2019 They Served With Honor_Veterans Tab

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9th

Veterans Day 2019

They Served With Honor

“Thank a veteran for their service!”

2

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Andrew Angellford

Going to Sea

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

W

hen Andrew Angellford decided on a branch of the military, he chose to follow in the footsteps of a famous ancestor. “I have a connection to John Paul Jones,” he said recently. “I always wanted to go to sea.”

Born in Myrtle Point, Oregon, Andrew grew up in Sweet Home and Lebanon before spending 13 years, from 1960 to 1973, in the US Navy.

His basic training was completed here in Oregon alongside the Marines. “Then, I was assigned to a mine sweeper in San Diego.”

He shipped south and spent six months in Columbia where he helped re-chart a harbor and its estuaries. He enjoyed the work and found the area alluring. “The churches were beautiful and very ornate.”

From there, Andrew shipped out for a tour of Vietnam. Being in a war zone in 1965 and 1966, Andrew said he learned a lot in a hurry. “We made a night run to chart a river.” He was 22 years old. “You didn’t have time to be nervous.” He was thankful he had learned to shoot an M1 rifle in Hawaii. He said he was not part of a front line unit, although the boat he served on was a minesweeper. “We had a 600 horsepower diesel engine to send out a magnetic field,” he explained. “I was

in support.” One thing he learned during his time in Vietnam is that being a good marksman is the cheapest and most effective insurance there is against the enemy.

When he was passed over for a promotion to Lieutenant Commander, Andrew’s path moved from the Navy to the US Army, where he spent an additional 19 years, from 1973 to 1994. “My last deployment was Desert Storm.”

While in the Army, Andrew learned how to utilize a night vision scope, something he said paid huge dividends. “I’m sure glad we had those scopes.”

Andrew’s advice to young men and women considering a military career is to go into the National

Guard first. “Go to at least a community college to be able to be a commissioned officer.” Andrew took a brief hiatus to attended Oregon State College where he was part of nationally acclaimed pistol team. “We were second in the nation,” he said proudly. He also pulled out his Oregon State letterman’s jacket, which, over 50 years later, still fits him. “I believe in staying in shape.”

Following his military service, Andrew returned to Oregon and picked up a variety of jobs. “I did anything I could find.” He has been at the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home for several months.

While it is taking him a while to settle in, he has no regrets coming back to Oregon. “This is the best place on earth.”

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

I am very proud to be an American

VETERANS DAY

2019

They Served With Honor

W

elcome to the special section we call They Served with Honor. This is the third time I have been in charge of finding the Veterans, scheduling their interviews, taking photos and writing their stories. Each year, it has truly been an honor and a privilege to meet with area Veterans. I have learned a lot about each of them and about myself.

This year is no exception. I met a 103 year old man who lives at the Veterans’ Home in Lebanon. He was quite the character. I met a much younger Veteran who owns a distillery in Corvallis. I met a husband and wife team who are both Veterans.

And, boy, did they have some amazing stories to tell. Some, told them without hesitation. Others talked about the darker part of war. Overall, they talked about

Saturday, November 9, 2019

how important their military service was to them. Without exception, each was proud to serve and even when their bodies and minds suffered, they had no regrets.

I would like to take a moment to thank them all for their service and their sacrifice. While I never served, I had a lot of family who did. And, not unlike the Veterans I interviewed this year, I think my family covered every branch of the military, or at least came darn close.

I salute all of our Veterans, the sacrifices they made and the sacrifices their families made. It can’t be easy living a somewhat nomadic life to follow your spouse from base to base. Again, thank you Veterans for all you did.

— Kay M Roth

Andrew Angellford ...................................... Pg. 02 Thank You Veterans ..................................... Pg. 04 Dawson Officer .............................................. Pg. 06 Robin Barrett ................................................. Pg. 07 Stephen Babjar ............................................... Pg. 08 William James Lapschies ......................... Pg. 09 Herman MacDonald ....................................Pg. 10 Don Malcolm .................................................. Pg. 11 Cathleen Orcutt ............................................ Pg. 12 Tom Owen ....................................................... Pg. 13 Mike Carlson .................................................. Pg. 14 Gene Peery ....................................................... Pg. 16 Cherlyn & Oliver Prescott ........................ Pg. 17 Matt Sperling ................................................. Pg. 18 Glen Vogel ........................................................ Pg. 20 Kara Waller ..................................................... Pg. 23

Vets Helping Vets HQ VHVHQ advocates assist veterans with the benefit claims process, emergency needs, comfort to families, and overall guidance in putting together a fully developed claim at no cost to the veteran.

Contact us at 541-791-4357 or vhvhqthebunker@gmail.com

3

4

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Veterans Day:

honoring America’s brave

Kenneth D. StecKly Colonel

US Army

1953 – 1986

Gerald e.

Hemple, Jr.

November 11 is a day to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. It was on this day in 1918 that the hostilities between Allied forces and Germany came to an arduous end. Veterans Day was initially created to honor the heroic soldiers who fought to restore world peace during World War I, the most destructive, grim and far-reaching war in human history at the time. Today, this annual observance pays tribute to all military personnel who served the United States in all wars. It’s a day of historic and patriotic significance commemorated with parades, church services and public meetings. It’s a day to inspire hope: hope for peaceful relations between nations.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, fly your flag at half-mast and participate in a moment of silence to honor the brave men and women, living and dead, who have fought America’s battles, past and present.

