Spring 2016 Vets News

memorial day edition

2016

outstanding women veterans of the year Page 13

VETS NEWS

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First state in the nation to honor veterans

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEND HEROES FOUNDATION

BORDER TO BORDER ACROSS MAJOR HIGHWAYS

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway sign on Interstate 84 near La Grande.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Guest Contributor - Dick Tobiason, Bend Heroes Foundation

T

he memorial signs dot the longest stretches of Oregon, covering more than 1,730 highway miles. And it is believed that we are the first in the nation to do so.

During the last eight years, the non-profit Bend Heroes Foundation along with support of veteran service organizations like the Oregon Department of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Vietnam Veterans of America, advocated in support of legislation to honor nearly half a million Oregon war time veterans who served across five major wars in this century.

Nearly 75 percent of today's veteran population served during war time and these veterans of WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq Wars are now recognized by 67 large signs installed on five major border-to-border highways, each more than 300 miles long and displayed with half of the signs facing each direction.

US Hwy 395 is designated the WWI Veterans Memorial Highway, US Hwy 97/SR 126 is dedicated as

the WWII Veterans Historic Highway, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway and Purple Heart Trail is Oregon's piece of the Interstate 5, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway runs the lenth of Interstate 84, and US Hwy 101 honors Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans with a Memorial Highway.

Military Order of the Purple Heart led efforts to pass the Purple Heart Trail designation along Oregon’s 308 mile long Interstate 5, connecting California’s and Washington’s Purple Heart Trails, and thereby creating the first Purple Heart Trail spanning our nation in any direction. Likewise the 338 mile long border-to-border Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans Memorial Highway along the beautiful Oregon coast is believed to be the first of its kind in our nation.

The broad support from veterans groups, boards of county commissions, civic organizations, non-profit foundations and individuals raised more than $70,000 for the cost of fabricating and installing the signs.

All 18 of the WWII Veterans Historic Highway and the 17 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway signs have been installed on US Highway 97/SR 126 and Interstate 84 respectively. The SEE HIGHWAYS - PAGE 4

first veteran of the home of the brave From sleeping on the cold and wet ground in the blackberry bushes to a proud veteran who is now also a board member of a local-non-profit, Don Chamberlin proves that Home of the Brave works. PG 5

central oregon veterans ranch heals Oregon veterans find healing at COVR, a working ranch that aims to restore purpose to veterans as well as find a community through agriculture. PG 10-11

statewide memorial DAY EVENTS From Albany to Woodburn, find out what is happening on Memorial Day throughout Oregon. PG 8-9

DRILL PAY ISSUE RESOLVED FOR GUARD AND RESERVE

FROM DIRECTOR CAMERON SMITH

FROM 1945 TO NOW:

ODVA'S TIMELESS MISSION TO SERVE & HONOR VETERANS 

Throughout this 70th anniversary year for the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA), we have taken stock of where we have been and where we are headed.

For our team, it has been powerful to hit pause and review the dusty bound copies of the original Advisory Committee minutes from 1945, the final year of World War II and our first year as a department.

The common connection across the eras from our founding to today is our timeless mission to 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.

In the 2016 short legislative session, Oregon veterans raised their voices and mobilized partners to help pass House Joint Resolution 202. This referral would dedicate 1.5 percent of lottery revenues to better serve our veterans.

Thanks to your advocacy, Oregon citizens will have the opportunity this November to weigh in on how we fund veteran services and impact veterans for their health, education and economic opportunity. HJR 202A has the potential to be the most meaningful state legislation to support veterans in a generation.

At the local level, we were also proud to support Polk County’s effort to stand up their County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) by January 2017. The CVSOs are strong partners for ODVA and are the boots on the ground to better connect veterans to their earned benefits.

As we build a system to better serve all veterans, we also have focused outreach to underserved veterans populations. This includes Vietnam veterans, the largest segment of our veterans’ community, and a group that was not welcomed home in their own time and has unique needs as they age.

We have also been particularly proud to better connect to Oregon’s women veterans. Women veterans are the fastest rising demographic in our veterans’ community and we must continue to do better to help them access benefits and resources.

Ultimately, the diversity of our veterans’ community does not divide us, but unites us.

There is a shared bond across all veterans no matter where we live or when we served.

This Memorial Day, Oregon veterans from across four generations will gather in ceremonies across the state to honor and remember 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 their families.

We stand on the shoulders of all those who have come before us. And together as veteran advocates, we will continue to charge the hill for our veterans and their families.

Carleton College in Minn., he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Director Smith is originally from Boston but happily lives in Portland, Oregon, where he continues to root for the Red Sox.

2016 SHORT SESSION: VETERAN LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP

The House and Senate passed a number of bills recognizing and honoring certain veterans, including: HCR 201 (honoring Army Private First Class Anthony T. Justesen); HCR 202 (honoring Sergeant Travis 2

O R E G O N D E PA R T M E N T O F V E T E R A N S ' A F FA I R S

Guardsmen and Reservists who qualify for veterans benefits can collect both VA monthly compensation and their Reserve or National Guard paycheck, also known as drill pay – just not for the same days.

Following an annual audit, VA notifies each veteran of its ‘adjustment’ proposal to withhold the overlapping benefits, reflecting the number of days – either active or part-time – that the veteran served during the previous fiscal year.

In the past, as Wyden noted in his Jan. 26 letter to the VA, Guardsmen and Reservists would promptly return each year’s required drill pay adjustment paperwork, but have it languish with the VA. The result far too often was the VA processing several years’ worth of drill pay adjustments at the same time—notifying the unsuspecting Guardsman or Reservist that the VA will soon begin withholding multiple years’ worth of payments.

The resolution detailed by the VA would allow Guardsmen and Reservists to instead go on a manageable repayment schedule.

The Oregon County Veteran Service Officers Association credited the policy change to Wyden’s strong advocacy for veterans, thousands of whom have had their VA disability payments abruptly cut off when the VA recoups their drill pay, sometimes years after the member has been discharged from service. 

Vets News is a free publication. Each issue contains current information impacting veterans in Oregon including Federal VA topics and state, regional and local happenings. When credit is given to the source, Vets News articles may be reprinted.

duty in Iraq. He was honorably discharged after serving five years in the Marines. A graduate of

One of the more significant pieces of legislation was House Joint Resolution 202A which is a proposed amendment to the Oregon Constitution that would require 1.5 percent of all lottery funds to be spent for the benefit of veterans. The proposed amendment will be on the November 2016 ballot for voters to decide.

The change by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs helps Guardsmen and Reservists nationwide who, because of paperwork delays at the VA, were unexpectedly having their VA benefit checks interrupted for an unreasonable period of time.

Thank you for all of your support!

Director Smith served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, completing three tours of

Efforts this short session in support of Oregon veterans were phenomenal. With spirited debates on many issues, it was inspiring to see the Legislature come together in bipartisan and unanimous support.

WASHINGTON - Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced the VA will offer relief from an unfair hardship for National Guardsmen and Reservists in Oregon, in response to a request by Wyden earlier this year.

BE A GUEST CONTRIBUTOR ODVA reaches more than 20,000 veterans and their families through its print and electronic publication. We welcome contributions about veteran concerns, issues and programs that are important, informative and/or a great tidbit of news that other veterans would enjoy reading about. To inquire or submit a piece, please use the contact information below.

Military reunion information and event submissions are welcome; however, please note that all items are printed upon space availability. Submissions for the next issue must be received by October 8, 2016.

Up to the minute Oregon veteran news can also be found at www.oregondva.com.

A. Moothart); HCR 203 (honoring Chief Warrant Officer Erik C. Kesterson); HCR 205 (honoring Specialist Cody James Patterson); HCR 207 (honoring Sergeant Donald R. Walters); SCR 205 (honors Aleksander Reed Skarlatos); and SCR 206 (honors brothers Private George Nathan Wright and Specialist Four James Alfred Wright).

CONTACT / SUBSCRIBE / ADDRESS CHANGES

SB 1524A was passed and exempts certain servicedisabled veterans who have a medical marijuana card from the current requirement to submit updated documentation by a physician of a debilitating medical condition as part of the application for renewal.

PUBLICATION AND COMMUNICATION STAFF

To follow legislation impacting veterans, subscribe to emails at www.oregon.gov/odva. 

Mail

Send your name and current address to ODVA, Vets News 700 Summer St. NE, Salem, OR 97301-1285

Phone

503-373-2390

Email

odvapublicinformation@odva.state.or.us

Online

www.oregon.gov/odva/INFO/VetsNews.shtml

Nicole Hoeft Sarah Dressler Arsinio Walker

Managing Editor / Production Staff Writer / Copy Editor Staff Writer

PUBLICATION CHANGE NOTICE: In 2016, Vets News will be published in May and November.

Center on June 24, honoring “70 Years of Service.”

ODVA is organizing a Veteran Benefit Expo at the S

veteran aviators. and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum has shared s WASP (Women’s Airforce Service Pilot) was shared by G other groups and agencies to participate. The story of Eilee Our posts are being shared on Facebook and

GOVERNOR SELECTS FOUR VETERANS FOR ODVA ADVISORY COMMITTEE Gov. Kate Brown has selected four veterans to serve on the state’s nine-member advisory committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA). ODVA Director Cameron Smith said advisory committee members are an essential link to the state’s veteran community.

“We are thankful for the expertise and dedicated volunteer service of Ryan Howell, Trisa Kelly, Gerald Lorang, and Kevin Owens for their fellow veterans. The guidance and counsel of these committee members has helped us to better serve all eras of Oregon’s veterans," Smith said of the outgoing committee members.

"And it is always exciting to welcome new members to the Advisory Committee, who bring with them their own unique perspective and personal approach. We are very fortunate to have a rich history of volunteer support and efforts from our veteran community to help make us better advocates for Oregon veterans."

For nearly 70 years, the governor has appointed military veteran volunteers to advise ODVA’s director. The committee ensures that the needs of veterans, their dependents and survivors who reside in the state are recognized and addressed. The committee also reviews current veteran’s issues and makes recommendations regarding veteran programs, benefits and legislation.

REYNOLD L. LENO Reynold L. Leno is a lifelong resident of Oregon and a Vietnam veteran.

In 1996, Leno was elected to the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and has been elected for seven consecutive terms.

During his tenure as a Council member he has served as the Secretary, Vice-Chairman and current Chairman. Reynold has served on the Board of Directors for Spirit Mountain Gaming Inc., since 2002 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board. He has also served as a Board member for the Spirit Mountain Community Fund since 2004. As a Council member and Board member he has worked to provide strategic planning for the Tribal Government as well as the entities served by the Boards to which he serves. In addition, as a Board member he has overseen the budgets and management of operations for the Government as well as Spirit Mountain Casino and Spirit Mountain Community Fund.

As a Council member, Reynold also serves as liaison to several committees such as the Tribal Veterans Committee, Fish and Wildlife Committee, and Powwow Committee. As a member of the Veterans Committee he participated in the establishment and fundraising for the Veterans Memorial honoring local Veterans. Reynold was also an advocate for the Veterans Summit that now precedes the Tribe’s Annual Veterans’ Powwow in July of each year.

ADOLPH "VAL" VALFRE, JR. "Val" Valfre is the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Washington County and Director of the Washington County Department of Housing Ser vices. He is also a Governor-appointed member of the State Housing Council. He previously served as the Executive Director of West Valley Housing Authority in Polk County, Oregon and as the Section 8 Administrator for the City of Tucson, Arizona. He served for nearly 25 years in the Air Force with duties as a C-141/B-52 instructor pilot and was awarded an Air Medal for in-theatre missions during the Vietnam War. Valfre has 18 years of executive experience in administering and collaborating with partner agencies to promote low-income affordable housing and services for vulnerable populations, to include elderly, disabled and our veterans. Advocacy with the Oregon Congressional Delegation resulted in awards of 87 HUD /VA VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) vouchers for Washington County.

In 2013, Mr. Valfre repeatedly partnered with other veterans in testifying to the Oregon legislature to pass HB 2417 (Veterans Housing Bill) to increase the state document recording fees to dedicate monies to assist Oregon veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and expand Oregon's supply of homeownership housing for low and very low-income veterans and families of veterans. In Washington County, Mr. Valfre worked closely with community partners to create Washington County's 10-Year Plan

to End Homelessness and initiated project-based vouchers to house homeless veterans. In concert with the Counties of Tillamook, Columbia and Clatsop, he partnered with the Washington County collaborative to secure successive SSVF (Supportive Service for Veterans Families) program awards in 2013 and 2014 to assist our veterans. He has partnered with Northwest Housing Alternatives and the Salvation Army's Veterans Family Center in Beaverton to create a 20-unit housing project for low-income veterans and their families, with wrap-around services from VA, Community Action Office and Washington County's Veterans Service Officers.

