as we continue to serve our residents at the Oregon Veterans Home, “The place where honor lives.” As we here at ODVA look ahead to 2011, we hosted a Commanders Meeting on November 19, to chart our course.
Commanders and Presidents from all of Oregon’s major veterans organizations were present for the six-hour event held at the Broadway Commons meeting facility in Salem. During the course of the meeting, items briefed included the passage of Measure 70 during the November election, which will allow qualified Oregon veterans lifetime use of the state home loan program. The program had been limited to thirty years from date of discharge. ODVA looks forward to serving those veterans who had previously lost this benefit due to the thirty-year expiration.
The group was also briefed on the findings and recommendations of the legislatively directed task forces on Women Veterans Health Care, Veterans Transportation and Veterans Reintegration. A brief of legislative concepts was also completed to include such items as veterans employment, defining disabled veterans, a Vietnam Veteran Welcome Home day, Veterans Service Officers on campus, veterans education credit, veterans transportation issues, women veterans health care and a host of others, all intended to better serve our veterans here in Oregon.
A review of the proposed ODVA 2011- 2013 budget was also presented with a clear understanding that money would be extremely tight during this session and that support from the veteran’s organizations would be needed to support an adequate budget during the session.
For more information on these and other veterans issues please go to our website at www.oregon.gov/odva. Also featured during our briefings was a workshop conducted by Gail Yakopatz, President of Honor Flight of Oregon. Honor Flight is dedicated to transporting WWII veterans to the WW II Memorial in Washington D.C. as a way of thanking them for their service and sacrifice during the War. Gail stressed the need to establish an Honor Flight Hub in the Portland Metro and Willamette Valley area to assist with her hub in Grants Pass and the Eastern Oregon hub in Bend.
You can contact the Grants Pass Hub at (541) 955-4544 or the Eastern Oregon Hub
and the good work being done by all of the Honor Flight volunteers around our state.
In our next issue of the VETS NEWS, we will update you on the progress of the 2011
Legislative session and important legislative issues developing in the U.S. Congress. As
always, thank you for supporting the Oregon Veterans’ Home and our troops returning
from the Middle East and service around the world.
I wish each of you a very prosperous, happy and healthy New Year!
November - December 2010
Celebrate Veterans Day, Happy Birthday Marine Corps
November 11, 2010 marks the 56th Anniversary of the modern celebration of Veterans Day. Originally known as Armistice Day, the Veterans Day we now celebrate was created to honor all veterans instead of just those who fought in World War I, as was the case with Armistice Day. Interestingly enough, the idea was the brainchild of Alfred King of Emporia, Kan. who had been actively involved with the American War Dads during World War II. Mr. King’s campaign to lobby the Congress was successful and resulted in President Dwight Eisenhower signing the bill into law on May 26, 1954.
Sadly, our country celebrates this Veterans Day while we are still at war. On the grounds of ODVA at a ceremony on Veterans Day at the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial we will add the names of four more Oregonians who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Our memorial was the first of its kind in the United States when it was dedicated in 2006.
As some of you may know, we add these names on Memorial Day and Veterans Day each year. All of us look forward to the day when there will be no new names to add to this beautiful and dignified memorial.
On November 10th, the United States Marine Corps will mark its 235th Birthday. Happy Birthday Marines! May you continue to serve our nation in the tradition of your motto, “Semper Fidelis.”
As we enter the Holiday Season, I hope it will be a time of continuing recovery from the devastating recession that has so negatively impacted our state and nation. It is a time to continue in our efforts to serve the veterans who have kept our country free. My hope is that our elected officials at all levels of government will continue to support our veterans and their families as a matter of public policy and out of respect for all that they have done and continue to do.
I would like to thank all of you who continue to volunteer your time and efforts to comfort and support our veterans of all eras. You have and will continue to make a difference in their quality of life and respect for their accomplishments.
September - October 2010
USS Ranger Finds A Home in Chinook Landing Marine Park... and Other Veteran News
On August 10, 2010, Chinook Landing Marine Park in Fairview was the site of a long awaited event. Representatives from the METRO Council, Multnomah County, the City of Fairview, and a host of veterans and their families were present to hear former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh announce that Chinook Landing Marine Park will be the future home of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger.