WESLEY R. STRAWN

Keely Whitehead

ROY EDWARD ULMER

Mel leff

Cole Pinson

US Army

1942-1945

1951-1955

Staff Sergeant (SSgt)

Navy Baker 2C Tv-6

US Air Force

US army 2006-preSent

1969-1971

2009 - Present

1980-1984

8th Army – 76th EnginEEr BAttAlion, KorEA Pvt.

US Army Sergeant HHC, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade

NAtioNAl AwArd

1984-1989

Sgt. 1/c

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

u o Y k n Tha For Your Y Service

and Dedication To ALL that Served

McHenry

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Remodeling, LLC. CCB# 199912

Since 1988

T hank You For Your Service

Kellenberger Appliance LLC,

Serving Lebanon and surrounding area appliance needs since 1918.

Kitchens • Baths • Decks • Siding • Windows • Additions

21 Main Street, Lebanon, OR 97355

541-258-2118

www.kellenbergers.com

100% Guaranteed craftsmanship

We are working with Energy Trust of Oregon to help you reduce energy costs and improve the comfort of your home.

www.mchenryhomeremodeling.com Call Now (541) 926-5903

n t u y Sch o C n oo to dit Uni n ls on B e Cr e

Exclusively serving Educational and Public Employees and their families 2101 NW Professional Drive Corvallis: 754-7765

1710 Main Street Philomath: 929-2398

www.bcscu.org

Thank you for your service.

5

6

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Dawson Officer

Dedicated to Four Friends

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

D

awson Officer is a sixth generation Oregonian, a distiller, a local business owner and an Army Veteran. He is very proud to be all of the above.

His family has served in the military since 1869 during the Kiowa Indian Wars. Officer noted that his father, grandfather and many other relatives were all military men. He knew that he was bound to follow the same path.

Officer graduated from Central High School in Independence and served in the military from 1998 until 2005. He was a member of the Army National Guard and spent an 18 month tour in Iraq beginning in 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

Officer joined the military for what he said was the right reason- “to defend my country.” He became a member of the 2-162 Battalion of Delta Company. Later, he would honor four of his fellow soldiers while naming his business. Officer said he also found deep friendships in the military.

Officer is the owner of 4 Spirits Distillery in South Corvallis. The name is his way of honoring four friends who did not return from war. Looking around the facility and seeing the memorabilia, Officer’s military background is very clear. “It’s a little whiff of the military without being in your face.”

Following his service, Officer worked in the banking industry before returning to college, where he focused on business and marketing.

He wasn’t sure where the road would lead but he knew he wanted to be able to honor his friends.

He knew he could do what he wanted as long as he put his mind to it. “My ‘make it happen’ attitude is due to my military service.” What he didn’t originally know was how or even what he was going to produce, only that it would honor his friends. In 2009, he looked into creating cider.

“More barriers,” he said, “led to less competition.”

He learned how to distill by reading books.

He opened his first distillery in a block house in Adair Village. Eventually, the business moved into its current facility, which was built by Officer and

his brother, also a Veteran. “It took us ten months to build it,” Officer said with pride.

Another aspect of his business that Officer is proud of is giving back to area Veterans’ groups. A portion of the sale of 4 Spirits Bourbon Whiskey is donated to help Veterans and their families.

4 Spirits is very proud to have created the first ever combat Veteran scholarship at Oregon State University.

Lt. Erik McCrae, Sgt. Justin Linden, Sgt. Justin Eyerly and Sgt. David Roustum are the four men Officer honors with his business. They lost their lives in 2004/2005 while serving in Baghdad. Officer said that a day doesn’t go by that he doesn’t think of his friends and their loss. He will forever honor their courage, their sacrifice, their service.

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Robin Barrett

Witness to History

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

94

year old Robin Barrett has led a celebrated life. Most recently, he jumped out of an airplane. Yes, an airplane.

Born in Pasadena, California in February 1925, Robin needed his mother’s permission to sign up because he was just 17. He smiled when he remembered her words when he asked her to sign the form.

“If that’s what you want to do.” Robin wasn’t the only one of the Barrett kids to join the military. His oldest sister was in the Coast Guard, one brother was in the Sea Bees, and another was in the Marines. There was one holdout. “My twin sister was a librarian.”

He served as a US Marine four days short of four years. He was a member of the 5th Division during World War II. When asked why the Marines, he said it was the only thing he could get into. He was a paratrooper but never made any combat jumps.

That’s not to say he never saw any action.

In fact, he celebrated his 20th birthday watching the flag go up at Iwo Jima.

Robin worked as a printer’s devil, meaning he did everything in a print shop that nobody else wanted to do.

Robin looks at things a bit different than many other people do. For instance, “Everyone who lived through World War II is a Veteran.” Without those who kept

the home fires burning and doing so much for the war effort, “the military wouldn’t have gone anywhere.”

Robin said he was pretty lucky. “Five beach landings and I never got a scratch.”

Being a Marine was one of the best things that ever happened to Robin. “Is there anything else in the world better than being a Marine? It’s the best!” he declared. “I found things I could do and do well,” he said of his time in the military.

Like many people, Robin created a bucket list of things he really wanted to do. The top three were to be part of a car race — “I had a great time and ended up covered with mud!” — fly over the valley- he did that in September 2018 — and take a parachute jump — “The doctor didn’t want to sign the release!” — and, jump, he did. Now, he wants to jump again when he turns 95.

