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VETERANS DAY 2016
HONORING OUR VETERANS THIS
VETERANS DAY VETERANS DAY SPECIAL SECTION FOR The Chronicle & The Chief
Local Veterans remember their conflict BY JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
When you talk to America’s war veterans, you will likely hear their stories of the conflict that they experienced both overseas and in America. “I was at some really bad places and I saw lots of death and destruction,� Phil Hazel, of Clatskanie said. Hazel was a point man
with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. “I remember a lot of conflict when I go home,� he said. “I was surprised when I got home by the way we were treated. Some people didn’t even know that I was gone. That really bothered me. We were not appreciated.� But Hazen said the culture has changed and veterans coming home today are re-
spected and appreciated. “That’s a real positive change and I am really glad to see that,� he said. Hazen’s advice: “If you are going to enter into a war, go into it with the whole idea of winning it. Go full tilt. Get in and get out.� Twenty-two year Air Force veteran Harold Bowles was an aircraft mechanic in the Vietnam War. “The biggest thing about
PHOTO BY JEREMY C. RUARK
Clatskanie Eric Evenson, left, shakes hands with Les Galloway during a breakfast for veteran’s on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Clatskanie American Legion Post.
being in is when we came back and what I saw written on people’s lawns and in the parks that hurt,� he said. “They called us baby killers. But we weren’t. We all had jobs that we did. Many of my fiends didn’t come back.� Bowls said he believed it was the overall culture in America that led to the upsetting reception that many of the Vietnam veterans experienced.
“It was the political culture,� he said. “But now that has changed. It’s a whole lot better than what it was.� Bowles said Americans have their veterans to thank for their freedoms that exists today. “Anyone who has served has stood up for those freedoms,� he said. Les Galloway, 91, of Clatskanie, served in World War II as an aircraft gunner
in the Philippines. “I guess what I remember the most is the friendships that I made with the other soldiers, “ he said. “That was important. You kind of took care of each other.� Galloway, Bowels and Hazen gathered on Thursday morning, Nov. 3, for a Veteran’s breakfast sponsored by the Clatskanie American Legion Post.
PHOTO BY JEREMY C. RUARK
Local veterans gather for a breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 3, sponsored by the Clatskanie American Legion Post.
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VETERANS DAY 2016
Raising a toast to our military, veterans and their families local veteran services. The essence of Dawson’s distillery captures the meaning of Veterans’ Day: a day where we honor military service and sacrifice, but also celebrate how veterans from the greatest generation of World War II to the latest generation of Iraq and Afghanistan continue to serve and build our communities. At the same time, we must also have an honest appraisal of the impacts of war upon return and our shared commitment to support those who have borne the battle. As a Marine, I spent almost two years in the sands of Iraq. When I left the military, the transition was a challenge. I missed the higher calling of a shared mission. I missed the close connections forged in the long stretches of boredom and intense adrenalin surges on deployment. I also struggled to explain to employers how I could add value. But my experiences pale in comparison to that of many veterans who are challenged by the visible and invisible wounds of war. We must understand that those most impacted by their service have a tenacious spirit and resiliency. They deserve the best in care, resources and support as an investment in their contin-
Guest Column by CAMERON SMITH
The first time I met fellow veteran Dawson Officer, we bonded over a whiskey that was smooth and subtle, with flavors of vanilla, caramel and spice. But we weren’t at a bar and didn’t even share a drink. Instead, we were at the Oregon National Guard’s Camp Withycombe and Dawson was the keynote speaker at a conference to help veterans start, sustain and grow their businesses. A combat veteran, Dawson is also the founder and owner of 4 Spirits Distillery, a small batch operation in Adair Village. When starting his business, Dawson was troubled that even as we had thousands serving overseas, the conflicts in the Middle East barely registered as a concern in public opinion polls. Dawson felt compelled to act and dedicated his new business in honor of four soldiers with whom he served in the Oregon National Guard: Lt. Erik McCrae, Sgt. Justin Eyerly, Sgt. Justin Linden, and Sgt. David Roustum. Four soldiers who were his brothers in arms and gave their lives in Baghdad. He continues to give back today with a share of proceeds going to support
ued leadership for our state and nation. This Veterans’ Day, we will not add any new names to the state’s Afghan/Iraqi Freedom Memorial Wall in Salem. But as Dawson would remind us, we are still a nation at war, with our Armed Forces deployed around the world. Please join me Nov. 11 in raising a toast to salute our fallen and their families, veterans of all eras, and those still in uniform serving around the world. Let us recognize them on this one day and commit to partnering throughout the year to ensure that our military, veterans and their families thrive in Oregon. Cameron Smith served three tours in Iraq as a U.S. Marine and is the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Smith is the director of the Oregon Veteran’s Affairs Department and can be reached at 503-373-2389.
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Cameron Smith
Students make special connection with military veterans
Cheyenne Packard and her fellow classmates at Rainier Jr./ Sr. High School want to make sure the nation’s veterans and those serving in the military are recognized. With the direction of instructor Andrew Demko, the history class students have been composing letters to veterans. “Both of my grandparents were veterans and they had spent a lot of time in the military and unfortunately I never got to meet them,” she said. “But I wanted to thank all the veterans who have served our country because it is important. Without them, our country wouldn’t be what it is today.” Freshman Jack Bauguess said the letters acknowledge the veterans and what they have done for the county.