Once in place, the Ranger will be the largest floating museum in the world! For more information on the Ranger and how you can help, simply log onto www.ussranger.org and see the good work being done by the USS Ranger Foundation. From August 12th through the 15th, Redmond High School was the home of the Vietnam Traveling Wall. From the opening ceremony on the 12th to the somber closing ceremony on the 15th, the hard work of the Central Oregon Tribute to Heroes group was apparent in the community support and planning that led up to this great veterans’ event.
The sponsoring agency was the Redmond VFW Post with co-chairs Jeff Casserly and Dennis Guthrie leading the way. Jeff Casserly served as the Master of Ceremonies at both of the opening and closing ceremonies. All in all, this event was a job well done.
While in Central Oregon, I visited with the staff and toured the facilities of the Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO) group. My hosts were David Fairclo, ODVA Advisory Committee member, and Chuck Hemingway, COVO Executive Director. Among other activities, COVO operates the Home of the Brave, a transitional housing program for homeless veterans, and has just purchased a newly renovated two-bedroom duplex designed to house female veterans or veterans with families. In addition, COVO is retrofitting a van-bus to operate in Central Oregon as a mobile veteran healthcare vehicle. My hat is off to these great veterans who are operating on a shoestring budget and yet accomplishing great things in support of their fellow veterans and their families.
Moving on to Eastern Oregon, I joined ODVA Advisory Committee Member Charles Schmidt to meet with a group of veterans at the American Legion District 10 meeting in John Day. These veterans were briefed on a number of important veterans issues including important bills pending before this session of the U.S. Congress. They are H.R. 2756, the "Veterans’ Home Loan Refinance Opportunity Act of 2009," and H.R. 2319, the "Veterans’ Home Loan Improvement Act of 2009."
On passage, H.R. 2756 will allow states that offer Veterans Home Loans for the first time to refinance those loans to the benefit of the veterans borrowers, while H.R. 2319 will amend the IRS Tax Code to make the state veterans home loan a lifetime benefit instead of only being able to use the benefit for 25 years from date of discharge. It is my hope that both of these important bills will pass during this session of Congress.
During the Oregon General Election in November of this year, you will see Ballot Measure 70 for your consideration. Measure 70, on passage, will amend the Oregon Constitution to make the Oregon Veterans Home Loan a lifetime benefit instead of the current law that only allows this benefit for 30 years from date of discharge. I urge all veterans and their families to become familiar with this important measure and cast your vote in this important election.
As always, I want to express my appreciation to everyone who continues to support the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dallas. Your donation of time, goods and monies are important to the quality of life of our residents and allows us to continue to operate one of the finest Veterans’ Homes in the nation.
July - August 2010
Recent Proposed Changes Within the USDVA, and How They Affect Oregon Veterans
Editor’s Note: This article was written and published before June 28th, in order to make the July / August press run.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced several changes and activities that are important to Oregon Veterans. June 28th through the 30th, an Independent Review Committee will be investigating veterans’ health care at the Roseburg Health Services facility.
The Douglas County Veterans Forum has indicated that it will meet with this group to emphasize the need to stop downsizing and out-sourcing veterans health service at the facility. I strongly believe that the Roseburg facility should be a full service Medical Center in line with the needs of the more than 85,000 veterans in the Roseburg catchment area.
My hope is that the Independent Review Committee will come to that same conclusion and make that recommendation to the Secretary of the USDVA. In addition, the Portland VAMC recently announced a change in how Beneficiary Travel reimbursements will be paid to qualified personnel.
Effective July 1, qualified personnel will be required to submit travel vouchers 30 days prior to their appointment. These vouchers for reimbursements will be processed by mail or electronic funds transfer from all VA clinics, including Portland and Vancouver.
One veteran responded to this change by saying in this partial quote, “I will have to submit a voucher and they will reimburse me 3-4 weeks from the visit. Isn’t that a terrific way to make sure Veterans don’t get their care, decreased appointment keeping will occur… but, oh yes, perhaps some money will be saved because the veteran cannot afford to drive in. Some of us can only afford to drive in for our appointments because we get travel pay. This is ridiculous when the gas comes out of my monthly budget and could cause an extreme hardship.”