Robin had another brush with fame during World War II. In addition to being part of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Robin’s life was saved by someone who went onto greatness. It was 2 a.m. and what was supposed to be a three day battle turned into a 14 day battle. Robin was in the water with some of his fellow Marines, waiting to be rescued. A PT boat pulled up beside the group and got them to safety. It was then that Robin realized the captain of that PT boat was John F. Kennedy. “He’s the only Democrat I ever voted for!”

After his military service, Robin went on to become an Episcopal priest. He also became very active in the VFW. Currently, he lives at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon and volunteers at the school next door.

“Regrets? Nope, not me!”

7

8

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Stephen Babjar

Out to Lunch

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

S

tephen Babjar grew up in upstate New York during that last vestige of peace before the storm of Hitler blew across Europe. Life was good for the young man who spent his days attending high school and his evenings wondering what lay ahead for him and for his classmates.

In a heartbeat, the world as he knew it changed when, in some far off island, Japan awoke a sleeping giant. The 97 year old Veteran who know calls Lebanon his home, joined the US Navy at a pivotal time in history. “Pearl Harbor had happened,” he said. His original plan was to become a Marine.

With a smile, he explained, “A bunch of us went to sign up. The Marine recruiter was at lunch and the Navy recruiter was right next door!” While some decided to wait for the Marine recruiter to return, others, including Stephen, decided the Navy was a good choice too.

He attended basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois before heading to the University of Illinois for diesel engine school. It was during school that Babjar’s path was set. “One Sunday morning, a guy got on the PA and said they were asking for volunteers for submarine or PT boat duty.” It didn’t take him long to make the decision he never regretted.

“I decided PT boats were for me.”

He was sent to Rhode Island for PT training.

“It was the coldest winter I ever experienced!”

He ended up in the Philippines and when Japan surrendered, he had intended to return home but the division officer suggested he apply to become a chief, something that became a reality.

“I was fortunate,” Stephen said. “I could learn pretty easily.” In fact, Stephen is a member of Mensa, the high IQ society open only to people who score at 98 percentile or higher on standardized IQ tests.

Stephen really appreciates all Oregon has to offer. “I really enjoy hunting and fishing.”

As for his service, “I enjoyed the engine room,” he said. He was stationed on PT 27. “I had a friend

stationed on PT 109,” he said of the boat captained by future president, John F. Kennedy.

Following World War II, Stephen’s next step was the future. He was chosen to be part of the digital computer school in Minneapolis.

“I’ve had a good life,” Stephen said. Some of the jobs he did as a civilian included working in a milk product factory, and working at a truck stop service station.

Some advice he is willing to share — Get the highest score you can. “That is the basis of all privileges.” And, he added, “Enjoy every bit of it!” He said he has no regrets. “I loved the Navy.”

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

William James Lapschies

Centenarian Celebrates Life

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

W

illiam James Lapschies has been around a while. In fact, at 103 years old, he has already surpassed a century on this planet. Still, he remains quick witted and willing to talk about his time in the US Army during World War II. Born in Minnesota, Lapschies came west as a child, eventually graduating from North Salem High School before being drafted. “My parents were both born in Germany so Minnesota was a good place for them to live.” He said that while he liked Minnesota, he always felt Oregon was his home.

It was right after Pearl Harbor was bombed that Lapschies decided to beat the draft by signing up for the branch of the military he chose and was not chosen for him. “A group of friends planned to join the Army. Some joined the Navy instead,” he said with a smile. The Army seemed the best place for him so, in early 1942, he signed on the dotted line and was on his way to serving his country.

While he planned to go to Portland by train, instead Lapschies landed in California for basic. “You couldn’t beat the training,” he said

of the physical and educational training he received. Returning to Portland, he shipped out to the South Pacific. Lapschies saw action in one of the major theaters of the war. He rose to the rank of sergeant before leaving the Army in 1945.

of the things that keeps him going. “I love people,” he said simply. Living at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon gives him the opportunity to interact with other Veterans as well as the staff. He said everyone is friendly, which makes living there fun.

“I have no complaints,” Lapschies said recently of his time in the Army and of his life in general.

Following his service, Lapschies sold cars until his retirement. He said that part of his life was good and that he learned a lot about people while dealing with their car shopping needs. “I liked selling cars. It was worthwhile.”

Lapschies said that he’s experienced a lot of bumps along the way to 103 years old but, he added with a chuckle. “It’s been a good life.”

Lapschies, who was born on April Fools’ Day, said being around other people is one

One of the best pieces of advice he said he could give a young person today is to “Get up and do something.” He said that being 103 years old doesn’t bother him at all. In fact, he said, he fully expects to be here on April 1, 2020 to celebrate 104 years.

9

10

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Herman MacDonald

Uniforms Saved

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

B

orn in Boston, Massachusetts, Herman MacDonald, Mac to everyone he knows, is very proud of his military career. He served his country first in the Coast Guard Reserve for three years and then in the Marine Corps for 28 years, retiring as an officer. His father was also in the military, serving in both World War I and World War II when he served with future president, Harry Truman.

While in the Coast Guard Reserve from 1948 to 1951, Mac served as a Quartermaster aboard the Coast Guard Cutter North Wind, stationed in Boston.