JOHN HOWARD With six years in the Navy Reserve as an enlisted sailor and NROTC midshipman, followed by 24 years of active commissioned service, John Howard was in US Representative Greg Walden's Medford office as the military and veterans constituent services representative for nearly 10 years. During this time he had the opportunity to work with federal VA leadership in many of the VA medical centers and clinics across the state and to work closely with the staff of the VA Regional Office in Portland in helping to resolve veterans' claims issues.

Howard also worked closely with many of the County Veteran Service Offices in eastern and southern Oregon. Because of this experience he has a greater understanding of the challenges that often confront highly rural veteran clients. While in Jackson County, he was part of a small group of veterans who executed a plan to have the county Board of Commissioners charter a Veterans Advisory Committee. Once that committee was chartered he served as an ex officio member until retirement. It was then that he was appointed a full member, elected chairman, and currently serves in that capacity. 

Valfre also serves on the regional Workforce Investment Board (City of Portland, Washington & Multnomah Counties), wherein they recently secured $8.SM to train 1,000 long-term unemployed and veterans.

When he retired from the Air Force in 1993, he served as a volunteer at the Tucson Veterans Center (VISN 18), counseling and assisting veterans in their job search and identifying opportunities for employment. Mr. Valfre earned his bachelor's degree in Bacteriology from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and master's degrees in Public Administration, Business Management, and Human Resources Management from Golden Gate University, Salve Regina College, and Troy State University, respectively. He is a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College, where he earned an additional master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

ROSA MARCIAS Rosa Marcias was born in the Dominican Republic, but spent most of her teen years living in Pennsylvania and New York City. She served in the U.S. Marines from 1995-1999 and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1999-2001 as an Aviation Supply Clerk.

After her military service, Marcias attended Chemeketa Community College and earned an Associate of Arts General Studies Degree and a one-year certificate in Early Childhood. Wanting to continue serving her fellow veteran, she began working at the Salem Vet Center and became the Office Manager in 2005 and the Veterans Outreach Coordinator in 2013.

Marcias purpose and passion is working with homeless veterans and getting involved with local organization working to improve their lives.

She is an executive member of Serving Our Veterans At Home (SOVAH), a non-profit organization that focuses on veteran issues and improving their quality of life. She also leads the annual efforts to coordinate the Mid-Willamette Valley Veterans Stand Down.

Besides taking part in homeless events, Macias is very involved with the local National Guard Units and participates in monthly community outreach activities such as the Yellow Ribbon events and other events geared toward assisting the returning and deploying soldiers and their families.

Rosa has been married for 14 years to a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and has three beautiful daughters. She is also an active runner and is currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC this fall.

WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS I n 2 0 1 2 , t h e Pr e s i d e n t l a u n c h e d t h e “Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War” to recognize the nine million Americans who served in the armed forces from November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975. Extending through Veterans Day 2025, the commemoration kicked off March 29 with hundreds of events across the country.

Around Oregon, the commemoration was observed with a host of events. Governor Brown proclaimed March 30 “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day” honoring those who served, including the 801 Oregonians who lost their lives and thousands more who were wounded or missing in action.

Over 500 people attended a ceremony at the Roseburg National Cemetery Annex, honoring the Vietnam veterans residing in Douglas County with a rifle salute, wreath laying, and taps. Hundreds turned out in White City at the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics, sharing stories and photos. Nine Yamhill County mayors jointly proclaimed March 29 to be “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day,” and the city of Milwaukie held a flagraising event and was host to the traveling replica Vietnam Memorial Wall last July.

For more information on the Vietnam War Commemoration visit www.vietnamwar50th.com .  M E M O R I A L D AY E D I T I O N 2 0 1 6

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1: HIGHWAYS

WWII highway signs not only honor WWII veterans but also include lower "historic” panels to recognize the eight vital WWII training facilities in Oregon (two Army Airfields, a Naval Air Station, a Marine Hospital, Camp Abbot, Camp Rufus and two Civilian Pilot Training airfields) along US Hwy 97 and a short segment of SR 126.

Other ways that Oregon has honored our rich military history and veterans, including approximately 84,300 living peacetime Oregon veterans, is with Blue Star Memorial Highway signs on many of Oregon’s major highways. There are two Veterans Memorial Highways (I-205, SR 62) in Oregon. US 26 from Portland to its junction with US 101 is the “Sunset Highway” honoring Oregon’s 41st Infantry Division.

All veterans from anywhere in our nation who travel Oregon’s veterans highways will be honored by the new highway signs, with completion of installation scheduled before summer 2016.  Below, left to right: WWI Veterans Memorial Highway sign on US Hwy 395 near Burns; WWII Veterans Historic Highway sign on US Hwy 97 near Intersection of Interstate 84; Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway and Purple Heart Trail signs on Interstate 5 near Tualatin; Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans Memorial Highway sign on US 101 near Warrenton.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEND HEROES FOUNDATION

KNOW YOUR BENEFITS: BURIAL AND NATIONAL CEMETERIES SPOTLIGHT Mounting causalities during the Civil War encouraged Congress to empower the 16th president with the power to “purchase cemetery grounds and cause them to be securely enclosed, to be used as a national cemetery for the soldiers who shall die in the service of the country.” Since inception, there are now over 141 national cemeteries across the nation and many veteran burial benefits managed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

There are three national cemeteries in Oregon: Eagle Point National Cemetery, Roseburg National Cemetery and the Willamette National Cemetery, located in the cities of Eagle Point, Roseburg and Portland respectively.

George Allen, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, is the Director of the Willamette National Cemetery.

According to Director Allen, the Willamette burial ground has had approximately 160,000 burials since its opening in the 1950’s and averages 3,800 burials annually.

To be buried in one of three Oregon national cemeteries, veterans and their dependents should communicate with their funeral home and make one of the Oregon National Cemeteries the burial site.

Upon request, they will be asked to provide discharge documentation to establish the deceased eligibility for burial benefits. The VA does not make funeral arrangements or perform cremations. Families should make these arrangements with a funeral provider or cremation office. All veterans should advise their family of their wishes and where important discharge papers are kept, including papers establishing eligibility.

Most honorably discharged veterans, their spouses and children are eligible to be buried inside National Cemeteries. Veterans who served after 1980 need to have to served at least 24 months on active duty to be entitled to these benefits. Those who served before 1980 only need to have served for one day. Out-ofstate veterans and their next of kin who meet criteria are also eligible to be buried in one the three Oregon National Cemeteries.

Furthermore, National Guardsmen may be eligible for burial in a National Cemetery if they meet one of 4

O R E G O N D E PA R T M E N T O F V E T E R A N S ' A F FA I R S

the following criteria: they were federally deployed, served in the National Guard for at least 20 years, or died while serving on state or federal active duty orders.

The Federal VA also offers a cremation option. The ashes of the deceased may be placed in an in-ground gravesite, a garden niche, or in a columbarium, where available. Family members may choose to scatter the remains of the deceased in Cremation Gardens, designated garden-type areas for the scattering of cremated remains.

More information about veteran burial benefits can be found below and online at www.cem.va.gov.

SERVICE–CONNECTED DEATH

If a veteran’s death is service-connected, the VA will pay a burial allowance of up to $2,000 for deaths on or after Sept. 11, 2001. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the veteran’s body to the national cemetery nearest the veteran’s home may also be reimbursed. There is no time limit for applying for a service-connected burial allowance. The person who bore the veteran’s burial expense may claim reimbursement from any VA regional office.

A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran’s military service to his or her country.

When burial is in a national, state or post cemetery, a burial flag will automatically be provided. When burial is in a private cemetery, the funeral director will generally help the next of kin with this process.

HEADSTONES AND MARKERS

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.

For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone, VA may also furnish a headstone or marker to supplement the graves or a Medallion to be affixed to the privately purchased headstone.

Eligible veterans are entitled to either a Governmentfurnished headstone or marker, or the new medallion, but not both.

NON-SERVICE-CONNECTED DEATH

MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS

If a veteran’s death is not service-connected, there are two types of payments the VA may make: Burial and Funeral Expense Allowances. The VA will pay a burial and funeral allowance if the veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and the veteran was in receipt of VA pension or compensation at the time of death. If a veteran died while in a VA facility or as a patient at an approved state nursing home the VA may also pay this allowance.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for providing military funeral honors. "Honoring Those Who Served” is the title of the DoD program for providing dignified military funeral honors to veterans who have defended our nation.

Upon the family's request, Public Law 106-65 requires that every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps. Visit the Oregon Military Funeral Honors website for local information and instructions about this service at www.mil.state.or.us/omfh.

BURIAL PLOT ALLOWANCE

When a veteran is buried in a cemetery that is not under U.S. government jurisdiction, the VA may also pay a plot allowance, provided that the veteran was discharged under a condition other than dishonorable and meets other qualifications similar to that of a nonservice connected death.

BURIAL FLAG

PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATES

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current president, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans. 

MILITARY STRUCTURE AND DISCIPLINE TO TRANSITION BACK Guest Contributor - Ben Grimmer, Executive Director, Home of the Brave

male military veterans. This program serves them with tangible items such as a home to live in, food, internet, clothing, and limited emergency financial assistance.

Established as a Transitional Living Program (TLP) for homeless veterans, this rapid rehousing concept takes veterans off the streets, stabilizes them within the program house, and helps them find employment and stable living arrangements in a six month time-span.

PHOTO COURTESY HOME OF THE BRAVE

Home of the Brave started as an idea between two local veterans, Gerald Pygott, US Navy Vietnam Veteran, and Ben Grimmer, US Marine Corps Veteran.

The idea was to use veterans to help fellow veterans in need. These two men came up with an innovative approach to help guide homeless veterans to reintegrate back into society. The idea was simple: purchase a house for homeless veterans to live in and run a program in that house that used military structure and discipline to help guide these men on a path to self-reliance.

Case management is combined with traditional military values which every veteran is familiar with from their time in the service. We operate like a military unit.

Don Chamblin and Executive Director of Home of the Brave, Ben Grimmer. Ben is a United States Marine Corps

Infantry veteran, who served at Guantanamo Bay Cuba.

Don Chamblin was the first veteran to ever walk through the doors of Home of the Brave. Before, this Vietnam veteran slept on the hard, cold, and wet ground in the blackberries. This was home while recovering from multiple amputations as a result of his diabetes.

After recovering in the VA hospital, Don walked through our door.

When we met Don he had bloody feet and a campsite in the middle of the brambles in Salem. The day before, he almost died.

We put him on a meal plan and increased his weight. After three months with Home of the Brave, Don was healthy and financially secure enough to move into his own place. That was two years ago and Don is still in the same place, and thriving. He even became a Board Member of a local non-profit that helps get bicycles to the homeless.

Being homeless, he had no refrigerator to store his insulin. No businesses would store it for him either. As a result, Don could not use insulin for three months.

His blood sugars soared and he went into shock.

Home of the Brave serves exclusively, homeless

According to Don, “I would not be here today if it had not been for Home of the Brave. You guys have saved my life and I am forever grateful.”

To date, Home of the Brave has a 100 percent success rate of getting homeless veterans back into society with long-term income and stable living arrangements.

Originally, Home of the Brave was funded by an amazing single investor with a two year commitment to get the program up and running. This investor covered all expenses allowing the employees to solely focus on the program and the veterans.

Now, two years have passed and the program has proved itself successful. The organization is starting to raise awareness that this program allows private individuals to donate to the cause and address a national homelessness issue in their own community.

To explore Home of the Brave's mission or to donate visit www.homelessvets.org. 

STRANGERS GATHER TO GIVE HOMELESS VETERAN THE HIGHEST HONOR — THEIR RESPECT Tom Hallman Jr., The Oregonian The ceremony isn't what people will remember.

What they will carry with them is that they were there to witness it. A homeless veteran named Steven Batcheller was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon at Willamette National Cemetery. And more than 60 people showed up to pay their respects to a man they'd never met.

Batcheller died in January, at age 62, in a Portland hospice center. He'd been transferred there from the veteran's hospital. He'd arrived at the hospital saying he was sick.

After he died, no one claimed his body. It was turned over to Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home near Happy Valley.

A funeral home manger spent months looking for any family members. She dug through public and medical records. She contacted veteran's groups. The best she could determine was that Batcheller had served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. The funeral home, which has a program to cover the costs of providing a funeral for homeless veterans, ran a small obituary in the paper this past Sunday.

Four paragraphs. The public was encouraged to attend.

And so they did.