While I was not aware of the change until it was announced, I checked with my fellow State Directors only to learn that this change was unique to Oregon and was not a national policy. I also learned the entire Oregon Congressional Delegation has sent a letter to the Acting Administrator of the Portland VA Medical Center asking for consideration of low-income veterans in the new reimbursement policy.
We will work with the VA Health Care folks here in Oregon to see if this change can be modified when it affects veterans who need to be paid at the time of their appointment so that they can afford to continue to receive health care.
In other news, the USDVA has announced the opening of the Newport Clinic with a ceremony to occur on July 7 at 2 p.m. in Newport. I applaud the USDVA for providing our veterans on the Central Oregon Coast a facility that will work to meet their health care needs in or near the communities in which they live.
I would like to thank all of you who continue to support our veterans at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles. Your efforts continue to contribute to their quality of life and are much appreciated. I hope all of you enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July as we celebrate our nation’s 234th birthday.
May - June 2010
Keeping the Promise – Remembering those we Have lost
For as long as we have been a nation, as a people we have always expressed our commitment that we will never forget those who died in service to our country. I am concerned that to some people, Memorial Day is just another three-day weekend, or the beginning of the summer or vacation season. We as veterans can do something about that and keep our promise to those who gave their all.
First, it is estimated that there will be some 45 Memorial Day ceremonies throughout our state this year. The locations are listed in this edition of the VETS NEWS. Plan to take someone with you to one of these ceremonies and make a special effort to see that young people attend so that they can understand the importance of what we do and why we do it.
Second, share the story of a special family member or fellow Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine who was lost while serving in uniform. The stories of their courage never grow old and bear repeating so that our memory of their service is not lost.
Third, for those that are able, many communities place small American flags on the gravesites of our veterans or larger ones on our city streets. Volunteer to help place them and help pick them up when the ceremonies are concluded.
And finally, remember those Gold Star family members among us who lost a beloved family member in defense of our nation. This Memorial Day I will think of patriots all through our history, serving from Lexington and Concord Bridge in Massachusetts to the severe heat and cold in Iraq and Afghanistan and every other conflict throughout our nation’s history.
Our perspective is often driven by the war in which we served, but it makes even more personal our memories of those who will never grow old, or as someone once said, “Those who gave all of their tomorrows so that we could have today.” Rest in peace honored warriors. You have earned the gratitude and respect of a nation.
March - April 2010
The 41st IBCT Needs Your Help
The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) is coming home from Iraq in the April- May time frame. Many of you have sent them packages during their deployment and have offered encouragement throughout their tour of duty. I know that they have appreciated your efforts and now as they prepare to rejoin their families, return to their jobs, seek employment or go back to school, they will need your assistance back here at home.
Oregon Partners in Crisis has joined with the Oregon National Guard Reintegration Team for a series of community meetings to plan how we can assist the members of the 41st IBCT after they return from their tour of duty. The meetings will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in each location and are scheduled as follows:
March 16 - Tigard Armory, 6700 SW Oak St.
March 17 - Springfield Armory, 3100 Pierce Pkwy.
March 18 - Salem ARC, 3225 State St.
March 23 - Medford Armory, 1701 S. Pacific Hwy.
March 24 - Roseburg Armory, 111 NW General Ave.
March 25 - Bend Armory, 875 SW Simpson Ave.
March 30 - Ontario Armory, 720 NW 8th Ave.
March 31 - La Grande Armory, 401 12th St.
April 1 - Pendleton Armory, 2100 NW 56th Dr.
RSVP is required as seating may be limited. If you are able to attend one of these events and wish to help, please call Élan Lambert, Executive Director of Oregon Partners in Crisis at 503-400-8147 or email elanlambert1@aol.com.
Anyone willing to help is invited with emphasis on the following:
• Veteran or family member of a veteran
• County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO)
• Law enforcement professional
• Clergy or lay minister
• Community mental health director
• Employer
• Mental health or addictions provider
• Housing professional
• Community corrections professional
• Employment professional
• Criminal Justice professional
• Veteran service organization
• Judge or District Attorney
• Crisis or domestic violence intervention specialist
• Public defender or criminal attorney
• Elected officials
• College or university professional
• Specialty court administrator
• Community members
• VA professionals
In another area of interest, the deadline for proposals for the location of Oregon’s second veterans’ home has passed and proposals were received from Douglas County, Jackson County, Linn County, Klamath County and the City of Coquille. The proposals have been passed to an evaluation team consisting of John Osborn, ODVA Construction Project Manager; Denny Nielsen, Retired Vice President, Salem Hospital; Bruce Craig, Acting Administrator, ODVA Support Services Division; Bruce Shriver, CFO and Administrator of the ODVA Financial Services Division and Tino Ornelas, Hillsboro businessman and member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee to ODVA with retired ODVA Director Jon Mangis serving as an advisor to the evaluation team.