Mac’s service in the Marines stretched from 1951 to 1978. Mac was stationed in Hawaii, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Japan and Canada to name just some of the locations Mac served. He also rose from enlisted to officer. While at Camp Pendleton, he served as the Commanding Officer of Force Reconnaissance. He was also part of the top-secret Studies and Observation Group in Vietnam, served with the Marine Reconnaissance, Navy SEALS and the Green Berets.

His favorite place he was stationed was Hawaii, but not for the obvious reasons. “It’s where I met and married my girlfriend, Vi!” After his time in Vietnam with Special Forces, Mac transferred to the Marine Headquarters in

Washington, DC. There, he was a military aide to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, providing a unique military point of view to then Secretary George Romney. Before he retired, he also spent time in Canada as an instructor at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College.

“The military served me well,” he said. His service to our country was recognized with a total of 24 ribbons, including five personal decorations.

Among his honors are Presidential Unit Citations from both the US Army and the US Marine Corps and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Following retirement, Mac spent time teaching in the then Salem School District, working with troubled teens. He went on to be the principal at a

nearby alternative high school.

Like many Veterans, Mac offered some advice to young men and women who might be considering the military. “If you have good physical and mental capabilities, join the Marines.”

One of Mac’s achievements once he retired was the founding of the Uniform Display Group. Currently, there are close to 2000 uniforms in the ever expanding collection. While Mac no longer is able to work closely on the project he started, he talks about it with passion. “They are pretty special,” he said of the uniforms that are often displayed at the state capital and during the Oregon State Fair. A smaller display is sometimes set up in Albany and other locations across the state.

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

11

Don Malcolm

Impacted by Segregation

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

C

orvallis resident Don Malcolm is very proud of his military service. He said he learned a lot and liked the military life. It was in the 1950s and young men were being called on to serve their country. That was a journey Don did not want to make.

He weighed his options and which branch of the military seemed the best fit for him. What he didn’t want to be however, was drafted. “I was extremely eligible for the draft and I didn’t want to be drafted,” he explained, “So, I volunteered.”

Don went first into the National Guard and then into the US Air Force in October 1954 and served until December 1959. “I repaired radar.”

Don did his basic training at Parks Air Force Base in California. His specialty school was in Biloxi, Mississippi where he learned the ins and outs of radar and how to keep it running properly.

He was then assigned to a mobile detachment at Ft. Cordon in Georgia. “Even though we were considered mobile, we never left,” he said with a smile. He was okay with staying stateside, even in the south and so far away from home. “It was better than going to Korea,” he said about not going

out of the country.

Don said that despite the fact he was part of a mobile unit that was supposed to be able to move overnight to any other location, they never moved.

“We practiced it once, so we knew we could do it,” he said.

Don grew up in Yakima, Washington and, as a young man, wanted to learn more about life and the world of electricity. Joining the military gave him a chance to learn both and much, much more.

Another thing Don learned in the military was about segregation. One of his closest friends was an African American man in his unit. Don and his friend made friends with several others when they were all stationed at the same base. It was there

that Don learned what segregation meant. There was a car loaded with Don and his friends out and about near Calison Air Force Base in South Carolina. They decided to stop for a cup of coffee but didn’t go into the small diner due to the sign denying their African American friend entry because of the color of his skin. “If he couldn’t go in, none of us were going to go in. And, we didn’t.”

Would he suggest to young men or women today that they join? Absolutely! “Do it!” he declared, adding, “It will help you grow up.” It also gave him the technical training that served him later in life. Don said he appreciated all of the life lessons he learned while serving his country. “It was a good life.”

12

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Cathleen Orcutt

Military Training leads to Civilian Job

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

W

hen she graduated from West Albany High School, Cathleen Orcutt wasn’t sure where her life was headed. “I didn’t really want to go to college,” she said. Her original idea was to join the National Guard until she decided what she wanted to do with her life.

As her time to join the Guard approached, she found herself working three jobs and wondering if she was making the right decision. Kind of at the last minute, she decided to join the US Navy instead. Serving from 1984 to 1988, she never regretted that decision.

She did her basic training in Orlando, Florida.

“That was the only place females went,” she explained. Cathy’s specialty was quartermaster, which, in the Navy is an expert in navigation.

Once she had completed A School, her orders were to report to the USS Acadia, which she thought was docked in San Diego. Instead, upon her arrival back on the West Coast, she learned the ship was in Japan.

Flying alone across the Pacific Ocean, Cathy was a bit apprehensive. She was told to go to the USO once she landed in Japan. “The USO was closed.” Thankfully, she ran into a Navy officer

who learned her plight, arranged transportation and sent her on her way. She ended up doing shore duty as Military Police.

Two years of her four total years were spent in The Philippines. She made some good friends, had some fun times and learned a lot about life and about taking care of herself. “It was a good way to get skills training,” Cathy said.

That military training paid off for her when she came home. She attended a job fair to see what she wanted to pursue. “I kind of fell into it,” she said of her eventual profession as the Linn County Sheriff Department Communications Manager. She has just recently retired from a career she found very rewarding.

Cathy spends some of her free time advocating for other female Veterans. As the Foundation Ambassador for The Women’s Memorial, Cathy

talks with other female Veterans, encouraging them to share their stories. She would like to urge other female Veterans to contact her at wimsa. amb.or@gmail.com or visit the memorial’s website at www.womensmemorial.org to learn more. She just recently visited the memorial, located in the former ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. She found it breathtaking and well worth the visit.