"I saw the obituary," said Michael Lynch, 65. "It hit me the man had no family or friends. I felt I owed this guy something."

Nick Price, 30, came because Batcheller was what he called his "Navy brother."

"Different eras," he said. "But we were both in combat zones."

PHOTO CREDIT KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF, THE OREGONIAN

(Reprinted with permission)

Ron Starreveld, 56, another Navy man, was struck by the loneliness of the man's life. "No one knows his story," he said. "I came because I didn't want him to be alone today."

The ceremony lasted less than 30 minutes. A rifle volley. An honor guard. Impressive. But not nearly as powerful as what took place Tuesday when strangers gathered in the rain. 

Patriot Guard Riders carry the casket of U.S. Navy veteran Steven Paul Batcheller following his funeral service on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. Batcheller was homeless and died without a family to claim his body. He was buried with full military honors.

M E M O R I A L D AY E D I T I O N 2 0 1 6

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Bennett Hall - Corvallis Gazette-Times

(Reprinted with permission)

Salem is home to what may well be the largest collection of military uniforms in Oregon.

They stand in neat, orderly ranks, like a battalion at parade rest: more than 1,500 complete uniforms from every branch of the service, cleaned and pressed and restored to all their former glory.

But they’re not on display in a museum.

Instead, they’re hidden away in the attic of the local VFW post, where a small cadre of devoted volunteers labors to preserve a part of their state’s rich military heritage and hopes that, someday, the collection will move into more suitable surroundings.

“Eventually we hope to have a place of our own,” said Herman “Mac” MacDonald, the 86-year-old veteran who started the project. “But we operate on a shoestring. If someone would like to donate a building, we’d be happy to take it.”

MacDonald served in Korea with the Marines and completed three tours of duty in Vietnam before retiring from the service with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He started collecting military uniforms in 1998 as part of an effort to educate young people in the Salem area.

“I was talking to students at different schools,” MacDonald said. “They had no idea what the military was or the history of the military.”

MacDonald decided he needed a prop — a uniform he could show the kids to illustrate what he was talking about. He found what he was looking for in an antique shop somewhere outside of Salem. He’s forgotten the name of the town, but he remembers the uniform in vivid detail.

“It belonged to a chief boatswain’s mate by the name of Cook, U.S. Coast Guard,” MacDonald recalled. “I went in and told them what I was going to do, and they gave it to me at no cost.”

MacDonald began taking the uniform with him on his classroom visits, along with a small placard with information about Boatswain Cook’s service record.

Soon people began to seek him out.

“It’s usually word of mouth,” he said. “People hear about it and then they’ll call us.”

Sometimes it’s a veteran or current service member who wants to donate one of his or her old uniforms.

More often it’s a widow or surviving child of a veteran who’s passed on. They’re not sure what to do with the uniform, but they can’t bring themselves to sell it or give it to a thrift store. It means something to them, and they want to make sure it’s properly preserved and treated with respect.

“They just don’t want the uniform to go into the Goodwill,” said Jim Hardy, an Army veteran who helps take care of the collection along with ex-Marine Jerry Brixius and Air Force vet Tom Vanderhoof. Like MacDonald, they all served in Vietnam and belong to Post 661 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where they get plenty of help from other volunteers.

FROM DONATION TO RESTORATION

When someone calls with a prospective donation, one of the VFW volunteers will make an appointment to meet them at the donor’s home, where they’ll typically spend one or two hours discussing the uniform and the veteran who wore it. The volunteer will gather as much information as possible about the veteran and, whenever possible, obtain a photograph of the service member.

Sometimes donors are reluctant to part with particular patches, medals or ribbons that go with the uniform, and that’s OK. “If they’re undecided about something, we separate that out and let them keep it,” Vanderhoof said. “The family comes first.”

Once a donation is accepted, the uniform is sent out to be cleaned and, if necessary, mended.

An 82-year-old Salem woman named Mabel Valech volunteers her skills as a seamstress.

Occasionally a donated uniform arrives complete in every detail, but that’s more the exception than the rule. Usually, some amount of restoration is needed.

“We had one uniform come in and the gentleman 6

O R E G O N D E PA R T M E N T O F V E T E R A N S ' A F FA I R S

PHOTO COURTESY CORVALLIS-GAZETTE-TIMES - SCREEN CAPTURE

GHOSTS IN THE ATTIC

Tom Vanderhoof, with the VFW Post 661 in Salem, talks about their nearly 1,600 military uniform collection and the importance of restoring and preserving military uniforms and the stories behind each uniform.

only had his Ike jacket,” Hardy said, “so we had to scrounge up the shirt and the pants.”

In many cases, they have the spare parts they need on hand. The group has a collection of 500 uniform pieces, stored in plastic totes full of mothballs in the VFW post basement.

If they can’t supply the missing garments from their own cache, they’ll order them from a military supply house.

The same goes for many of the other items that go into making up a military uniform: rank insignia, collar bars, medals, ribbons, unit patches and so on.

The group keeps some spares on hand and can order others as needed.

To make sure each uniform carries all the marks of rank and distinction its owner was entitled to wear, the volunteers obtain a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers from the National Archives in St. Louis. The documents contain important details about a veteran’s service record, including date and place of induction and discharge, rank, military education and job specialty, foreign deployments and citations, badges and decorations received.

Together with the personal data provided by the donor, those details form the basis of a biographical record the group keeps on file for each uniform in the collection.

Sometimes the discharge papers provide the only available information about a uniform’s owner. That was the case with one Marine vet who left the Corps after 24 years of service. When he died alone in a boarding house, no family members came forward to claim his effects, and his passing might have gone entirely unmarked if his landlord hadn’t decided to donate his lance corporal’s uniform to the VFW. “We got real lucky with this one,” said Vanderhoof, pulling the man’s discharge papers from a manila folder. The group was able to obtain the document, a standard Defense Department form known as a DD 214, by matching the name and rank on the uniform the dead man left behind.

“Nobody knew him; he passed away,” Vanderhoof mused. “(His landlord) wanted to sell the property, and they found all of his stuff in a closet.”

Now the unknown Marine’s old uniform has been fully restored and added to the collection at VFW Post 661.

THE COLLECTION

The collection resides at the top of a steep, creaky staircase in the VFW hall’s attic, and it’s difficult to take it in all at once.

Today, 18 years after Mac MacDonald acquired the first piece, the collection has grown to between 1,500 and 1,600 uniforms from all six branches of the service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.

Each fully restored uniform, carefully cleaned and pressed, is draped over a sort of half-mannequin shaped like a human torso and covered in a clear plastic drycleaning bag. Pinned to the front of each uniform is

a single-page biography of the veteran who wore it, usually accompanied by a photo.

Grouped together by branch, the uniforms hang in long lines on homemade racks pieced together from plumber’s pipe, receding into the shadows beneath the eaves of the steep-pitched attic roof.

The variety of uniform types in the collection is dizzying: battle fatigues and full dress uniforms, flight suits and dinner jackets in all sorts of colors and fabrics.

Roughly 90 percent of the uniforms were worn by Oregonians, and more than 300 of them belonged to women.

The oldest item in the collection dates back to 1915, a uniform worn by a U.S. soldier in the so-called Border War, when Pancho Villa’s irregulars staged a raid into New Mexico and Gen. John J. Pershing led an American expedition back across the border in pursuit of the revolutionary leader. Among the most recent are two sets of desert camouflage fatigues worn by an Army National Guardsman in Iraq.

The attic holds uniforms worn by four Army generals, a Flying Tiger, a B-25 gunner who flew in Doolittle’s Raid on Tokyo and three JapaneseAmericans who fought for the United States in Italy during World War II. There are uniforms worn by two members of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division, the unit whose wartime experiences were chronicled in the TV miniseries “Band of Brothers.”

The collection holds the uniforms of Navy Cross winners, Distinguished Service Cross winners and an astonishing seven Medal of Honor winners, including one worn by Robert Dale Maxwell. A communications technician with the Army’s 3rd Infantry, Maxwell was presented with the nation’s highest military decoration for his heroic actions during the Allied invasion of France in 1944, when he threw himself on top of a grenade to save his comrades. He recovered from his wounds and today is the nation’s oldest surviving Medal of Honor winner and the only one still living in Oregon.

There’s even a small assortment of foreign uniforms, from allies like the British and South Koreans to enemies like the Nazis and Vietcong.

Most uniform collections that size are in museums, said Gil Sanow, co-founder of the Association of American Military Uniform Collectors in Elyria, Ohio.

“That is quite large for a private holding,” said Sanow, whose personal collection once numbered 350 uniforms, including more than 100 attributed to Army generals.

“Most people specialize,” he added. “Just by pure volume and all services, that’s a fantastic collection.”

Sanow was impressed by the attention to detail and commitment to authenticity the Salem vets showed in restoring the uniforms with complete sets of insignia, ribbons and unit patches.

“One thing you have to understand is we’re not just talking about old clothes,” he said. “A military uniform is a time capsule. … You’re basically looking at a history of the owner’s career. It tells a story.”

It’s difficult to gauge just how the Salem VFW’s collection stacks up against museum holdings. There are a number of uniform collections housed in institutions across the country, but as Sanow points out, many of them are devoted to a particular branch of the service or historical period.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., has a wide-ranging collection numbering about 8,000 pieces, but not all of them are parts of complete uniforms.

By far the biggest institutional collection in Oregon belongs to the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, which has about 1,300 complete uniforms from all branches of the service among its 14,000 artifacts, according to curator Tracy Thoenes. That collection spans a time period from the Spanish-American War to the present day, and all the uniforms have some connection to Oregon.

Those uniforms, however, are not currently available for public viewing. The Oregon Military Museum has been closed for a major renovation and expansion project since 2009. Thoenes said a fundraising drive to complete the work is about halfway to reaching its $16.4 million goal, and no reopening date has been set.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

The Salem veterans have no aspirations to rival the Oregon Military Museum, but they would like to have more room to store their ever-growing collection of uniforms and display them to the public.

But, as the Camp Withycombe project demonstrates, museum construction doesn’t come cheap. And it’s not just about display space — much of the cost is tied up in ensuring the long-term preservation of the collection.

“The most important thing is a storage facility that is temperature-controlled, humidity-controlled and secure,” said Nicole Yasuhara, collections manager for

the Oregon Historical Society Museum.

SOLDIERING ON

Time can take a terrible toll on textiles, noted Mary Gallagher, collections manager for the Benton County Historical Museum. To keep the uniforms from deteriorating, each garment needs to be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and stored in an archivalquality box.

For now, the members of VFW Post 661 will keep doing the same thing they’ve been doing since 1998: accepting donated uniforms, restoring them and displaying them to the public when they get the chance.

Despite the lack of a permanent facility, the group does mount temporary displays wherever and whenever it can. That includes annual uniform shows at the Capitol, the Oregon State Fair and the Marion County Fair. The biggest exhibit they’ve ever done was a display of 125 uniforms that was on view in the Capitol for a full month in 2004.

But they also do smaller shows every chance they get. They travel up and down the Willamette Valley, sometimes with as few as a half-dozen uniforms, to set up displays at schools, churches, retirement homes — wherever they’re invited.

If you ask them why they keep on doing it, they have trouble articulating their reasons.

“That’s like trying to explain religion and love,” Vanderhoof says. “(But) I think it’s important that we keep the history alive and that we honor the people who did military service. … I just think it’s important.”

“That’s a big thing,” Hardy adds. “We forget about those people.”

For Hardy, as for many military veterans, it’s important that their service receives some recognition from the public, and that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

“My best friend died in Vietnam,” Hardy says. “I go visit his grave two or three times a year. After I die, maybe nobody will.”

But they might come to a museum to look at some old uniforms, and think about the veterans who wore them. 

“Storing that kind of material, exhibiting it, managing it is a very costly affair,” Gallagher said. “Not every organization can do that.”

Money is one thing VFW Post 661 just doesn’t have. The organization gets a trickle of cash donations to support the collection, most of which goes toward purchasing clothing items, collar bars, ribbons and other essentials to complete uniform restorations.

The Salem vets have made some efforts over the years to attract financial support for their cause, but they’re soldiers, not grant-writers. The realm of bigtime fundraising is simply foreign to their experience.

“We tried to get a building through the Oregon Legislature,” Hardy said. “We got axed and told to come back next time.”

They could donate their 1,500-plus uniforms to a large museum, assuming they could find one willing to take them all, or break up the collection and piece it out to a number of smaller institutions. But that would entail giving up control of the uniforms and possibly seeing them dispersed all over the country.

Sanow raises another possibility: They could sell off part of the collection to help finance a building to store and display the rest.