The evaluation team should complete its work by mid to late March and make a recommendation to the ODVA Director’s office with an announcement of the successful location to follow. I would like to thank everyone for your interest in this most important project. I look forward to the construction of a Veterans’ Home of which we can all be proud. I would also like to extend my appreciation to all of you who have made donations and given volunteer hours to our Veterans’ Home in The Dalles.
January - February 2010
Here's to the new year... Filled with opportunities
Having just completed the Holiday Season, I hope that all of you enjoyed your time with family and friends and are looking forward to a year filled with service and accomplishment.
During this Holiday Season, I had the opportunity to observe some dedicated professionals and volunteers whose work honors and serves our veterans every day. This included a Thanksgiving day visit to the Roseburg VA Medical Center, a holiday dinner at the Oregon Veterans’ Home, sponsored by the Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America, and a very meaningful Wreaths Across America ceremony in the East Galleria of the State Capitol sponsored by the Oregon Funeral Directors Association. Each of these events reminded me that Oregon is blessed with people who will give of their time and energy in support of those who have served our nation in war and in peace.
As this message goes to press, we begin a new year – one filled with opportunities and new beginnings. It is a time when I pause to give thanks for the truly great staff here at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs who have chosen a career of service that features few external rewards, but offers the chance to change the quality of life for those we serve for the rest of their lives. I am also thankful to those who have supported us in our mission from the general public, veterans organizations, and the Executive and Legislative branches of the state and federal government. I am also grateful for the work done by county and municipal leaders who work for our veterans.
Our Department has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the Oregon Employment Department. As many of our veterans struggle during this tough economic time, I am very thankful for the efforts underway by the ESGR and the Employment Department to place as many of these veterans as possible.
I would also like to thank our partners in higher education for working with us to enroll as many veterans as possible in the various GI Bill programs available to our veterans. This is an investment by the American people that will pay off for many years to come.
Thank all of you who went out of your way to brighten the lives of some veterans who may not have had a joyful Holiday Season without your help. Thanks also to you who continue to support our senior veterans at the Oregon Veterans’ Home. Plans are underway to begin work on our second Veterans’ Home this year so that we can serve even more of these deserving veterans and their spouses.
November - December 2009
Reintegration: Caring for Oregon’sWarriors and Their Families
On October 15, 2009 Oregon held its 9th Reintegration Summit on Post Deployment. While some additional work remains to be done, much progress has been made since the first Summit.
More than 200 people attended the Summit to include elected officials, congressional staffers, federal, state and county employees, military personnel, veterans and many volunteers.
Areas addressed included veterans issues impacted by the actions of the 2009 legislative session, mid-deployment family issues, a live video teleconference from Iraq with Col. Dan Hokanson, Commander of Oregon’s 41st BCT and his staff, a report on caring for women veterans and a review of the workgroup dealing with veterans in the Criminal Justice and Mental Health systems.
After these presentations, breakout groups dealt with family, health, employment, education and legal issues. Following the breakouts, the group leaders reported on the actions and challenges faced by each of the work groups. A number of these groups will meet prior to the next Summit that is scheduled for March 18, 2010 in Salem.
I would like to thank everyone who has given of their time and talent during our reintegration summits. In a related matter, the Transportation, Women Veterans’ Health Care and Reintegration Task Forces have been appointed and began their work in October with organizational meetings and the setting of priorities associated with the outcomes that each of them plan to achieve. There will be more information on the progress of these Task Forces in later issues of the VETS NEWS.
With his retirement from the Portland VA Medical Center scheduled for December, Reintegration Summit Co-Chair Jack Heims was honored by the National Guard for his service to the military community and veterans.
Brigadier General Mike Caldwell presented Jack with the Oregon Commendation Medal for his service, pinning him in front of the crowd of 200. Thanks, Jack, for all you have done and all you will continue to do for veterans.