Cathy said her time in the Navy was a great experience for her. “It teaches discipline and is a good alternative to college,” she said. Being your own best advocate is a must. “Pick what you want to do and fight for it.” Another piece of advice she said she would give young men and women today who were considering the military is to look toward the future. “Find something you can do as a civilian.”

13

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Tom’s advice to someone trying to decide if they wanted to join the military is to pick a specialty that can be done in civilian life as well. “The Air Force and the Navy have the best food,” he said.

He has also held several positions with both the local and national Vietnam Veterans of America Association. He is currently serving as a special advisor on the National AVVA Toxic Exposure Committee.

Tom initially went to school once he was out of the military. Oregon became home kind of by default.

“Stopped at the Point Restaurant in Sweet Home (that overlooks Foster Lake) to have lunch when a bald eagle swooped down and pulled a fish out of the lake thought it was an omen so decided to stay.”

He and Nadine have traveled in recent years to education Veterans and their families, the general public and medical providers about the long term and generational effects of Agent Orange and other toxic substances Veterans have been exposed to.

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Tom Owen

Vet Becomes Vets’ Advocate

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

T

om Owen of Lebanon followed in his father’s footsteps when it came to his own military service. As his father had, Tom joined the US Army. Tom’s own service ran from October 1966 until July 1969. Tom was not drafted.

Originally from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Tom did his basic training in Fort Ord, California. His specialty was communications. He was stationed at Fort Gordon and Fort Benning, Georgia, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea and at Camp Evans and Tam My in Vietnam.

Tom had a funny story to share regarding something that happened when he was in basic training. He had just finished lunch and stepped outside for a cigarette.

It was monsoon season so he stayed on the porch of the barracks. A Brigade Commander- “a Full Bird Colonel”was walking through the area. Danny, a friend of Tom’s, was running into the pouring rain with his head down.

“Protocol requires you to show to a walk and salute and officer.” Danny did not see the Brigade Commander and ran right past him. The Colonel pointed to the Silver Eagles on his shoulders and asked Danny if he saw what he had on. All Danny saw was an officer in a tailored coat. He picked up his poncho and said, “Look what they put on me!” He then turned and kept running. “The Colonel stood there laughing!” Tom said.

Upon moving to Oregon, he became “somewhat reclusive,” living on a secluded 30 acre piece of land which eventually included a handmade log house where he currently lives with his wife, Nadine. He spent about 20 years as a horse logger and another 25 as a realtor specializing in rural and farm lands.

Tom has also become a strong advocate for fellow Veterans and has made several trips to Washington, DC.

To reach out to Tom, please e mail towen6869@gmail. com or refer to the Faces of Agent Orange website. “My wife Nadine, is the National Co-Chair of the AVVA Toxic Exposure Committee and regularly posts updated information on her Facebook page.”

As of July 2019, Tom has been diagnosed and is fighting two of the diseases listed on the Agent Orange presumptive list. Despite his health issues, Tom has no regrets when it comes to his military service.

14

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Mike Carlson

Recovery Continues

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

M

ike Carlson was drafted in 1969 and ended up in the US Air Force. Born in Minnesota and raised in Springfield, Oregon, Mike had an early brush with fame. While in high school, he knew he needed to take a class to help him graduate. That class was journalism.

It was 1968. The presidential campaign trail was winding through Oregon with a scheduled stop in Springfield by Robert F. Kennedy. His teacher sent him to the airport, hoping young Mike would be able to get close enough to the presidential hopeful to ask a question or two.

That didn’t happen. However, Mike decided he wasn’t done yet. By chance, Mike was able to actually meet Robert F. Kennedy. “He told me

to stand next to him the next day when he gave his speech, so I did.” Young Mike was impressed.

“He cared about people.

Like many young men and women who

opted for the Air Force, Mike did his basic in San Antonio, Texas before moving on to technical school, where he learned to be a helicopter mechanic.

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

“The Air Force said I didn’t need to go to Vietnam.” He ended up doing a four month tour as a member of the 20th SOS in Vietnam. Cam Rahn Bay was an interesting base, Mike said.

“All four branches of the military were there.”

From there, he was sent to an outpost that was less than inviting. He was actually sent there three separate times, the last time for three weeks. One of his duties was to drive a truck into town to get fuel. “Vietnam was a beautiful place,” he said, adding, “except for the war.”

The first two times he was at the outpost, the locals really stood by the Americans. The last time was different. The CIA had originally promised the locals they would be air lifted out.

Before Mike’s third trip, the locals learned that promise had been broken. “I was fortunate,”

DALE BETTENCOURT

DAVE HARRIS

Mike said. “I didn’t see any combat.

When the outpost was closed down, Mike was in charge of taking the truck back to base. From there, he had to drive it onto a plane. Because the plane was barely wide enough for the truck to fit, Mike had no way out and was stuck on the hours long flight inside the truck.

Mike is a firm believer that people need to talk about what happened to them during their time of service. And, they need something to believe in. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my faith.”

Below, in his own words, he talks about the journey for mending the soul.

“I think now that I’m learning that I have been behaving as if I’m still in the past, yet did not realize that I was still there today. I just

Saturday, November 9, 2019

now learned that my many different parts or patterns have been a product of past safety and protection of my original family life. The actions and the words of today are a result of my past when I thought I was free. I’m just now starting to understand the prison that I have been in.

Elohim has been opening my life to an understanding of love that I still have to grow into.

Like what it is to be like Him. He says to die to self, but who is self ?

I am a sum of my parts but what are my parts?