“A lot of people are interested in this stuff,” he pointed out. “It does change hands every now and then — sometimes for hundreds or thousands of dollars.”

That’s not going to happen, Hardy insisted.

“We don’t sell,” he said. “We never sell anything.”

VETERANS WHO WORE THEM: BATTLE OF BELLEAU WOODS

T

Above: Corporal Ford B. Vandegar, U.S. Marine Corps, 2nd Infantry Division, American Expedition Force wore this uniform (pictured right) and was part of the division during the Battle of Belleau Woods. This was the first battle during World War I where American Expeditionary Forces experienced the heavy casualties associated with the Great War.

he 2nd Infantry Division has a long and proud history – one that included Marines who were part of the division during the Great War. The Battle of Belleau Woods was the first battle during World War I where American Expeditionary Forces experienced the heavy casualties associated with the Great War. “It was also a signal to both allies and adversaries that America was on the Western Front to fight.”

The battle lasted from June 1 to 26, and was a confused mess Battle of Belleau Woods tactically. One June 1, 2nd Infantry Division Marines began to dig in along a defensive line just north of the village of Lucy-Ile-Bocage. Marine Capt. Lloyd Williams was soon advised to withdraw. “Retreat, Hell! We just got here,” Williams said.

The next day a vanguard of the German Army advanced reached Belleau Wood where Williams (who would not survive the battle) and his troops were. As the battle began, the Germans began to take some of Belleau Wood. However, on June 5, the Warriors were ordered to recapture the part of the battle field the Germans held. (According to reports, the German Army had taken the entire wood and turned it into a bastion. However, no reconnaissance was made to confirm the position of the opposition.)

“Yard by yard, Marines advanced,” Lt. Col. Frederick Wise later wrote. “Minutes after, I saw them disappear into the woods. The woods seemed to have swallowed up the barrage without an effort.” On June 6, two assaults took place. The first assault, with only two companies involved, on strategic Hill 142, was successful. The afternoon attack on the east ridge of the woods went grimly. “Come on you (men), you want to live forever?” asked Gunnery Sgt. Dan Daly as his men crossed a wheat field where they exposed to machine-gun fire. “As the Marines vanished into the undergrowth beneath the trees, the German machine-gun fire slackened,” Wise wrote. “The detonations of the barrage has ceased. Then all of a sudden, a ripping burst of machine-gun fire would break out. That meant the Marines were advancing on a nest. It would then die down, which meant the nest was taken. Back across that open field, wounded men began crawling to the rear.”

By the end of the day, a brigade of Marines had suffered the worst single day casualties in Marine Corps history with 1,087 men killed or wounded. The battle continued to be bloody for both sides. But, after continued failed counter-attacks by the Germans, Marine Corps.

Maj. Maurice Shearer sent a signal. “At the battle’s end … I lined the men up and looked them over,” Wise wrote. “It was enough to break your heart. I had left Courcelles May 31 with 965 men and 26 officers – the best battalion I ever saw anywhere. I had taken them, raw recruits for the most. I had seen them grow into Marines. Now before me stood 350 men and six officers. 615 men 19 officers were gone.”

M E M O R I A L D AY E D I T I O N 2 0 1 6

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Honoring those who made the ultimate ALBANY

May 27 – 12 p.m. – Grand opening of the Linn Benton Community College Veterans Center. Contact: Lewis Franklin, 541-917-4999, frankll@linnbenton.edu May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Linn County Veterans Memorial, Timber Linn Park off of Price Road, presented by American Legion Post 10, VFW Linn Post 584, Linn County Veterans Memorial Assoc.

Laying of wreaths by veteran organizations and Gold Star Families, POW/MIA wreath, honot guard rifle salute, color guard from the Young Marines, invocation and benediction by local clergy. Representatives of local government will be in attendance for welcoming remarks. Free luncheon follows ceremony at Post 10 of the American Legion on Pacific Boulevard in Albany. Contact: Randy Martin, 541-9713191, rmart1945@aol.com

ASHLAND

May 30 – 10:30 a.m. – Memorial ceremony presented by American Legion Post 14.

Flag presentation: Boy Scout Troop 112.

Guest Speakers, music from the Valley of the Rogue New Horizons Band, Southern Oregon University and Ashland High School Choir, and flyover by Stearman Aircraft. Contact: Brad Fish, 541-261-5867, bg75fish@gmail.com

BAKER CITY

May 30 – 11 a.m. – VFW Post 3048 will host ceremony to honor military fallen and veterans, with burial flag dedications at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Contact: Gary Young, 541523-4838, gpyoung@thegeo.net

B E AV E R T O N

May 30 – 12:30 p.m. – American Legion Beaverton Post #124 will host ceremony at Beaverton Memorial Park, 7th & Watson Streets. Honor Guard, speakers, POW/MIA Ceremony, Post #185 Band, flyover, and Tolling of the Boats Ceremony. Contact: Commander Steve Gerber, 503-246-8190, beavertonpost124@gmail.com June 9 – 1 p.m. – Rededication ceremony of the oldest Vietnam Veterans Memorial of its kind in the United States. The memorial lists all Oregonians lost in the war as of its dedication date in 1968. Built and displayed at the Beaverton Elks Lodge since the late 1960s, the memorial has been moved to Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park, 7th & Watson Streets. June 9th will be 48 years from the day of its original dedication by Gov Tom McCall in 1968. All veterans, especially Vietnam Era, are invited. The ceremony is open to public. Contact: Adjutant Fred Meyer, 503-575-5700, adjutant124@gmail.com

BEND

May 30 – 1 p.m. – Ceremony and service at Deschutes Memorial Gardens on Hwy. 97. Speaker: Robert McHaney, World War II veteran. Reception following at VFW Post 1643, 1503 NE 4th St. Contact: Bob Cusick, 541-419-8463

BROOKINGS

May 27 – 6 p.m. – Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 757 will read aloud names of Oregon veterans killed in Vietnam at a ceremony at City Hall, 898 Elk Drive.

May 28 – 9 a.m. – Parade in Brookings.

Contact: Sam Vitale, 541-469-6443, rpdsamv@gmail.com

CANBY

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Zion Memorial Cemetery, Township Rd., hosted

by American Legion Post 122 includes a guest speaker, reading of local veterans who passed away in the past year, rifle salute. A BBQ chicken lunch held at the Post following the program, 424 NW 1st Ave. Contact: Bud Coburn, 503-320-5652

CENTRAL POINT

May 30 – 9 a.m. – Ceremony at Don Jones 8

Memorial Park on Hamrick Road for the annual Fallen War Heroes Commemoration.

Guest speakers include State Rep. Sal Esquivel and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden.

Contact: Cory LeeAnn Shaw, 541-423-1042, Cory.Shaw@centralpointoregon.gov

COLUMBIA CITY

May 30 – 11 a.m. – City of Columbia presents a Columbia City Veterans Park Memorial Day Ceremony. Bagpipers, Color Guard, Flag Raising, Pledge of Allegiance, "Star Spangled Banner," U.S. Branch Service Flag Raising, "Taps," Placement of Wreath, "America the Beautiful, and much more!

Attendees are urged to park at one of these locations and take a free shuttle to and from the event site: CC Rider Transit Center, 1155 Deer Island Road, St. Helens, or Caples House Museum, 1915 First Street, Columbia City,. Parking near the park is NOT recommended. Contact: Leahnette Rivers, 503-397-4010, lrivers@columbia-city.org

C O O S B AY

May 28 – 11 a.m. – The 28th annual parade through downtown begins on 4th St. 1:30 p.m. – Rededication of the 100-yearold Sailor-Soldier Monument at Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery, 750 Ingersoll St. Headstones for three Civil War veterans will be dedicated.

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Ocean View Memorial Cemetery on Ocean Blvd.

12 p.m. – Ceremony at Sunset Ocean, near Hwy. 101, on Frontage Road. Contact: Bill Kehler, 541-888-6556

C O R VA L L I S

May 30 – 10 a.m. – Corvallis American Legion Post 11 will host traditional Memorial Day ceremony in South Corvallis’ Crystal Lake Cemetery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ceremony includes invited local leaders as speakers, musicians, and ceremony participants. Representatives of patriotic organizations will place wreaths in symbolic remembrance of all who have served to make and preserve our free nation.

Contact: Charles Nelson, 541-231-2356 cowboycharlie2014@gmail.com May 30 – 2 p.m. – Ceremony and tribute to county veterans at Benton County Veterans Memorial on the south lawn of the National Guard Armory, 1100 NW Kings Blvd. Contact: Les Whittle, 541-752-3222, lesvetsmem@comcast.net

DALLAS

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Dallas American Legion Post 20 and Auxiliary with VFW Post 3203 will put up approximately 700 flags to honor our deceased veterans. Guest speakers to include State Rep. Paul Evans. Music from the Dallas High School Choir and flag raising

by Boy Scout Troop 288. Contact: Dennis Johnson, 503-623-3727, drdblj@q.com

EAGLE POINT

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Eagle Point National Cemetery includes guest speakers U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Congressman Greg Walden, VA SORCC Director Philip Dionne, and Oregon National Guard MC SFC Mark Dalton; Marine Corps League Honor Guard; Bag Pipers; and a flyover. A miniature Vietnam Wall will be on display during the event. Contact: Bob Huff, 541-601-9283, huffe4@aol.com

E S TA C A D A

May 30 – 7 a.m. – American Legion Estacada Carl Douglas Post/Unit 74 will host Memorial Day breakfast at Estacada Odd Fellows Hall (267 SW 2nd St.) Breakfast includes eggs, sausage, pancakes, coffee, and juice. Suggested donation of $6 per person. Contact: Terry Brown, 503-8676123, terryalanb@rconnects.com

EUGENE

May 25 – 10 a.m. – Salute to Veterans will include speakers, music, posting of the

O R E G O N D E PA R T M E N T O F V E T E R A N S ' A F FA I R S

colors. Veterans reception will follow. The event will be held at the Lifegate Christian School, 1052 Fairfield Ave. Contact: Norm Hoffman, 541-689-5847, bghoffman@ yahoo.com May 30 – 9 a.m. – Ceremony at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Catholic Memorial Day Mass, 200 Crest Drive May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Eugene Pioneer Cemetery, 18th and University Ave., hosted by American Legion Post 3. Patriotic music by Shasta Middle School and Choir Members of the Sons of Union Veterans, Boy Scouts and others will be present.

Contact: Jim Walsh, 541-484-6630 info@ jameskwalsh.com May 30 – 12:30 p.m. – Ceremony at Lane Memorial Gardens, 5300 W. 11th Ave. Music by Willamette High School Choir.

Military Honors by U.S. Marine Corps.

2:30 p.m. – Ceremony at West Lawn, 225 S. Danebo. Music by Willamette High School Choir. Military Honors by United States Marine Corps. Contact: Dee Harbison, 541686-2818

FLORENCE

May 30 – 1 p.m. – Florence Post 3232 has purchased a 40ft flag pole for the local cemetery to honor our Veterans on Memorial Day each year along with the placement of approx. 400 flags and crosses at our Veterans grave sites. Contact: Ken Smith, 626-945-4044, lndsmitty@aol.com

FOREST GROVE

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony and Avenue of Flags presented by American Legion Post 2 includes a junior high school choir, the Boy Scouts, and a Color Guard, at Forest View Cemetery, 1161 Pacific Ave. Contact: Jim Craigg, 971-235-6056

GLIDE

May 30 – 10 a.m. – Ceremony and program includes adding to the Memorial Wall of Douglas County names of veterans killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ceremony will feature memorial wreath presentation with color guard, national anthem, and bagpipes. Location: Community Center, 20062 N. Umpqua Hwy. Refreshments will be served. Contact: John DeGroot, 541-4960238, gudmund_j@outlook.com

GOLD BEACH

May 30 – 12 p.m. – VFW Post 4439’s ceremony will honor and salute the fallen at the Curry County Veterans Memorial, 94080 Shirley Lane. Contact: Sam Vitale, 541-6615155, rpdsamv@gmail.com

G R A N T S PA S S

May 27 through May 30 – 8 a.m. – A military museum containing artifacts, mementos and photos will be available for the public to tour from at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Grants Pass, OR. May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony hosted by the Marine Corps League. One thousand flags in an Avenue of Flags display at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Keynote speaker: James Boston, Comm. USN Ret. and former Rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Grants Pass. 1st Lt. Jim Hale with the Marine Corps League will be the master of ceremonies.