I would like to thank all of you for your continued donations to the Oregon Veterans’ Home. These donations contribute greatly to the quality of life for our most senior veterans and are much appreciated.
I want to wish all of our veterans and their families a safe and happy Veterans Day. Many events are scheduled throughout our state and are contained in this issue of the VETS NEWS.
In closing let me urge every veteran and family members to contact an accredited Veteran Service Office if you have any questions about your benefits. A listing of these Service Officers is also contained in this issue.
September - October 2009
Stolen Valor: Phonies, Fakes and Frauds
President George W. Bush signed the Stolen Valor Act into law on Dec. 20, 2006. Title 18, United States Code, Section 704 prohibits the unauthorized wearing, manufacturing or selling of all military awards. Violators of this statute face a fine of up to $100,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
Specific details regarding the sale or offering for sale of protected military awards are important. In the case of a person wearing unauthorized medals, specific details about the venue that was attended, other potential witnesses, and specific claims made by the imposter when questioned are key points in determining if a violation of federal law has occurred.
How do you spot imposters? When asked to verify details of their military records, phonies often say they didn’t go through the normal military channels, said Mike Sandborn, a Washington D.C. FBI Special Agent and former Marine captain who works medals fraud cases. Phonies will often say they were in high demand by the military and weren’t required to go through the normal training.
An imposter will often say that the details of his or her career exploits are classified. But even with awards for classified actions, ceremonies are not classified. Veterans claiming to have received an award should be able to produce an order granting it no matter how secretive the action.
Imposters may also say that their military documents were destroyed by fire or some similar disaster. Check their decorations. Imposters often wear medals in the wrong order or in disproportion to their time in service (if they were in the service at all). Check their birth date. When it comes to the Medal of Honor, age matters. According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the youngest living recipient is 53-year-old Gordon R. Roberts.
Just ask. Don’t be afraid to test someone if you think they’re faking, FBI agents say. If they’re legit, they won’t mind if you ask questions. Highly decorated veterans usually are very modest and rarely draw attention to their accomplishments. Imposters love to boast. Remember that true heroism is like a river – the deeper it runs, the quieter it is. If you have reason to believe that a person or persons are wearing or selling military awards illegally, contact you local FBI Office. In Oregon that number is 503-224-4181.
You may also want to check out online databases for information about both real and fraudulent war heroes. The site www.homeofheroes.com has a confidential online “bust a phony” form. Information submitted is turned over to the FBI.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society also maintains a list of living MOH award recipients at www.cmohs.org. If you suspect someone may be a phony POW, it is recommended you go www.pownetwork.org/phonies/phonies.htm to see if they have already been reported. Many other sites exist that are devoted to identifying phony SEALS, Special Ops, Special Forces, etc.
The bottom line is that too many people have sacrificed too much to allow Phonies, Fakes and Frauds to steal the valor of our real heroes. Report these cowards so that they may be held accountable for their actions.
July - August 2009
The Latest “Greatest Generation"
Recently while talking with a WW II veteran, he observed that the young men and women who have volunteered to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) should be considered the “latest” greatest generation.
With both apologies and appreciation to author Tom Brokaw, I tend to agree with the WW II veteran when he says that the latest generation to attain greatness is the one currently serving in OIF and OEF.
The recognition and respect paid to these young people is due in part to
another generation of American warriors. They are the more than 2.7 million that
served in uniform in Vietnam. There is no need to recount how these great veterans were treated when they came home, Except to say that they were and are determined as a generation ofveterans that it will not happen again.
All across our nation at airports, community events and highway escorts, these new veterans are honored for the service and sacrifice they are making for their fellow Americans.
Even as we reach out to thank them, we must also remember those who served
with equal honor in places like Korea, Grenada, Panama, the Gulf War and Middle Europe, in both the Cold War and hot wars, and conflicts around the globe.
As we honor this latest generation of American veterans, we recognize also that they are only the most current generation of men and women who were willing to step up when called and who served with commitment and honor. We are blessed as a state and nation to have this caliber of service members. As long as they continue to serve, our nation will be preserved and the freedoms we cherish defended.
My thanks and appreciation goes out to all who have worn the uniform.