It is starting to understand the many facets of my personality. It’s like learning about bringing into focus those many parts of me. It’s bringing into focus the broken colored glass pieces in a kaleidoscope and when they come together, they are beautiful and change each time you refocus. Think that is like seeing Elohim!”

DENNIS MAY

VETERANS

THANK YOU

DAY 2019

FORYOUR SERVICE KEITH WARDRIP

RANDY PATTERSON

RAY CANNON

15

MICHAEL SHULTS

JOEL KINMAN

16

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Gene Peery

High School to Flight School

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

G

ene Peery wanted to become a fighter pilot and go to Vietnam. “They told me I needed a college degree,” the Scio man said recently. “I didn’t want to wait that long because I was afraid the war would be over.” Instead, the Army offered him a different route. “High school to flight school.”

He jumped at the opportunity and was quickly on his way to becoming a helicopter pilot. Unfortunately, he had to wait a year until a slot opened up. In the interem, Gene attended helicopter maintenance school. “I was terrified,” he said. He said he never really felt he was qualified to work on the helicopters but he sure wanted to fly them.

As a 19 year old, he went to flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Nine months later, the now 20 year old Gene was headed to Vietnam. A funny thing happened to Gene early during his time in Vietnam.

The next base over from where he was stationed had a car salesman on base selling automobiles to military personnel. Gene decided to go and order one. When he got there, he learned he was too young. “I couldn’t buy a car, but the Army let me fly helicopters!”

He was part of the 119th Helicopter Company,

known as the “Gators.” Stationed in the central highlands of Vietnam, Gene learned he was near where Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam came together. “I also learned that the Ho Chi Min Trail was actually a highway.”

“There was about 14 of us and about 600 NVA.” Still, Gene, the crew chief and the other soldiers on the ground ended up making it to safety. Pat Kelly, the crew chief touched base with Gene about three years ago.

Gene was in Vietnam a year and survived being shot down several times. One time, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart, he was shot in the left arm. “The other bullet went into my head.” The others with him thought for sure he was dead until he started to move. Still, he told his fellow soldiers to go ahead of him. If possible, he would catch up.

Gene now spends much of his time teaching others to ride horses on his Century Farm outside Scio.

He also talks about how proud he is of his son, who is in the military. “He’s a test pilot,” Gene said about Bryce, who is also a Scio High School graduate.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that he learned the lietenant asked the crew chief to stay behind with Gene. They ended up in a mismatched standoff.

“By all means, join,” Gene said regarding chosing a military path. “You’ll never regret it.” He suggested people pick something they are interested in doing.

“I lost four aircraft the year I was in Vietnam but I don’t regret a minute of it.”

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

17

Cherlyn & Oliver Prescott

Scio Couple Share Military Ties

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

S

cio residents, Cherlyn and Oliver Prescott share military service as well as family ties.

Oliver served in the US Air Force from 2007 until 2012, while Cherlyn was active duty from 2002 to 2004, active reserves from 2004 to 2008 and in the IMA (Individual Mobilization Augmentee) Program. She called the IMA, “the best kept secret of the Air Force!” She completed her service in the inactive Reserves from 2008 to 2010.

While they did not serve at the same time, they both did their basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Oliver then went on to become an Aircraft Fuels System Journeyman, attending technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. Cherlyn was a Weather Technician., having attended tech school at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi.

Oliver was stationed first North Dakota and then at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Cherlyn went to a few more places. “My first duty station was Yokota Air Base in Japan.” From there, she was in South Korea for a very brief time before spending several years at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa.

“While I was there, I did a temporary assignment at PACOM in Hawaii.” Her final base as a reservist was at Alconbury Air Base in England.

One thing Oliver built up a dislike for when he was in the military was desert sand. “I was deployed a few times and each time was to somewhere with a lot of sand.” He said he got really tired of having to sweep sand from everything every day.

Cherlyn experienced a different climate. Her first week at Kadena Air Base was definitely exciting. “A typhoon was approaching, and I got to spend several days at the station forecasting and observing the typhoon.” Observing involved being tethered by a rope and low-crawling down to the flight line so I could take detailed observations. “It was exhilarating!”

Both agree that the military was a good path for them to take. “Go for it!” Oliver said, adding the benefits were good and overall, “it was a great experience.” Cherlyn said, “Throw yourself into it 100%.” She also offered a bit of advice. “I’d suggest not getting caught up in things that aren’t any credit to the military. Too often,” she added, “I saw young Airmen throw their careers away by partying and embarrassing themselves and our country when they went off base.” The military, she said, is basically “handing you some phenomenal benefits that you can’t get in many other places – use those benefits to the fullest and show your country you are worth the investment the military makes in you.”

Once his military service was over, Oliver came home, got married, became a stay-at-home dad and started college. While he would have liked to stay in longer, because his job required him to fit into very small fuel tanks, his back started bothering him so his best move was to move on with his life.

Following her own military service, Cherlyn spent several years as a military spouse before moving back to the United State with her two young sons. She went to college, got a job with the state and, nine and a half years after getting out, she remarried. She found a wonderful husband in Oliver and the couple are raising four children. She currently works for the Oregon State Police and has had “more experiences in my life than most people my age.”

One thing that Cherlyn said she honestly didn’t understand until this year was how much servicemen and women sacrifice. “And they bring so much back home with them.”

What she says she want people to understand is that some disabilities aren’t always visible.