Military honors: Color Guard and Firing Squad. Refreshments served after the ceremony. Contact: Hillcrest Memorial Park, 541-476-2310, hillcrest2@qwestoffice. net May 30 -- 12 p.m. – There will be a memorial ceremony at Riverside Park to honor the fallen. Contact: Gerrin Beck, 541-659-5535

GRESHAM

May 30 – 9 a.m. – Graveside tribute to all fallen military members will be conducted

by VFW Post 180 at Forest Lawn, 400 SW Walters Rd. 11 a.m. – Tribute to all fallen military, police and fire fighters presented by VFW Post 180

at the corner of NE Powell Blvd. and Roberts St. Contact: Val Shaull, 503-805-8991

HARRISBURG

May 30 – 8 a.m. – Ceremonial flag will be raised at River Bank Gazebo. Boy Scouts will place a wreath on the Willamette River to remember veterans lost or interred at sea. This will be followed by a ceremony at Alfred Cemetery. Contact: Margaret Kimbro, 541-998-6192, 4margaretkimbro@comcast. net

HILLSBORO

May 30 – 8 a.m. – Washington County's Veterans Organization holding 2nd Annual Memorial Day Salute event at the Hillsboro Stadium. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Women Marines Association with the help of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Naval Sea Cadets are conducting a Memorial Day Road Rally; A Car / Motorcycle & Truck Show, a local school Musical Tribune to the Nation both at 9 a.m. and a Traditional Memorial Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. There will be prizes and giveaways.

The event admission and parking are free.

Speakers include Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, an American Legion Oratory Winner and a VFW Voice of Democracy Winner. Contact: Dougland, 503-357-0357, doug@aim4thebest.com May 30 – 11 a.m. – The annual “Oregon Remembers” ceremony will be held at Fir Lawn Cemetery, located at 1070 W. Main St. Contact: Glenn Colangelo, 503-9450190 May 30 – 1p.m. – VFW Post 2666 and veteran organizations present a ceremony at the Hillsboro Stadium. Speakers include Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.

Patriotic music: local high schools. Contact: Dan Fink, 503-799-2665, usafa64@aol.com May 30 – 2 p.m. – Ceremony at Veterans Gateway, NE 34th Ave. and Veterans Drive.

Host will be Washington County resident Wendall Pelham, proud father of the late John Pelham who lost his son in Afghanistan on February 12, 2014. The observance will also include special remembrances from the families of Navy Corpsman Ryley GallingerLong, killed in action on August 11th, 2011 and PFC Andrew Keller, who lost his life on August 15th, 2012. Contact: Vicki Horn, 503846-3051

HOOD RIVER

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Idlewilde Cemetery, 980 Tucker Road, includes presentations by American Legion Post 22, the Boy Scouts, flower dedications, and antique aircraft flyover. This year’s theme: "Bury Me With Soldiers." Veterans’ plaques will be added to the “Bud Collins Walk of Honor.” Music: Hood River Valley High School band. Contact: Bob Huskey, 541-3862599, idlewildecemetery@gorge.net

INDEPENDENCE

May 30 – 10 a.m. – Various veteran groups will host a ceremony at the city park. A Color Guard will render military honors.

The names of Polk County veterans killed in combat will be read. Contact: Doug Birch, 503-510-6637 May 30 – 11 a.m. – 23rd Annual Memorial Aviator Recognition Program at the Independence State Airport, located at the north edge of Independence. Local dignitaries will be included in the program.

The program will honor recently deceased pilots and all military members. Local pilots will be displaying planes and performing the missing man formation. Following the program, the Boy Scouts will be holding a barbeque luncheon to raise funds for camping and other supplies. The public is invited. Parking is available at Marquis Spa with shuttle service provided. Contact: Margaret Cleveland / Paul Gilman, 503838-1273, amcleveland@minetfiber.com / speedbird780@live.com

sacrifice JUNCTION CITY

May 30 – 10 a.m. – Ceremony will include military honors from American Legion 61 and POW-MIA remembrance table at Restlawn Cemetery, Hi Pass and Territorial Rd. Contact: Margaret Kimbro, 541-9986192, 4margaretkimbro@comcast.net

K L A M AT H FA L L S

May 30 – 6 a.m. – Sunrise Service and Avenue of Flags at Klamath Memorial Cemetery on Memorial Drive.

10 a.m. – Annual parade on Main St. to Veterans Park. Those who wish to participate in the parade can do so free of charge by filling out an application provided by the VFW. 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Veterans Park presented by the Oregon Air National Guard and VFW Post 1383. The Marine Corps League and Post 1383 will render military honors.

12 noon – A free lunch will be served at these locations: VFW Post 1383, 515 Klamath Ave., will serve stew; American Legion Post 8, 228 N 8th St., (chili feed); Marine Corps League, 1018 Main St., (spaghetti feed). Contact: Michael Reynolds, 541-891-5749, adam_3@q.com

LA PINE

May 30 – 10 a.m. – American Legion Post 45 will host ceremony at Community Cemetery, Reed Rd. off Hwy. 97. Public open house and BBQ will be held later at Post 45, 52532 Drafter Rd. Contact: Pat Cotton, 541-5361402 May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony by American Legion Post 45 Honor Guard, celebrating those who have served, at the La Pine Cemetery. Contact: Alan C Wakefield, 541433-2305, aandawakefield@yahoo.in

LA GRANDE

May 30 – 11 a.m. – The American Legion Post 43 presents a ceremony and avenue of flags at the Grandview Cemetery. Speaker: Rev. Roger Cochrane. The flags will remain lighted overnight and displayed May 28-30.

Contact: Duane Yocum, 541-786-5148, duane.yocum@gmail.com

LEBANON

May 30 – 10 a.m. – American Legion Post 51 and Lebanon High School Army JROTC will render military honors at a ceremony at the IOOF Cemetery, 37295 Cemetery Rd., near Hwy 20. Guest Speaker: Department 1st Vice Commander Jim Willis. More than 550 U.S. burial flags will be displayed. Contact: Ray Johnson, 541-451-1351

MALIN

May 30 – 7 a.m. – Annual breakfast at Malin Park Community Hall, 2307 Front St. Cost: $7.50 each, $20 per family. All proceeds go to support veteran and community services.

An Everlasting Ceremony will honor all deceased veterans. Contact: Dennis Chabot, 541-723-2110

MOLALLA

May 30 – 10 a.m. – VFW Post 3973 will hold a ceremony at Adams Cemetery, Adams Cemetery Rd. Contact: Jason Carroll, 503824-3608

MONMOUTH

May 31 – 5 p.m. – Formal dinner sponsored by the Veteran Success Center honoring those who have sacrificed in the name of freedom at 345 Monmouth Ave. N, Werner University Center, Monmouth, OR 97361.

Contact: Andrew Holbert, 503-838-9246, holberta@wou.edu

M T. A N G E L

May 30 – 9:30 a.m. – Celebration of Mass precedes a ceremony that includes a music concert, wreath and flag presentations, Honor Guard, military rifle salute, and Taps at Calvary Cemetery, Hwy. 214. Veterans are invited to march. Refreshments to follow

2 0 1 6 S TAT E W I D E M E M O R I A L D AY E V E N T S served at American Legion Post 89, 740 College St. Contact: Jim Kosel, 503-8456119

MYRTLE CREEK (TRI CITY) May 30 – 8 a.m. – Breakfast for veterans and families at Veterans Memorial Bldg., American Legion Post 123, 252 S. Pacific Hwy. Veterans admission is free; donations accepted for others. At 2 p.m. there will be a flag retirement ceremony. Contact: Roy Brogden, 541-863-3857

NEWBERG

May 28 & 29 – 11 a.m. – The 68th Annual Memorial Weekend Boat Races will be on the 28th and 29th this year. Free admission and parking; free shuttle from parking area to race site. Races will feature 18 classes of outboard race boats with speeds up to 85 mph. Free covered seating at the event.

Contact: Richard Baker, 503-550-3057, richard822@frontier.com May 30 – American Legion Post 57 and VFW Post 4015 will conduct full military honors services at five local cemeteries starting at 8 a.m. at each location: Valley View, Dundee Pioneer, Noble, Gibbs, and Friends.

At 11 a.m. a ceremony at Memorial Park, SE 6th and Blaine, includes the reading the Gettysburg Address, War Memorial roll call, floral presentations by various groups.

A community BBQ follows. Contact: Faith Gerstel, 503-538-9151

OREGON CITY

May 30 – 10 a.m. – Mountain View Cemetery, 500 Hilda St., will host a program with music. Guest speaker: Retired Navy Commander JJ Morell. Light refreshments will be served. Contact: Mountain View Cemetery, 503-657-8299

PORTLAND

May 29 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd. hosted by the Korean War Veterans Association, Oregon Chapter of the Chosen Few. Guest Speaker: ODVA Director Cameron Smith.

Contact: Bill Chisum, 503-789-0476 May 30 – 10 a.m. – Memorial Day program at the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 4022 SW Canyon Rd, scheduled to start with the "Reading of the Names" of 803 Oregonians who gave their lives in the name of freedom during the Vietnam War. The main program will commence at about 11:10 a.m. with a flyover by the West Coast Ravens. The featured speaker is Lt. Colonel Thuy Tran who, as a child came to the United States from Vietnam. Contact: Ron Cannon, 503-819-4228 May 30 – 10 a.m. – A reading of the names of those lost in battle, at the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Living Memorial, next to the Portland Zoo. Contact: Jerry, 503-8663990

PRINEVILLE

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Annual parade from 4th and Main to the Firefighter Memorial Park, followed by a ceremony at Juniper Haven Cemetery, hosted by VFW Post 1412, American Legion Post 27, and Band of Brothers. Afterwards a new memorial will be dedicated at the fairgrounds to honor all Crook County veterans. Contact: Jim Taylor, 541-350-9766

RAINIER

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony with Color Guard and rifle salute will be conducted by VFW Post 1909 at Hudson Cemetery, 75900 Larson Rd. Contact: Linda Kelly, 503-8831091

REDMOND

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Breakfast will be served at Post 44, 704 SW 8th St. Donations accepted. Ceremony at Redmond Cemetery, Yew Ave. and Old Bend-Redmond Hwy. An Avenue of Flags is displayed

downtown to honor all veterans laid to rest at the cemetery. Guest Speakers: Mayor of Redmond George Endicott and Representative Gene Whisnant. Contact: Jack Newcome, 541-526-1371

SPRINGFIELD

REEDSPORT

May 30 – 10 a.m. – Ceremony at Springfield Memorial Gardens, 5305 Main St. Military Honors include: United States Marine Corps. There will also be appearances from Boy Scout Troop #22, Crew #327, Civil Air Patrol, Mahlon Sweet Composite Squadron, 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and the Willamette High School Topnotchers.

Guest Speakers will be Bob Welch, Author/ Columnist, and E-7 Sergeant First Class Thomas Reasons, Army National Guard.

Contact: Dee Harbison, 541-686-2818

May 29 – 2 p.m. (staging for participants 12 p.m.) – Parade from Longview Avenue, at Highlands Elementary School, travels north on Hwy. 101. A memorial service will follow the parade at Hahn Memorial Park at 3:30 p.m. Then from 4 - 6:30 p.m. will be a Veterans’ dinner at United Presbyterian Church, 2360 Longview Drive (The dinner is free to vets, but a donation is asked of non-vets.) At 7 p.m. will be a music concert at Pacific Auditorium/Reedsport Charter School, 2260 Longwood Dr. May 30 – 10 a.m. – Ceremony at Masonic Cemetery, 3021 Longwood Drive. Contact: Margo and Ron Thompson, 541-271-3940, irlindabarr@hotmail.com

ROSEBURG

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremonial tribute at the Roseburg VA Cemetery Annex with wreath presentations, guest speakers, and Taps. Afterwards a public picnic at the Stewart Park Pavilion. Contact: John McDonald, 541-580-6178

SALEM

May 30 – 11 a.m. – The Greater Salem Area Veterans Organization hosts a ceremony at City View Cemetery, 390 Hoyt St. SE. Military honors and multiple wreath presentations. Free lunch is served afterwards at VFW Post 661, 630 Hood St. NE. Contact: Kerry Wymatelek, 503-8818303, quartermaster@vfw661.org May 30 – 2 p.m. – Ceremony at the AfghanIraqi Freedom Memorial, 700 Summer St. NE. The names of Oregon veterans killed in action listed on the Memorial’s Wall will be read. ODVA Director Cameron Smith and other guest speakers will be in attendance.

Contact: Arsinio Walker, 503-373-2390 May 30 – 2:30 p.m. – "Oregon Remembers” ceremony at Restlawn Memorial Garden, 201 Oak Grove Rd. NW. Contact: Glenn Colangelo, 503-945-0190

SCAPPOOSE

May 30 – 10 a.m. – American Legion Post 42, Catholic War Veterans, and Knights of Columbus presents a Memorial Day service and lunch at the St Wenceaslaus Church & Cemetery. There will be Massing of Colors, remarks, 3 volley salute, and Taps.