May - June 2009
Oregon Military Hall of Fame
The Red Lion on the River in Portland was the setting for the 3rd Annual Induction Ceremony for the Oregon Military Hall of Fame. Over 650 veterans, family members and supporters attended the ceremony held on Saturday April 18.
Inductees were recognized in two categories, Service to Country and Community and Service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. The ceremony was conducted by Remembering America’s Heroes, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to educating our youth and our communities about the meaning of service and sacrifice on the part of our veterans. I would like to use my message to recognize former Marine Corps Sergeant and Korean War Veteran Ernie Argo of Lebanon.
Ernie was the only inductee in the category of Service to Country and Community and what a life of service it has been. Ernie Argo moved to Oregon with his parents and they settled in the Jefferson area. Jefferson High School would not accept Ernie’s academic transfer, so he quit school and went to work for the railroad with his father. In 1951, Ernie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served with the 1st Marine Division, 1st AMTRAC BN, B Company in Korea as a mechanic, testing landing craft.
In 1954 he left active duty at the rank of Sergeant but remained in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1959. Ernie joined the Santiam Detachment of the Marine Corps League (MCL) and is a lifetime member. He was the local Marine Corps League Commandant three times and served also as the Department of Oregon Commandant. He formed a Marine Corps Drill Team, marching throughout Oregon in parades and other events.
Ernie is a life member of both the American Legion Post 51 in Lebanon and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 584 in Albany where he served as Post Commander three times. During his term as Post Commander, the building was remodeled in its current configuration. He was also responsible for the flagpole that stands in front of the Post Home. Ernie never missed a meeting while holding office.
He was part of the MCL crew that built permanent restrooms at Timber Linn Memorial Park in Albany, which also served as the site of the MCL Clubhouse. Ernie helped with the construction of the Linn County Veterans Memorial located in Timber Linn Park. The Memorial commemorates those Linn County Veterans who gave their lives during the 20th century wars. The original memorial has been incorporated into the current Linn County Veterans Memorial and Ernie made a significant contribution to that memorial as well. He was responsible for procuring the 155mm Howitzer gun that sits at the centerpiece of the Memorial today.
Ernie served as President of the Linn County Veterans Council (LCVC) four times. In 1987, Ernie was honored as the Linn County Veteran of the Year. LCVC organized and hosts the largest Veterans Day observance west of the Mississippi. Ernie was also part of the American Legion Color Guard that won a national championship. The Color Guard stood duty at many area funerals and flag ceremonies.
In addition to this service to his fellow veterans and their families, Ernie also found time to serve more than 1,000 hours at the Lebanon Community Hospital where he worked with his wife Marie. Ernie and Marie also worked in support of local Girl Scouts along with daughters Dianne and Debbie. Ernie also volunteered to help build the Whispering Winds Girl Scout Camp and was honored when he was named an Honorary Girl Scout.
In what was left of his limited time, Ernie was a member of the Rollin’ Oldies Car Club and restored and displayed a number of vintage automobiles. Members of the club say that Ernie was never too busy to help another member or to recruit new members.
When it was time to restore the old Lebanon railway depot, Ernie was right there as part of the team that completed the task. In 2008, the American Red Cross honored Ernie for his 105 whole blood donations. It seems that whenever and wherever he was needed, Ernie was there for his community.
While slowed to some degree by poor health, Ernie always has a quick smile for his friends and fellow veterans. In my letter to the selection committee concerning Ernie’s latest honor, I said, “If I were to seek a role model for the perfect community volunteer, I would need to look no further than Ernie Argo.” Thanks Ernie for all you have done for your community, state and nation. Well-done Marine!
March - April 2009
Governor's Task Force Results in New Bills
As a result of the report completed by the Governor’s Task Force on Veterans Services, a series of House and Senate Joint Memorials have been introduced in the 75th session of the Oregon Legislature.
These Memorials are designed to seek action on the part of the U.S. Congress and unfortunately often result in nothing more than a “feel good” document that doesn’t accomplish very much.
I believe that these Memorials are different in several respects. First, the Task Force members believe strongly in the need to strengthen the benefits and services allocated for our veterans and their families. Second, the State House and Senate committees dealing with veterans issues have put these Memorials on a fast track and have given strong support for their passage, and Third, Oregon’s Congressional delegation has stepped up to see that the necessary bills are written to present to the Congress on behalf of our veterans.
