The nine-member Veterans' Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) was formed by statute in 1945. The VAAC plays an important role in the effective administration of the department and have been invaluable advisors to the ODVA's director. Committee members are appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms.
Advisory Committee meetings are held quarterly on the first Wednesday in March, June, September and December. For locations and times, please call 503-373-2383. (Special needs will be met for those who have a disability.)
Annually, the committee presents a report to the governor regarding the agency's activities.
Advisory Committee Members
Irv Fletcher
U.S. Navy, 1950-54
Korean War
Korean War Association, American Legion
 Michael Jones
U.S. Army, 1970-73 Vietnam War. Awarded two Bronze Stars Past-American Legion Post and District Commander, VFW, DAV
 Dennis GuthrieU.S. Army, 1967-69
Vietnam War. Awarded Silver Star with Valor, Bronze Star (Valor)
American Legion, VFW, Past-VFW National Surgeon General
Al Herrera, Secretary
U.S. Army, 1955-76
Vietnam War. Awarded the Silver Star,
Bronze Star (Valor), Purple Heart
J. Ryan Howell
Oregon Army National Guard, 1999-2005
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Awarded two Purple Hearts, two Army Commendation Medals.
VFW, Military Order of the Purple Heart
 Chaplain Maj. Trisa KellyOregon Air National Guard, 2002-present
 Gerard LorangU.S. Army, 1972-74
Vietnam-era, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (1975-2007)
DAV, American Legion
 Mary J. Mayer, Vice ChairU.S. Air Force (ret.), 1972-2002
Vietnam-era, Panama, Persian Gulf War, Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom
Awarded Legion of Merit, Bronze Star. Military Officers Association, Air Force Association
Kevin Owens, Chair
U.S. Coast Guard, 1990-96
Panama, Granada, Persian Gulf War-era
American Legion, DAV, 40 et 8 |