11:00 a.m. – Indoor service with Soldiers Cross & flowers 12 p.m. – Lunch with 5 services missing service member table and toast. Contact: SFC Bernard Offley, USA Ret, 5037066693, obernard@q.com May 30 – 10:30 a.m. VFW Post 4362 will host a Memorial Day ceremony with guest speaker Bert Key, a Past Department Commander, at Heritage Park on SE 1st.

There will be an unveiling of two "Soldiers Cross" castings, one commemorating the service of the WWII and Korean War Veterans. The second will reflect the service period from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Contact: Tom Ford, 503-543-7381

SILETZ

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians presents a Memorial Day Ceremony at 401 Parkway, Siletz, OR. Contact: Delores Pigsley, 541-270-5017, dpigsley@msn.com

SISTERS

May 30 – 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 86 and VFW Post 8138 will host a ceremony at Village Green Park, Fir St. and Washington Ave. A BBQ will be served afterward.

Contact: Bill Antilla, 541-549-1132

May 30 – 9 a.m. – American Legion Post 40 will host a flag ceremony at Mohawk and I St. Elks Lodge Color Guard. Contact: Frank Blair, 541-998-2839

TERREBONNE

May 30 – 9 a.m. – Memorial ceremony held at Pioneer Cemetery, 485 NW Larch Ave. Contact: Jack Newcome, 541-526-1371

TIGARD

May 30 – 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 158 will honor all veterans at Crescent Grove Cemetery, 9925 SW Greenburg Rd., with a Veteran’s Color Guard, bag pipe music. An Avenue of Flags will be displayed all weekend. A potluck is served, 12:30 p.m., at the Post, 8635 SW Scoffins St. Contact: American Legion Post 158, 503-6242332

TILLAMOOK

May 30 – 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Sunset Heights Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7800 Trask River Rd. County Veterans that have died during the past year will be recognized.

Guest speaker: John Elms, Tillamook County Sheriff Department Chaplain, U.S. Marine Corps. Boy Scout Troop 586 will present the colors. Refreshments will be served.

Contact: Dean Crist, 503-842-6213

T U A L AT I N

May 30 – 10:45 a.m. – Winona Cemetery, 9900 SW Tualatin Road, features Missing Man maneuver flyover, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, State Rep. Julie Parrish and WWII Navy bugler in Taps duet. No seats at the cemetery, bring chairs. Free picnic follows at Tualatin Community Park. Contact: Dale Potts, 503-692-1832, dalegpotts@gmail.com

VERNONIA

May 30 – 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 104 will host a ceremony at Vernonia Cemetery. Military honors: Post 104 Honor Guard. Guest speaker: Past Mayor Sally Harrison. Music performed by Vernonia High School Choir. Contact: Bill Shields, 503649-5099, bill760@frontier.com

WA S C O

May 29 – 7:30 a.m. – Country Breakfast at North Sherman County RFPD on Old Hwy 97.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. – Wasco C/C Library Book Sale at the Old Wasco School. Raffle tickets, T-shirts, hats, and cups also on sale!

8 p.m. – Karaoke Night at the Goose Pit Saloon.

May 30 – 7:30 a.m. – The annual celebration at the railroad depot includes a country breakfast, brief ceremony honoring all veterans, car show, raffle, pastry auction, tractor-wagon rides, BBQ. Watch or ride in the parade. Contact: Carol MacKenzie, 541442-5079

WILSONVILLE

May 30 – 10 a.m. – Oregon Trail Chapter, Korean War Veterans of America will host a remembrance ceremony to honor all veterans at Oregon’s Korean War Memorial.

Location: Off I-5, exit 283, 10 miles south of Portland. Follow the signs to Town Center Park. Contact: Bob Cassidy, 503-476-9012

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CENTRAL OREGON VETERANS RANCH EMPHASIZES

HEALING Peter Madsen - The Bulletin (Reprinted with permission)

When Eric Bramwell returned from Iraq in 2007, 55 soldiers in his Army unit — including his best friend — had been killed.

He felt lost.

Traumatized, the 33-year-old Gresham native continued to scan for enemy combatants in his civilian surroundings.

He eventually realized he needed the company of fellow veterans and wide open space to feel better.

He’s found comfort on the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, also known as COVR. The 19-acre parcel of irrigated land halfway between Redmond and Bend is staffed by 20 volunteers — the majority veterans — who tend the grounds. Several greenhouses, a large barn and a pasture for the herd of endangered Navajo-Churro sheep are among the amenities.

By this summer, an adult foster home large enough to accommodate four endof-life veterans is expected to open.

“If you build it, they will come,” said ranch founder Alison Perry, in a nod to the movie “Field of Dreams.” And come, they have.

Perry came up with the concept for the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch when she worked as a counselor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Portland and Bend. Between her work and having veterans in her family and a brother serving as a medical evacuation helicopter pilot, her decision to start the ranch seemed natural.

Bramwell, for one, is grateful. He’s the newest COVR volunteer. Last week, he made the first of what he anticipates will be a regular three-hour commute from Gresham.

“You feel like you can almost breathe out there,” said Bramwell, whose wartime responsibilities involved manning a 60 mm mortar on raids and special operations. “(On the ranch), you’re not looking at every single window for snipers; you don’t have all the distractions that you have in the city.”

Bramwell suffers debilitating migraines, the symptom of a brain injury he sustained in a blast. He’s about to have his fourth surgery on his left knee to repair his ACL. Although the VA has deemed him 100 percent disabled, Bramwell is nonetheless a member of The Mission Continues, a nonprofit that provides veterans with a $1,000 stipend for contributing 90 hours per month in charity work.

Bramwell had been volunteering at a Portland-area nonprofit helping physically handicapped children learn to ride horses when his excruciating headaches began to interfere with his rigid schedule.

His program coordinator told him about COVR. He visited Perry and staff at the ranch and liked what he saw.

“What’s great is that this lets me serve veterans,” he said, noticeably upbeat. He described meeting another veteran infantryman his age who was deployed at the same time in Iraq; such encounters are rare.

At COVR, Bramwell will help organize an outreach initiative to find other likeminded veterans — particularly in his northwest corner of the state — who would benefit from visiting the ranch.

“I want to let them know there are others who feel like they do,” he said. Having a sense of community helps veterans, and so does working with animals. “It’s a place to take a break and get away.”

RAISING A RANCH

The ranch is in a good location to help veterans. According to the 2014 U.S. Census, there are 20,159 veterans in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.

Deschutes County contains the seventh-largest veteran population in the state.

Veterans make up about 11 percent of the population in the tri-county area.

Since COVR’s 2013 inception, it has received more than $257,500 in funding from a variety of sources, such as Meyer Memorial Trust, Maybelle Clark MacDonald Fund and Northwest Farm Credit Services. Since COVR launched a First 100 campaign on Veterans Day last year, $25,000 has flooded in; they’re hoping to reach $100,000 in donations by Memorial Day. Additional resources will offset the costs of continual renovation and allow COVR to pay four adult foster home caregivers.

Deborah Grassman, a national expert in veteran care who co-founded the nonprofit Opus Peace, is helping Perry develop COVR’s end-of-life program, a term used for programs that serve people with less than a year to live.

While Perry wants COVR to serve veterans of all life stages as a support hub whose spokes connect to other services and organizations, she said her vision began as something more rugged. In her work with end-of-life veterans, Perry, 43, said they often spoke of wanting to confront death away from loved ones, and in solitude.

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O R E G O N D E PA R T M E N T O F V E T E R A N S ' A F FA I R S

From left, Wray Harris Jr., Kara Kelly and Alison Perry walk along the fencing where their sheep are held at the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch on Monday, March 14, 2016.

CABINS IN THE WOODS

Perry sat on the deck of the future adult foster home to take a breather alongside Joe Florio, a Vietnam veteran. The Three Sisters mountains served as backdrop for the plains, and unseen birds of prey screeched overhead. Florio, 67, is overseeing the renovation of the foster home, which was recently fitted with an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp.

“Originally I wanted to get 1,000 acres in the woods with cabins so veterans could go off and die alone with dignity, like the Native Americans,” Perry said. By having the foster home on the ranch, Perry now hopes to stoke mutually beneficial relationships between the younger veterans and the elderly, who have plenty of knowledge to impart.

Perry also wants the ranch to be a nice place to work and relax and considers agriculture a “vehicle for creating community, purpose, healing and learning.”

Perry explained there are two schools of thought regarding veteran care: one of healing and one of curing.

“The VA tells people they’re broken, they can’t work, they need to be medicated and institutionalized” to fix their symptoms, Perry said of the curing notion. She prefers the healing model, in which a veteran learns to acknowledge and live with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress. When talking about PTSD, Perry omits the “d” because she does not consider the response a disorder. “It’s a normal reaction to abnormal activity,” she said. Of his wartime experiences, Florio said it changed him. “My ‘new normal’ is not your normal,” he said.

The Oregon State University Extension Service offers on-site seminars on animal care. Local organizations, particularly the Rotary Club of Redmond, are pitching in to build a $20,000 walk-in greenhouse.

Ranch manager Wray Harris, an Iraq War veteran living in the foster home until

Quick Chat with COVR What is the primary focus of COVR? The primary focus of COVR is our mission statement, "A working ranch that restores purpose and spirit to veterans of all ages." The goal of the ranch is to provide a non-stigmatizing environment where veterans can find community, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose through involvement in agriculture and the development of a working ranch. The ranch will also provide specialized end of life care to veterans, specifically those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress and combat trauma. The ranch encourages inter-generational interaction, mentoring, and peer support among veterans of various ages. The ranch also serves as a resource hub and helps veterans access services in the community that they may not have known about or had trouble accessing in the past.

How and where can people sign up to become a volunteer – are there any special requirements?

Veterans can call or email the organization to find out about volunteer opportunities. They will be given a volunteer orientation packet. Right now the ranch hosts a Veteran Volunteer Day on Thursdays and this is a great opportunity for veterans to come out and meet other veterans and get oriented to the ranch. The ranch is located between Bend and Redmond close to Highway 97. Contact: 541-706-9062, email info@centraloregonveteransranch.org or visit online at www. centraloregonveteransranch.org Do you accept donations? If you do, how can people donate?

YES! We accept donations and welcome them - especially right now as we are running a campaign called the First 100 Campaign: The First 100 donors to give $1,000 or more will have their name on a plaque honoring donors in a Peace Garden to be built at the ranch. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 8302 Bend, OR 97708 or through PayPal on our website: www.centraloregonveteransranch.org How is COVR funded?

Right now COVR is funded through grants and private donations. We are currently in applying for a grant through USDA and working with USDA to find ways that they can support our mission. We will be approaching VA in the next year to find ways that both of these agencies can help fund the project. Alison Perry, Founder and Executive director of COVR was in Washington, D.C. April 6th testifying before the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee. The hearing was an information-gathering session focused on programs working with veterans and agriculture both vocationally and therapeutically. Central Oregon Veterans ranch stood out as a program that is providing an innovative approach to veteran healthcare.

Is COVR only for veterans?

COVR's primary mission is to provide a community where veterans help veterans, where a sense of trust and belonging is found, which is often a significantly missing experience for veterans returning from war and seeking to integrate into their communities. The ranch has a special mission to outreach to veterans who are isolated, especially veterans who may be 100% service-connected for PTSD or TBI, and struggling with finding meaning, purpose, self-worth, and ways to continue to serving post-military. COVR's Founder Alison Perry has had three veterans tell her that the ranch has "saved their life."

renovations are complete, told Perry that while working with plants and animals, he experienced a sense of awe he hadn’t known for years.

Bramwell said in addition to outreach efforts, he also wants to help organize a weekly volunteer chore day at the ranch.

HELPING HANDS

Veterans contribute to COVR according to their strengths. For Kara Kelly, that means overseeing the health care operations. A 16-year nurse specializing in psychiatric health, Kelly served 13 years in the military — eight of those in active combat. As a combat flight nurse in Iraq, Kelly oversaw a team that executed 24 airlifts that evacuated 124 injured soldiers.

After returning stateside, Kelly felt broken and isolated. She struggled with alcohol, which afforded her temporary relief from constant anxiety and fear, the result of PTSD. Working to stay sober, Kelly moved to Bend 2½ years ago. She volunteered at Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, where she met Perry. Kelly was heartened by Perry’s vision for COVR, which would fill a gap left by the VA. “(The VA is) doing the best they can with a huge demand, but that doesn’t meet the needs of all veterans,” Kelly said, noting that she personally has had a “great experience” with the VA. “It can be very intimidating to many vets who are already fearful.”

