SALEM – The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) announced today that four new members have been appointed by Governor Ted Kulongoski to serve on the Advisory Committee to the Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
 
The new members joining the ODVA Advisory Committee are Joseph R. (Ryan) Howell of Albany, an Army National Guard combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom; Eugene J. LaBonte of Grand Ronde, a Native American and Vietnam era veterans who served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman; Gerard F. Lorang of Portland, a Vietnam era veteran who served in the U.S. Army as a radio technician; and Kevin J. Owens of North Bend, a Gulf War era veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as a electricians mate. The new Committee members begin in mid-March.
 
The new appointees will fill vacancies as four existing members of the Committee complete two consecutive terms of four-years each, which is the maximum term allowed by state law.
 
Members leaving the Committee are Staryl C. Austin, Jr. of Salem, both a WWII and Korean War veteran; Furlton M. Burns of Portland, a Vietnam veteran; Walter R. Crews of Aurora, a Korea and Vietnam era veteran; and Robert Haltiner of Oregon City, a Vietnam Veteran.
 
“I want to thank the outgoing Committee members for their service on behalf of Oregon’s veterans,” said Governor Kulongoski. “The new appointments will continue their work and help us ensure that our men and women who have served their country abroad have access to the services they need and deserve here at home.”
 
ODVA is a state agency that provides services and advocacy to veterans and their families. Services available at ODVA include the Oregon veteran home loan (ORVET), benefit counseling (state and federal), benefit claims assistance, outreach, and conservatorship.
 
“Combined, these veterans represent leadership from many different battlefields of America’s military past. Throughout their years of dedicated service, their collective wisdom has directly impacted the lives of Oregon veterans and their families,” said ODVA Director Jim Willis. “It has been an honor to work with each of them. The value of their service and dedication to veterans while serving on the Committee is immeasurable.”
 
The nine-member Committee was formed by statute in 1945. Playing an active role in the effective administration to the Department, Committee members are important advisors to the ODVA Director.
 
More information about the Advisory Committee and ODVA services and programs can be found online at www.oregon.gov/ODVA.     

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ODVA Advisory Committee