“Some of the most debilitating disabilities are in the mind and in the heart, from the things our service members have endured. They deserve respect.”

18

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Matt Sperling

In The Arms of Love

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

2

004 was a very long year for Stephannie Sperling of Jefferson, Oregon. A year of missing the most important person in her life. A year of waiting, a year of praying, a year of hoping. On Saturday, March 6, the waiting came to an end when she welcomed home her husband, Sgt. Matt Sperling. A member of the Oregon National Guard’s Bravo Company, 52nd Engineers—better know as the B52s, Sgt. Sperling had just spent the past year far away from friends and family, fighting the war in Iraq.

“I’m excited!” Stephannie s face was aglow with anticipation at seeing her husband for the first time since his brief visit home following his Company’s deployment in February 2003. As the caravan approached the Linn County Fair and Expo Center in Albany, her anticipation grew more acute, tears of joy welling in her eyes.

Joining Stephannie was much of Matt’s family, including his loving parents Neal and Sherri. Also on hand for the reunion were the sergeant’s young children who had not seen their daddy in over a year. That’s not to say that Daddy has not been a constant part of their young lives.

So their children would continue to think of their father, Stephanie worked to “keep Matt constant in my children’s daily lives.” Stephannie showed the youngsters, Evan, Jaymi and Maddi, family videos and photographs. She also has told them “remember when” stories about their father and the family’s many activities and events.

During his deployment, the entire family has kept Matt in their hearts and in their thoughts. The family constantly prayed for him. “The kids say prayers, too,” Stephannie added. During family get-togethers Matt was

often included. “His mom set a place for him at the table at Thanksgiving.” While Sperling was thousands of miles away, he remained part of his obviously loving and caring family.

“Gone, but still very much a part of this family,” Stephanie declared.

The Sperlings and their friends stood waiting near the Expo Center’s entrance for the buses to pull in front of them. When it became apparent that the buses would take a slightly different route, the Sperlings were suddenly on the move, darting to the road in front of the Expo Center.

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

As soldiers began to disembark the three buses they had returned in, family members stretched to see over other well-wishers. Stephannie had only one thing on her mind as she searched for the husband she had not seen for so many months. Waiting by the first bus, a soldier who recognized the Jefferson woman, told her Matt was on the second bus.

VETERANS DAY

2019

With other family members escorting her children, Stephanie pushed her way through the soldiers and family members, scanning the crowd for the face she longed to see. Suddenly, out of the crowd, he appeared.

As Stephannie threw herself into the waiting arms of her husband, tears of joy welled in the eyes of the rest of the family who had gathered to welcome Matt home. For the couple, time stood still, as they hugged, kissed and hugged some more. Unable to hold them back, the three young Sperling children broke away from family members to run into the arms of their daddy.

Thank you for your dedicated service to our Country.

A huge smile, which would not leave his face until he moved back into formation for the official welcoming, shined from the sergeant’s face as he hugged his young children for the first time since he had said goodbye last year. Sperling hugged other family members as well, tears of joy falling unimpeded.

We love our Veterans!

Coming up behind him, Neal Sperling flung his arms around the neck of his son. No words were exchanged and none were needed. It was the moment Neal had dreamt of since that rainy day last year when he had sent his son off to war. It was the end of a year of prayer and a year of longing to see his son once more.

Laughter, tears and more hugs were in store for Sgt. Sperling as family and friends continued to gather. Suddenly, Tiffany Ely, the sergeant’s sister, turned and asked, “Where’s Mom?� As if on cue, Sherri Sperling appeared. Her hand covering her mouth, her eyes on her son, Sherri stood motionless, as if afraid to break the spell. Matt walked to her and enveloped her in his arms. The two hugged, pulled away to look lovingly at each other and then hugged some more.

As the other soldiers made their way into the Expo Center, Sperling and his family remained rooted, drinking in the moment. It was a day to remember. For the Sperlings, as well as for other families who were reunited with a loved one, it was a day their hero came home.

CORVALLIS & ALBANY SPORT & SPINE PHYSICAL THERAPY 541-928-1411 info@albanysportspt.com

albanysportspt.com

541-752-0545 info@csspt.com

csspt.com

19

20

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Glen Vogel

Army Proves Terrific Fit

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

G

len Vogel had a long career in the US Army, beginning in 1952 and lasting until June 1974. Twenty years of his service was spent in the Corps of Engineers. Looking back at his years of service, Glen said he feels he accomplished a lot. His original reason for joining were not to find glory on the battlefield but for a much more personal reason.

Initially from Kansas, Glen joined the Army to “get away from my parents.” He caught a bus to Kansas City, Missouri and met with the Army recruiter the very next morning.

He did his basic training at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. His specialty was as a machinist. He was also a trained paratrooper but, despite spending two tours in Korea and three in Vietnam, he said he didn’t see combat. He also spent one tour of duty in Japan. Knowing he was destined to be stationed places where English wasn’t necessarily people’s first language, Glen decided he should learn other languages. “I knew language could be a barrier so I picked languages up pretty quickly.” He said that strategy paid huge dividends for him. Other places he was stationed included Ft. Leonard Wood, Maine, France and Germany.

Getting the opportunity to see so many places around the world, Glen said he never really picked a favorite. “I always enjoyed the last station the best,” he said with a smile. A crowning achievement for Glen was when he helped remodel the Madigan Army Medical Center in Washington.