Kelly wanted to be involved with COVR because she knows how important it is for vets to have a safe place to connect and to get well.

“There is an unspoken understanding of military culture, what it’s like to live in a war zone. The camaraderie can be amazing,” Kelly said. “You can feel lost without it.”

Bramwell echoed the sentiment: “We didn’t leave our brothers behind overseas; why should we leave them behind over here?” 

What else would you like people to know about COVR? COVR is currently serving between 10-15 veterans weekly at the ranch through agriculture operations and volunteer projects. Remodel of the ranch home began in April of 2016 and COVR anticipates opening the house as an Adult Foster Home in July of 2016. The AFH will house 4 veterans, two self-pay and two low income. There are currently no veteran-specific senior care or end of life care facilities in Central Oregon.

The tri-County region of Central Oregon is home to approximately 20,000 veterans, which comprise 9-10 percent of the population (nationally veterans are 1 percent).

Alison Perry, the founder of COVR, began working with veterans in 2005 at the Portland VA Medical Center, two years after her brother deployed for the invasion of Iraq. Her brother served two more tours as a MEDEVAC pilot, and is still active duty at Fr. Carson. Alison's grandfather was a retired Air Force C-130 pilot and instructor who flew in Korea and Vietnam, and her nephew served in Afghanistan with the United States Marine Corps. Alison worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a trauma therapist on the PTSD Clincal Team at the Portland VA Medical Center and at the VA's Bend Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. She had the vision for Central Oregon Veterans Ranch while working with a particularly traumatized young veteran diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress, Military Sexual Trauma, and Paranoid-Schizophrenia in 2007 just prior to moving to Central Oregon. She had a vision for a "PTSD ranch" where veterans could go "work on the land, sleep under the stars, and get away from this over-stimulating urban environment". When Perry moved to Central Oregon and began working at the Bend VA Clinic, she took over four groups of primarily Vietnam veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress, and became interested in what the dying process would look like for these combat veterans. This was the inspiration for the end of life care component of the ranch.

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Carol Lynn Bova-Rice An Air Force veteran, Carol served in medical logistics throughout her 20-year career in the military.

Amber Niemi Amber served six years as a medic in the Air Force and then another seven years in the Reserve. She was stationed in Korea and Guam as well as Arizona.

PHOTO BY NICOLE HOEFT

Summer Cloud Ayers Summer served 20 years in the Air Force as Air Traffic Control and in mental health. She loved her first assignment in Italy as a young airman.

Ellen Lane, getting her protrait taken at the 2016 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, served in the Air Force Reserve in the 70's and 80's as a flight nurse. More women veteran portraits can be found to the right.

WOMEN FROM ACROSS GENERATIONS AND THE STATE ATTEND THE 2016 OREGON WVC Salem, Oregon – The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) hosted the 2016 Oregon Women Veterans Conference at Camp Withycome in Clackamas on March 18-19.

Cheryl Anne Carlton Part of 71 Lima, Cheryl served four years with the Army.

with like minds and strengths.

The event drew nearly 300 women veterans from throughout the state to attend this biennial conference free of charge and offered workshops on topics such as women small business development in Oregon, yoga, and popular sessions like employment, coping with trauma, women veterans health and educational presentations given by women veterans and other experts.

Inspiring women guest speakers included Major General Julie A. Bentz, the vice director of the Joint Improvised Threat Defeat Agency; Gert Boyle, the Chairwoman of Columbia Sportwear; State Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson, member of the Oregon Senate Veterans Committee; State Rep. Carla Piluso, who advocated for the creation of a Women Veterans Coordinator at ODVA; and Colonel Leah R. Sundquist and other veteran supporters and advocates such as State Rep. Paul Evans, a member of the Oregon House Veterans Commitee.

The conference, now heading into it's tenth year, provides an opportunity to make connections that cannot be duplicated anywhere else— to meet women

Major General Bentz received a 30-Year Service Medal at the conference by Oregon Adjutant General Major General Michael E. Stencel. 

Alicia Jackson El Alicia is an Army veteran and served almost four years on active duty.

Robyn Loxley Robyn joined the Army Reserve right after 9/11 and spent more than half of her 10 years in the military on active duty, participating in three combat deployments in Psychological Ops (37F).

Dawn Marie Crosley Dawn served four years in the Navy on the USS Barry (DDG-52).

Margie Anderson As a Military Police Sergeant, Margie served in the Army from 2004-2009. She deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2008.

Above: Attendees of the 2016 Oregon Women Veterans Conference seated for the opening ceremony.

Right: Major General Bentz recieved a 30 Year Service Medal from Oregon Adjutant General Stencel at this years conference. She was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 1986 from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Oregon State University in the Medical Service Corps.

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Christina Ginnett Sergeant First Class Ginnett joined the Army in 1989 and transfered to the Reserve in 1991. Today she continues her service as an Army Reserve Career Counselor.

Tiffany Johnson As an Aerospace Control and Warning Systems instructor, Tiffany served four years in the Air Force. Her jobs supported fighter pilot training and deployment missions.

PHOTO CREDIT SARAH DRESSLER

On March 26th, ODVA hosted an event in recognition of Oregon Women Veterans Military Week. In attendence (from left to right) were Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg, Maj. Margaret Witt (retired), Oregon Women Veterans of the Year Elizabeth Luras and Lacey Beaty, and ODVA Women Veterans Coordinator Liz Estabrooks.

2016 OUTSTANDING WOMEN VETERANS AWARD HONORS THREE RECIPIENTS Salem, Oregon - The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) honored three 2016 Outstanding Oregon Women Veterans Award recipients at the 2016 Oregon Women Veterans Conference at Camp Withycome in Clackamas on March 18-19. This prestigious award recognizes women veterans who exemplify service as a veteran and as an outstanding member of the Oregon community, highlighting achievements in support of veterans, her commitment to women veterans' issues, and as a citizen in service of her hometown, the State of Oregon, and the United States of America.

LACEY BEATY is an Army combat veteran and a Beaverton City Councilor. She is one of only three known veteran elected officials in Washington County. During her time on the council, Lacey has led the way in getting Service-Disabled Veteran business language added to the City's Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Businesses Policy and supported making Beaverton the state's 8th "Purple Heart" city. She is currently the 2nd Vice Commander for the American Legion, Post 124, and their youngest officer. She works fulltime as the director for Virginia Garcia's SchoolBased Health Clinics, overseeing six locations in Washington and Yamhill Counties. In this role, she championed a policy change for a school district allowing young women to access birth control and associated provider counseling, which was previously restricted. Lacey volunteers for local organizations at-risk and homeless youth and volunteers as a development director and lacrosse coach for children

and underserved youth in Washington County. As a lacrosse coach at George Fox University, Lacey works daily in empowering youth and young women to achieve higher goals for themselves, including working to help young female athletes obtain college athletic scholarships. She also provides support and advocacy to women veterans who are survivors of military sexual assault and is looking to progress her civic engagement activities by helping women, and particularly women veterans, advance with better employment opportunities, health care, and other veteran benefits.

ELIZABETH LURAS is an Army military intelligence veteran and is considered one of the nation's leading military advocates, extending her advocacy on behalf of veterans to testifying before Congress on military sexual trauma and working with the White House administration to improve veteran services and currently serves as an economic Liaison for the VA working to help veterans and their families transition into the civilian world.

She fiercely advocates on behalf of both male and female service members and veterans, focusing on addressing issues of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), homelessness, suicide intervention, and assisting veterans in receiving their rightful benefits. Elizabeth volunteers as a National Veteran's Suicide Advocate, Oregon Vet Centers, and Central City Concern and hosts a radio program called Soldier Talk Radio for veterans and their families. She was given a Stevie award in NY in 2013 for her exceptional work on

behalf of homeless women veterans. She has lobbied and advised Congress and the Senate with regards to multiple bills and pieces of legislation to help improve the military and to improve the lives of veterans.

DODIE BLESSING was in the U.S. Navy Reserve Corps from 1960-62 as an Ensign in the Nurse Corps. She began working at the Community Cancer Center in Roseburg in 1980 and later went to work in nursing at the VA Roseburg Healthcare System. There she began working with women veterans, primarily those who were in-patient, to ensure quality care, which led to her being appointed as the Women Veterans Coordinator for the VA Roseburg Health System. Her work advocating for expanded funding and coordinating specialty care, eligibility, and transportation led to greatly expanded services for women veterans at a time when they were highly invisible and underserved within the VA system. She also brought to light other women veterans who worked for the VA system, acknowledging their ongoing service.

In 1985, Dodie founded the American Women Veterans Association, and was instrumental in making it part of the fabric of veterans organizations in Douglas County. Dodie's work continued after retirement in 2000. Her vision extended beyond the walls of the hospital and into the community through her service on the Veterans Advisory Board for the Roseburg VA Hospital, and involvement to expand awareness of women veterans. 

NEW MEMORIAL PROJECTS AROUND OREGON HONOR VETERANS SHERIDAN VETERANS MEMORIAL TO OPEN EARLY SUMMER

The city of Sheridan and the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association have collaborated on a veterans memorial project slated to open around Memorial Day 2016.

Set in a 3,500 square foot park overlooking the Yamhill River, the memorial will honor all veterans with emblems from each of the five branches of service, the POW/KIA emblem, and plaques honoring three Sheridan soldiers who are missing in action.

HALSEY VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK RECEIVES RENOVATIONS

The city of Halsey is updating its Veterans Memorial Park with funds from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Veterans and War Memorials Grant Program. The new monument seeks to honor veterans from the Central Linn community, including Halsey, Brownsville, and Shedd, and is hoped to be

completed by July 2017.

World War II veterans from the area are listed on an existing bronze plaque, and research to gather names of veterans from subsequent eras is ongoing. Names can be delivered to the Shedd Market or Halsey and Brownville city halls.

Volunteers for the project are being sought and the Veterans Memorial Park Committee is accepting applications. For more information visit www. cityofhalsey.com/veterans.htm WOMEN VETERANS MEMORIAL PLANNED IN SPRINGFIELD

The City of Springfield is planning a Women Veterans Memorial Project funded by a state grant. The city hopes to complete the project by March of 2017.

Springfield’s city manager Niel Laudati gave the following background on the project: “Our plan is to work with a local artist to produce

a high-quality sculpture that focuses on the role of women’s sacrifices as members of the U.S. Military.

We plan to recognize the five military branches and dedicate the work to women who served or gave their lives in service of our country.”

VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL ONE STEP CLOSER TO BEING BUILT

The Southern Oregon Veterans Benefit is in the process of finding a location for the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

SOVB has been offered a piece of land by Medford Parks and Recreation near U.S. Cellular Park. The project is estimated to cost $300,000.

All veterans are welcome to get involved. For more information visit www.sovbmemorialwall.com You can find link to a list of all veterans memorials across Oregon on ODVA's website at www.oregon. gov/ODVA.  M E M O R I A L D AY E D I T I O N 2 0 1 6

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Above: Museum Curator Tracy Thoennes talks about renovation plans and shows some of the historical artifacts in storage like this horse-drawn howitzer used for the Invasion of Manchuria to the end of World War II.

Oregon was presented this 210 mm German mortar as a trophy by Congress in 1922.

Left: This coral-encrusted M1 helmet discovered in the area of Tinian and Saipan islands in the South Pacific is among the collection at the Oregon Military Museum.

OREGON TREASURES AWAIT NEW DIGS AT MILITARY MUSEUM

By Capi Lynn - Statesman Journal (Reprinted with permission) In one corner of the armory is a heavy piece of artillery, mounted on wheels and showing some battle damage. It stands out not necessarily because it’s big, but because it’s green.

and 14 volunteers six months to pack up and move the collection from its previous location into the Clackamas Armory, and it won’t be unpacked and displayed for the public until the project is complete.

Most of the artifacts at the Oregon Military Museum are camouflaged in white muslin. But this one, a German Lange 21cm Mörser that could fire a 250-pound shell nearly 7 miles, is either too unwieldy or indestructible, most likely both.

Thoennes is in her 13th year as curator of the official state repository for weapons, documents and artifacts in relation to the military history of Oregon. She is the only paid staff member. The museum opened in 1975 and today has what she and Thayer refer to as “the greatest armament collection west of the Mississippi.”

The weapon was captured in France by the American Expeditionary Force during World War I, brought to the U.S. as a trophy of the war, and later awarded to Oregon by Congress. Today it is among more than 14,000 artifacts housed at the museum, including 1,300 uniforms, 750 small arms, 50 vehicles and five aircraft.