“I think that a lot of the veterans don’t get that,” he said. “Many of the Vietnam veterans didn’t get a lot of recognition and praise that other veterans got,” History Class student Tyler Brackin said. “Even veterans that did get that praise when they came home still deserve thanks for keeping us free and the sacrifices they made.” Clatskanie American Legion Commander Gerry Simmons said the letters from the students are an important community connection. “It shows appreciation and it means a lot for them to get these letters,” Simmons said. “It opens the eyes of a lot of the kids in the school that may have a family member in the military. The letters bring it a
bit closer to home. It is good for the kids. Our veterans that have served, and those are serving, have done a hell of a lot for our county.” Simons said veterans are often forgotten. “Without a doubt we are forgotten,” he said. “There are many out there that do not forget, but there are also an awful lot of people out there that do forget us. When we are needed, then everybody is praising us and as soon as any conflict is over, unfortunately, we are forgotten.” Demko said the letters to the veterans project is an important learning tool for the students. “I hope the students get a sense of respect for our veterans, a sense of knowing that there are folks out there PHOTO BY JEREMY C. RUARK that paid a sacrifice for our freedom,” he said. That’s where Rainier Jr./Sr. High School students Cheyenne Packard, right, and Tyler Brackin, compose letters to veterans as part of it’s at, that the kids know there their history class project. are people out there who have breakfast for veterans at 9 a.m. Clatskanie Middle/High been very respectful of the served their county and it is on Thursday, Nov. 10. School Principal Amy McNeil guest speaker and have listened important for us to remember “It’s important to thank and said the school’s connection to to their stories and words of those people.” honor our veterans,” Clatskanie veterans is a learning moment wisdom,” McNeil said. “I Demko said the letters Middle/High School Honor Sofor her students. think every year is a learning project was launched last year ciety Co-President Rachel Haas “Last year I asked the moment for them as well as at Rainier Jr./Sr. High School said. “As a leadership organizastudent body to stand if they an appreciation for what our as a way to honor the veterans tion at CHS, it’s also important know, or knew, someone who veterans have sacrificed for our and to encourage the students for us to remind the student served their county,” McNeil freedom.” to use their writing skills in the body to thank and appreciate said. “I was in awe at how At 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. classroom. those who have served.” many stood. I would guessti11, a dinner will be held for “So it is a win-win for Haas said students should mate about 85 plus percent of veterans and their families at both,” he said. “We are improvknow that there are more veter- the students stood.” the Clatskanie American Leing the students writing skills, ans in the community than they Following the breakfast, but we are also letting vets might think. Clatskanie will also hold a Vet- gion Post at 930 NE 5th Street. know that they are important.” For more information, “Something students could eran’s Assembly at 10:15 a.m. Clatskanie Middle/ High contact Clatskanie American do is to get to know our veterin the school auditorium with School students are also recogLegion Post Commander Gerry ans better,” she said. “To say special guest speaker Brian nizing veterans. The school’s Simmons at 503-728-2421. hello, ask about their story and Guinther. Honor Society will hold a say thank you for their service.” “Our students have always
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VETERANS DAY 2016
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Vets, military offered free admission to Historical Society In honor of Veterans’ Day, the Oregon Historical Society will offer free admission to all veterans, active duty military, and their families on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12-13. The OHS museum and research library are open Saturday from 10a.m. -- 5p.m. and the museum is open on Sunday from 12p.m. -5p.m. The Oregon Historical Society will be closed Veterans’ Day. Currently on display in the OHS museum are Democracy’s Blueprints: The Documents that Built America and Comic City, USA. In Democracy’s Blueprints, visitors will see rare printings and engravings of our nation’s bedrock documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Monroe Doctrine. On Sunday at 2 p.m., historian Dr. Laura Gifford for a guided tour of the exhibit, and enjoy the deep historical perspective and quirky stories she brings to the documentary foundations of our nation. Comic City, USA features the stories and
original artwork of 15 local comic artists and writers, and is the perfect spot for a family outing. Try your hand at sketching on a light box table, add your artwork to a storyboard, and create your very own comic book character to email home as a memento of your visit. The Oregon Historical Society has also just opened a brand new permanent exhibit for youth and students. Parents, grandparents, and grandchildren will enjoy exploring History Hub, an interactive exhibit that explores the topic of diversity through fun, hands-on objects and pictures. With puzzles, touch screen activities, and board games, History Hub asks students to consider questions like “Who is an Oregonian?,” “How has discrimination and segregation affected people who live in Oregon?,” and “How can you make Oregon a great place for everyone?” The Oregon Historical Society is located at 1200 SW Park Avenue in downtown Portland’s South Park Blocks.
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Vet’s invited to breakfast Veterans are invited to breakfast in Scappoose Nov. 10. The Leadership class at Scappoose High School is bringing back the popular Veteran’s Day breakfast and is inviting all veterans to attend. “The breakfast is to honor of veterans for all that they’ve done in service to our country,” read
information provided by Scappoose High School. The breakfast starts at 9 a.m. Vets planning to attend should RSVP to Leadership class teacher, Courtney Scott at 503-720-5883 or email cscott@scappoose. k12.or.us.
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VETERANS DAY 2016 FILE PHOTO
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