He was stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington when he retired. “I wanted to live in a small town,” he said for his reason of moving to the mid valley.

And, he added, “I have family in Sweet Home.”

The move proved a good one for him.

He called the Army a “great place to learn.” In addition to learning work and military skills, Glen said he also learned how to improve his life. “I had a terrific career.”

Glen is currently living at the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home in Lebanon. His wife and other nearby family members visit him often.

Having been there less than six months, Glen says he is settling in and learning what the home has to offer, which is a lot. And, with family nearby, he is able to take short road trips to explore the mid valley, something he said he really enjoys.

Glen has no regrets when it comes to his military service. He’s proud of his accomplishments and happy to have been able to serve his country.

“I have no regrets- none at all.”

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

21

Veteran Owned LEBANON: 1300 E. Grant St. Ste. 200 JEFFERSON: 115 S. 2nd St.

Thank You for Your Service

(541) 405-4622 (541) 327-8099

Breaking Free, LLC is a growing mental health service located in the lovely towns of Jefferson and Lebanon, OR. Our Mission is to help people break free of their past traumas so they can have peace in their future. We serve Veterans’ with individual, couples and group counseling for PTSD and other issues.

Other Services include: Individual, Couples and Family Counseling for trauma, grief, childhood abuses, domestic violence, anxiety and depression. Call us today and see how we can help you or your loved ones.

Visit us at: www.breakingfreellc.com

officenanny@comcast.net www.officenannyinc.com

(541) 730-1119

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

RT IS E C ON

E E R F

C

L

SG

ION NAT

DO

D

EPTE

C Y AC ADL

Willamette V Valley Concert Band presents

VETERAN’S DA DAY PATRIOTIC POPS CONCERT

Saturday, NoVemBer 9, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM • 1700 S 5th St, Lebanon

22

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

W E TH A N K O U R V E TE R A N s CCB#40395 Installation & Repair

PLUMBING • HEATING AIR CONDITIONING DUCT CLEANING COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION

Residential • Commercial

A big THANK YOU to all who serve!

541-451-5090 www.lebanonservco.com 1200 E. Grant Street • Lebanon, OR

2445 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany www.claytonhomes.com • 541.926.8631

Veterans Day 2019

Saturday, November 9, 2019

“both positive and negative.” She believes that going into the military at a young age is a great thing.

“You grow/mature in a semi controlled environment, you learn respect and work ethic. You don’t have the opportunity to slack your way through the process. You work hard or you get smoked harder.”

“My Motor Sergeant was killed in action January 12, 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.” It was tough despite the fact she was already out of the military.

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

23

Kara Waller

Proud to Serve

By Kay M Roth, MID-VALLEY MEDIA

K

ara Waller would not have had it any other way. She just knew the military was the best thing for her. “I was fortunate to serve beside some amazing soldiers,” the Stayton/ Scio area resident said recently. Kara spent three years, from 1999 to 2002 serving in the US Army.

She did her basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Her specialty was as a 63BH08 Light Wheel Mechanic with extra training for Heavy Wrecker Recovery Operator. She was later stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina for the duration of her time in the service.

Kara has stayed in touch with some of her fellow soldiers. “I am in regular contact with some of my brothers and sisters,” she said. “We created lifetime bonds.”

While Kara was not stationed overseas, she was active military on 9/11. “I was in the Orderly Room with my First Sergeant and Company Commander.” Together, they watched the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93 on TV in real time. The base, she said, went on immediate lockdown. Shortly after the attacks, her unit was deployed. Kara was two months pregnant so did not deploy. Instead, she remained state side as part of the communications unit.

Kara said the military changed her in many ways,

She strongly encourages anyone thinking about joining the military to utilize any extra time to further their education while both in the service and when they are done. She also suggests that if someone knows they will need VA services after enlistment, file right away. “Hurry up and wait with the VA goes to a whole new level.”

Kara remained state side but that doesn’t mean she didn’t experience the loss of a fellow soldier.

While she appreciates the fact that she is a female Veteran, she said she really and truly just wants to be thought of as a Veteran. “I worked my hind end off while enlisted to be treated as an equal.”

Following her service, Kara worked in corrections for a couple of years, then stayed at home with her children. She then took up waitressing and now works for the State of Oregon.

She has absolutely no regrets about her service.

“I’m proud that I served.”

24

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Veterans Day 2019

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times/Lebanon Express/Philomath Express

PROUD TO HIRE OUR

VETERANS

THANKFUL FOR ALL WHO HAVE

SERVED

Ken Bearly

Tom Bowles

Jen Wood

Trevor Dodson

Eugene Coastal Sales Associate United States Air Force United States Army 20 Years of Service

Sequim Coastal Store Manager United States Air Force 9 Years of Service

Klamath Falls Coastal Sales Associate United States Navy 6 Years of Service

Home Office IT Help Desk United States Army 1 Year of Service

Chuck Peacock

Cornelius Coastal Sporting Goods Manager United States Air Force 8 Years of Service

Wenatchee Coastal Ken East Sales Associate States Navy Redburn United 7 Years of Service

John Walsh

White City Coastal Sales Associate United States Navy 4 Years of Service

Ryan Talley

Marysville Coastal Sales Associate United States Navy 6.5 Years of Service

Todd Wilcox

Woodburn Coastal Store Manager United States Marines 6 Years of Service

Serge Ladd

Albany Coastal Sales Associate United States Air Force 23 Years of Service