Here is an example of the actions that are being taken:
HJM 2: Urges Congress to increase funding for Local Veteran Employment Representatives and for the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program. Congressmen Schrader and DeFazio have agreed to champion this effort.
HJM 4: Urges Congress to fund a 90-day soft landing for returning National Guard personnel. Senator Ron Wyden has agreed to write a bill in support of this effort.
SJM 1: Urges Congress to eliminate date of discharge restrictions on the State Veterans Home Loan program. Congressman Earl Blumenauer has agreed to take on this important effort.
SJM 2: Urges Congress to develop and fund a statewide veterans transportation program to include wheelchair bound veterans. Congressman Peter DeFazio will lead this effort.
SJM 3: Urges Congress to fully fund the VA Health Care program for all veterans in Categories 1 through 8. Congressman Greg Walden and his staff have agreed to work on this effort.
In addition to these examples, a number of issues dealing with women veterans were made a part of the Task Force report and Congressman David Wu has agreed to look at legislation that may assist these women with the challenges they face as a result of their service to our nation.
Another effort underway in our state is targeted toward the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Efforts are underway to place Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) on university and community college campuses throughout the state to aid veterans in applying for these benefits, which become available in August of this year. In addition, these VSOs will also be able to work with the Montgomery GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve and the Reserve Education Assistance Program.
In addition, to these benefits, tuition waivers can be obtained for children and spouses of members of the Armed Forces who are 100 percent service-connected disabled or who were killed in action in Iraqi or Afghanistan or during other service during the War on Terrorism. All Oregon public universities grant these waivers. Portland Community College also grants the waiver voluntarily and Chemeketa Community College voluntarily grants a reduced tuition.
To best determine your benefits at any college or university you should contact their financial aid office and they will assist you with the benefits to which you are entitled.
My staff and I look forward to a successful outcome during this challenging session of the State Legislature and the U.S. Congress. When times are tough economically or otherwise, it is a time for new thinking and more effective and efficient ways of meeting our challenges. I think we can meet these challenges and continue to serve those who have served our nation with honor and distinction. My thanks to all of you who have served and all of you who have supported their service.
January - February 2009
A Special Thanks to Contributors of the Governor’s Task Force Report
As we close out the Holiday Season and begin the new year, it seems a fitting time to say thank you to all the veterans and public officials who took time to offer their contributions to the Governor’s Task Force on Veterans’ Services. The completed report was submitted to Governor Kulongoski in mid-December and contains recommendations to both the State Legislature and the U.S. Congress.
My sincere thanks also goes to the members of the Task Force who traveled the state to hold meetings with public officials and veterans to get their input. A prioritization process led to the findings and recommendations that are intended to make the greatest impact in serving our veterans and their families.
Another effort underway that deserves our recognition is the creation of the “Chesty Puller Statue.” Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller is respected as a “Marine’s Marine.” Lt. General Puller’s leadership and bravery continues to inspire Marines across the world. If you are interested in learning more about the statue, you can contact Oregon’s own First Sergeant Jim Barnett USMC (Ret.) at firstsgtjrbusme@peoplepc.com. To view a concept of the statue you can visit www.seagoingmarines.com and click on the “Chesty Puller Statue” link.
In mid-December 2008, ODVA undertook a suicide awareness campaign designed to assist veterans who may be having thoughts of suicide. These veterans are encouraged to call 1-800-273-TALK and press 1 to be routed to the Veterans Hotline, which can also be used to obtain guidance for family, friends and employers. Your call is confidential.
Suicide is a personal and family tragedy that impacts veterans at twice the number of other members of our society. In fact, suicide ranks as the leading cause of death among male veterans ages 18 to 24 and the second leading cause of death among male veterans ages 25 to 44.
Another suicide resource available to Oregon’s veterans are the Suicide Prevention Coordinators at the Portland and Roseburg VA Hospitals. In Portland you can call Rob Tell at 503-220-8262 Ext 56198 and in Roseburg you can call Colleen Denny at 541-440-2000, Ext 143112.
In closing let me also thank all of our veterans and their families who helped less fortunate veterans during the Holiday Season and those who made contributions to our senior veterans at the Oregon Veterans’ Home. Your generosity is appreciated. My staff and I wish all of you a Happy, healthy and successful New Year.
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