“Each one, to me, is an absolute treasure,” curator Tracy Thoennes says, “and I can tell you a story about it, or how it was used.”

The treasures and their stories, including those of Oregon’s war trophies, have been mothballed since 2009.

That’s when base realignment at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas gave the museum an opportunity to expand.

Organizers have since been on a mission to transform from a modest museum with an average of just 4,000 visitors a year into a state-of-the-art museum that draws that many in a month.

Construction and remodeling is underway, but fundraisers are just halfway toward their $16 million goal and an estimated two years away from their grand reopening.

If anyone has motivation to expedite the timeline it’s Tommy Thayer. He is the son of James Thayer, a decorated World War II veteran and namesake of the museum.

“I hope that my dad can actually cut the ribbon and walk through the doors,” Tommy Thayer says. “He turns 94 next month, so time is important. I want him to see it become a reality.”

Tommy Thayer, lead guitarist for what he refers to as a little band called Kiss, has been center stage in the fundraising campaign for the Brigade General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum. He and his band mates have performed at several charity galas, including an intimate gathering last summer at a private residence in Lake Oswego that raised $1.2 million.

For the record, the museum’s artifacts are not really mothballed, but preserved and protected by archival packing materials whenever possible. It took Thoennes 14

O R E G O N D E PA R T M E N T O F V E T E R A N S ' A F FA I R S

Much of the collection is being stored in the former drill room of the armory, which was built in 1954 and needed a new roof and a new HVAC system. It now has temperature and relative humidity control to create the most favorable environment for priceless, and sometimes precarious, artifacts.

The collection includes 1,000 examples of ordnance, such as bombs, shells and grenades. Thoennes says it took three members of an explosive ordnance detachment three months to go through the collection, X-raying 250 objects and opening the others. The technicians removed two examples at that time and have since removed others.

The oldest artifact at the museum is a cannon used by the 2nd Oregon Militia in Manila during the Spanish American War. Among the newest is a Remote Ordnance Neutralization System (RONS) robot and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) suit used by the Oregon Air National Guard from 2002 to 2013.

Some items have been donated by military units and branches, others by private individuals and families. Thoennes says the museum continues to have a moratorium on new donations, although there are limited exceptions. The personal papers of Dr. Charles Zerzan, for example, were accepted in 2015. Zerzan entered the Oregon National Guard in 1937, at age 16, and remained in service until 1968. He was a physician for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

A behind-the-scenes tour is fascinating, even with most of the items shrouded in mystery. We would never have recognized the stack of McClellan saddles used by members of the Oregon cavalry if Thoennes didn’t point them out, or the marble-topped side board that once belonged to President Ulysses S. Grant.

“This is the heart and soul,” says Amy Maxwell of the Oregon Military Museum Project. “People will come here to see the real thing.”

The Oregon Military Museum Project is a nonprofit organization that represents the fundraising interests

of the museum. It was formed by Tommy Thayer, his brother Jim Thayer Jr., and Maxwell. Their goal is to leverage community leaders, local companies and corporations both state and region wide to raise the funds to complete the museum in the next 24 months.

A combination of private donations and federal and state funds are being used, with more than $8 million raised so far. A one-time general fund appropriation of $250,000 was given by the state to the Oregon Military Department for creation of exhibits and other capital expenditures directly related to the establishment and maintenance of the museum.

Maxwell says she learns something new every time she brings a group of VIPs and potential donors to the site. The highlight for many is seeing the small arms collection, which is kept in a vault.

Row after row of mostly rifles and light machine guns — from 35 countries friend and foe — are lined up on shelves inside. Thoennes points out a Japanese trophy rifle that Leonard Dewitt came home with after World War II. Dewitt lives in McMinnville and turns 95 on Feb. 24.

Other treasures occupy space in the vault, too. There is a coral encrusted M1 helmet, with bullet entry and exit holes, which was found in the South Pacific near Tinian and Saipan. A stack of large boxes contain an insignia collection worth a quarter of a million dollars, with uniform patches that date back to the Spanish American War and signify branch, rank and unit.

While it is regrettable these treasures are hidden from the public, at least for the time being, it is commendable that organizers are creating a venue commensurate with the collection. When the museum does open, the plan is for admission to be free.

The museum sits on a four-acre site at Camp Withycombe that includes a relocated field artillery horse barn and a quartermaster storehouse, both circa 1911.

The barn once was home to the horses of the Battery A Field Artillery, and their stenciled names are still visible above the stalls, such as Sam, Edward, Thomas, Dan, Nellie, Blaze and Rock. Instead of horses the barn now houses a dozen pieces of vintage field artillery.

“When this is open,” Thoennes says, “this is by far the favorite place to visit.”

To learn more about the museum visit www. oregonmilitarymuseum.org. 

ODVA AND STATE VETERAN BENEFIT UPDATES RURAL TRANSPORTATION GRANT

One of the long-standing barriers to healthcare for veterans who live in rural areas of Oregon is transportation to appointments. Oregon has 10 counties that are considered very rural by federal regulation: Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Wallowa, and Wheeler.

More than 20 percent of Oregon veterans live in these communities. To help remedy this barrier, ODVA was awarded a federal VA grant to develop and continue innovative approaches to transport veterans to medical appointments. Counties used the award to enhance medical-related transport to veterans, who are picked up at their own homes and transported to

advisory committee to odva

VA and non VA medical-related appointments.

Transportation is provided in ADA compliant vehicles with assistance in loading or unloading at no cost to the veteran.

Dennis G. Guthrie, chair Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and volunteered to serve in Vietnam after completing Airborne and Special Forces Medical Training. He served as Head Company Field Medic with the First Cavalry Division, volunteered for Medevac, and is the recipient of the Silver Star and Bronze Star (Valor) among other awards.

POLK COUNTY TO GET A VETERAN SERVICE OFFICE

Polk County Budget Committee approved funding to stand up a local county veterans’ service office with partial funding contributed by the state. While all other counties have long had veterans’ service offices, Polk and Marion counties have not. Polk County has approximately 8,000 veterans. The new office is expected to open in January 2017.

kim douthit A former Washington County veteran service officer, Douthit is currently the student veteran coordinator at Portland Community College’s Sylvania campus.

She served nearly four years as a Coast Guard officer from 2000-04 and as a work and family life consultant at the Navy Fleet Family Support Center in San Diego.

FEDERAL VA AND FEDERAL BENEFIT UPDATES (FEB 25) – DOD, VA KICK OFF NEW INTERAGENCY CARE COORDINATION

(MAR 9) – VA EXPANDS HEPATITIS C DRUG TREATMENT

On February 25, the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs announced a collaborative effort to ease the transition for servicemembers requiring complex care management from the DoD health care system to the VA. A new role of “lead coordinator” within the servicemember’s care management team has been implemented to serve as the primary coordinator for that individual. The lead coordinator will offer personal guidance and assist the servicemember and their family in understanding the benefits and services to which they are entitled. It is expected that 1,500 DoD staff and 1,200 VA staff will serve as lead coordinators.

The VA is now able to fund care for all veterans with hepatitis C for Fiscal Year 2016 regardless of the stage of the patient’s liver disease. The move follows increased funding from Congress along with reduced drug prices. For additional information on Hepatitis C treatments, go to http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/patient/hcv/index.asp

(MAR 7) – VETERANS WITH INCOMPLETE HEALTH CARE APPLICATIONS RECEIVE ADDITIONAL YEAR TO ENROLL

VA announced on March 7 that it will extend the healthcare enrollment application period for one year to approximately 545,000 veterans that have pending incomplete enrollment applications. VA will contact veterans to confirm their continued interest in enrolling in VA health care and ask them for the necessary information to complete their application.

Veterans will have one year from the notice to provide this information before their record is closed. Veterans may reapply for enrollment at any time.

VA has enhanced the enrollment experience through “Welcome to VA” (W2VA), sending each enrollee an introductory letter and personalized handbook in the mail. W2VA reaches out to newly enrolled veterans through personal phone calls upon enrollment, providing assistance with health care inquiries and assisting with their initial appointment at their preferred VA healthcare facility.

Tony N. Garcìa A graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Oregon School of Law, Tony is an Oregon Army National Guard soldier and attorney. He was a Judge Advocate for the 41st Infantry Brigade and served as Chief Trial Counsel in Iraq to the 41st Brigade in 2009 during the Brigade’s largest deployment since WWII. john Howard With six years in the Navy Reserve followed by 24 years of active commissioned service, John was Congressman Greg Walden's Medford office military and veterans constituent services representative for nearly 10 years.

(MAR 14) – VA ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY CARE CALL CENTER TO HELP VETERANS WITH CHOICE PROGRAM BILLING ISSUES

Veterans can now work directly with VA to resolve debt collection issues resulting from inappropriate or delayed Choice Program billing.

A Community Care Call Center has been set up for veterans experiencing adverse credit reporting or debt collection resulting from inappropriately billed Choice Program claims. Veterans can call 1-877881-7618 from 9am to 5pm EST for assistance.

Michael A. Jones Michael served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1973 and is the recipient of two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam.

(MAR 17) – VETERANS GET TELEPHONIC HEALTH CARE APPLICATION OPTION

reynold l. leno Reynold is a Vietnam veteran and a member of the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. As a Council member, Reynold serves as liaison to several committees including the Tribal Veterans Committee.

VA has amended enrollment regulations to allow veterans to complete applications for enrollment in VA health care by telephone without the need for a signed paper application. The change is effective immediately for combat veterans and will be effective July 5, 2016 for all veterans.

jon mangis Mangis is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam and later retired from the Oregon Army National Guard.

He was appointed as ODVA’s director

by Gov. Victor Atiyeh and served from 1985-2003. Mangis is the former president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans’ Affairs.

There are now three ways to enroll in VA health care: the paper VA Form 10-10 EZ, online application process, and telephone application option. For more information, veterans can contact the Health Eligibility Center Enrollment and Eligibility Division toll free at 1-855-488-8440.

rosa marcias Rosa served in the U.S. Marines and currently is the Veteran Outreach Coordinator at the Salem Vet Center.

She is an executive member of Serving Our Veterans At Home (SOVAH) and leads annual efforts to coordinate the Mid-Willamette Valley Veterans Stand Down.

state, county and national veteran service offices DOUGLAS 541-440-4219

LINN 541-967-3882

WASHINGTON 503-846-3060

GILLIAM 541-384-6712

MALHEUR 541-889-6649

WHEELER 800-982-1172

GRANT 541-575-1631

MARION 503-373-2085

YAMHILL 503-434-7503

HARNEY 541-573-1342

MORROW 541-922-6420

BENTON 541-758-1595

HOOD RIVER 541-386-1080

MULTNOMAH 503-988-8387

CLACKAMAS 503-650-5631

JACKSON 541-774-8214

POLK 503-373-2085

CLATSOP 503-791-9983

JEFFERSON 541-475-5228

SHERMAN 541-565-3408

COLUMBIA 503-366-6580

JOSEPHINE 541-474-5454

TILLAMOOK 503-842-4358

COOS 541-396-7590

KLAMATH 541-883-4274

UMATILLA 541-667-3125

CROOK 541-447-5304

LAKE 541-947-6043

UNION 541-962-8802

CURRY 541-247-3205

LANE 541-682-4191

WALLOWA 541-426-0539

DESCHUTES 541-385-3214

LINCOLN 541-574-6955

WASCO 541-506-2502

STATEWIDE PORTLAND 503-412-4777 SALEM 503-373-2085 COUNTY BAKER 541-523-8223

adolph "val" valfre, jr.

Val served for nearly 25 years in the Air Force with duties as a C-141/B-52 instructor pilot and was awarded an Air Medal for in-theatre missions during the Vietnam War. He is currently the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Washington County and Director of the Washington County Department of Housing Serices.

NATIONAL SERVICE organizations AMERICAN LEGION 541-475-5228 DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS 503-412-4750 MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART 503-412-4770 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BLACK VETERANS OF AMERICA 503-412-4159 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS 503-412-4757 VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA 541-604-0963

committee Public meetings June 1, 2016

9:30 a.m. to noon Shilo Inn Suites 2500 Almond St., Klamath Falls

September 7, 2016

9:30 a.m. to noon Oregon Veterans' Home 700 Veterans' Dr., The Dalles

Meetings of the Advisory Committee are public meetings held quarterly. Please contact 503-373-2383 or email vaac@odva. state.or.us for more information or connect online at www. oregon.gov/odva/Pages/advisory.aspx. Special needs will be met for those who have a disability with 24 hour notice.

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