Humbled By the Mission at Hand

Every day, the team at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) feels privileged to serve our veterans and their families. At the same time, we are humbled by the mission at hand.

For the first time in history, we are serving four generations of veterans who have served in our military, fought our battles in five major wars and stood guard over our peace.

Amazingly, we have published veteran news for over 70 years. With this issue, we shift from the time-honored newsprint into a new format, the Oregon Veterans News Magazine. The look and feel has been updated, but this is still your Vets News, featuring the same great stories about Oregon veterans and all the important information about benefits and programs you’ve come to expect.

We will continue to publish twice a year, in advance of Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Please keep your amazing stories, guest contributions and input coming as we’ll also share them broadly through our blog, social media and email subscriptions. You can always stay connected at www.oregon.gov/ODVA and www.oregondva.com.

It is also fitting to note that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I. WWI service members that survived the battlefields in Europe did not come home to a robust system of veterans’ health care and benefits. But they banded together in service organizations and fought to advocate for the nationwide network of support we have today.

The common connection across the eras is our timeless mission to better serve and honor Oregon veterans. The strength of our department also has always been based on our team, who are all proud advocates for veterans and their families.

At the same time, we know that the success of our efforts depends on all of you, Oregon’s veterans and our broad community partners. Together, we continue to make a difference.

Last November, veterans raised their voices and mobilized partners to support Measure 96, which will dedicate 1.5 percent of net Lottery revenues to better serve Oregon’s veterans. Oregonians stepped up to pass this constitutional amendment with an incredible 84 percent in favor. As a community, we must continue to advocate and ensure these essential funds are leveraged to best impact our veterans’ health, education and economic opportunities.

This Memorial Day, Oregon veterans from across four generations will also gather in ceremonies across the state to honor and remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

As we kick off the start of summer and turn to enjoy Oregon’s incredible parks, beaches, rivers and mountains, we must encourage all citizens to pause and honor our fallen and Gold Star families. We stand on the shoulders of all those who came before us and will never forget our veterans’ service and sacrifice.

Thank you for your continued dedication, advocacy and support!

Cameron Smith

Director, ODVA