2017 ODVA Annual Report

cadence 2 017 ANNUAL REPORT

forwa

More than a rhythm or pace, cadence is an infectious appeal to keep moving

SOUND-OFF!

One-two! Sound-Off! Three-four! Cadence count!

One, two, three, four. One-two! Three-four!

ard

As World War II was coming to a head in 1944, an Army training company was returning from a long, tiresome march through the swamps and rough country of the South, when a male voice broke the stillness of the night. A private by the name of Willie Duckworth was chanting to the rhythmic steps of his fellow soldiers.

One-two! Sound-off! Three-four! Cadence call! As Willie called out, the company answered in a rising chorus of voices. More than 200 fatigued soldiers started to pick up their step in cadence with the rhythm, marched with heads up, a new vigor to their gait, and smiles on their faces.

The infectious rhythm spread throughout the company and ranks. Cadence, as we know it, was born that day and would be recorded in history as the Duckworth Chant, also known as Sound-off.

Even today, a good cadence motivates and coordinates people to the same end point, in unison, while building esprit de corps. And ODVA has found itself calling a natural cadence, born of the idea that no one organization can truly address the broad needs of the veteran community.

Our greatest challenge and opportunity is to coordinate existing resources and align broader partnerships around a shared vision for Oregon veterans. Government, nonprofits, private companies, and local community service organizations have answered the call of this cadence. In unison and with a vigor in our step, Oregon is addressing issues faced by today’s veterans and their families.

This is who we are. This is our cadence.

Sound off!

calling cadence DIRECTOR CAMERON SMITH AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR DENNIS GUTHRIE

In step.

On point.

Getting it done.

Alpha to Zulu.

T

his year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I. WWI service members that survived the battlefields in Europe did not come home to a robust veterans’ health and benefit system.

They banded together in service organizations and fought to advocate for the system of support we have today.

The common cadence across the eras from our founding in 1945 to today is our timeless mission to serve and honor Oregon veterans.

The strength of our department has always been based on our team who are all proud advocates for veterans and their families.

A

t 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.

up their County Veteran Service Office (CVSO). The CVSOs are strong partners for ODVA and are the boots on the ground to better connect veterans to their earned benefits across urban and rural Oregon.

The veteran community and our partners have tirelessly advocated for years for additional resources to support veterans and their families. Citizens across the state added their voice to the effort in November 2016 when they approved by a resounding 84 percent to amend the state’s Constitution to dedicate 1.5% of net lottery revenues to better serve Oregon’s veterans.

As we build a system to better serve all veterans, we also have targeted outreach to underserved veteran 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.

Through the bipartisan leadership of the Governor and Legislature this year, Oregon has approved a historic investment in veteran services – funds that will go to ensure the health, education and economic opportunity of our veterans and their families.

We have also been particularly proud to better connect to Oregon’s LGBTQ and 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. We proudly stand as an advocate for all veterans and service members who served with honor.

The resulting 2017-19 biennial resources for Oregon veterans is a historic $26.1 million of combined General Fund and Lottery Fund. This is more than double the previous biennial budget for veteran services of $10.4 million General Fund.

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 budget invests significantly in veteran services at the local and state level as well as in efforts to support non-profit and community partners. There is a particular focus to mobilize partnerships to better support student veterans on campus, ensure all veterans have access to mental health resources, and prevent veterans from becoming homeless.

As four generations of veterans across five major wars, we stand on the shoulders of all those who have come before us. And together as advocates, we will continue to charge the hill for our veterans and their families.

This past year, we were also proud to support Polk County’s effort to stand

Thank you for your continued dedication, advocacy and support!

DIRECTOR CAMERON SMITH

ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR DENNIS GUTHRIE

veteransandtheirfamiliesinoregon

310,333

totalnumberofveteransinoregon

veteransaged<20-34

8%

veteransaged35-64

40%

veteransaged65+

52%

5.5%

8.1%

37.5%

23.3%

25.6%

worldwarii

koreanwar

vietnamwar

peacetime

gulf/post9-11

8.2%

there are an estimated 25,416 women veterans in oregon comprising 8.2% of the STATEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veteran population.

eraof service

$1.1bILLION 103,381 was spent on VA health care in oregon in 2016 and has increased by 255% since 2003 as a result of state and LOCAL advocacy.

$10,785

average amount spent per year on veterans enrolled in va health care

veterans receive VA health care. thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1/3 of the veteran population in oregon.

$116MILLION $150MILLION was paid in education benefits directly to veterans, Oregon universities, community colleges and accredited learning institutions in 2016. approximately one-third of Iraq/ Afghanistan veterans are currently using their federal education benefits.

32.5%

$14,664 average annual education benefit

PER MONTH

29,870

INDISABILITYCOMPENSATIONANDPENSIONPAYMENTS AREMADE TO75,259VETERANSINOREGON.

claims were filed by accredited veteran service officers

odvaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home loan is separate and distinct from the federal va home loan guaranty

339

average number of claims per vso per year

$72million

was lent by odva to oregon veterans to purchase their homes in FY 2017

ODVA websites have been visited by more than

312,000

unique visitors this year.

a milestone

1 million emails have been received by odva subscribers since 2013.

750kmiles

oregon veterans in 10 highly rural communities were transported the equivalent of the distance to the moon and back to medical appointments since 2015. grant funding obtained by odva and partnerships with local community transit systems made this possible.

targeting veteran services

strength in numbers

Advocate in your corner.

Statewide impact.

The importance of a cadence is in recognizing that a unit, well-trained and working together toward a common mission, can accomplish far more than any individual working on their own. But to get the best out of each individual member of a unit, the leader must know, understand and be able to address their needs and challenges.

In serving Oregon veterans, we recognize that it is the boots on the gound in local communities where veterans live and work, that make the largest impact. It is there that dedicated state and county veteran service officers do their work, meeting veterans and their families on their terms and solving the problems that hit closest to home.

While ensuring veterans receive the benefits and support they have earned is an end in and of itself, it has an enormous impact statewide, drawing down hundreds of millions of dollars into the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy each year.

$1.4billion in disability compensation and pension payments were received by oregon veterans in 2016

10%moreVSO’s in the state and county veteran service offices in 2017

13,400newclaims vso’s filed nearly 6% more claims in 2016 over 2015

454appellatehearings were Conducted by the odva Portland veteran services office

11,012newpoa’s new veterans working with county and state vso’s in 2016

2/3

thirty-six

When Marion County opens their new Veteran Service Office in 2018, Oregon veterans will have VSOs in every county. ODVA supported Polk County leadership to hire, train, and establish their VSO Office in January 2017 and is currently working to assist Marion County to stand up an office.

10%above nationalaverage the Average annual payment per veteran in oregon is $15,229 compared to the national Annual average of $14,677 odva manages more than $27 million for145 veterans served under odva’s conservatorship program

ODVA Training and Certification not only provides regular annual training to certify new vso’s, they also Provide onsite one-on-one training to County VSO Offices and Conduct trainings for partner efforts like the multi-state Tribal Veteran Representative (TVR) Conference.

two-thirds of veterans and their families that have power of attorney through odva have been successfully awarded disability compensation for their service connected disabilities or pensions.

increasing awareness of

women and lgbtq veterans

1,000 30 community partners

counties

Summits, listening sessions and meetings were held in 30 counties and more than 1,000 community partners learned how to better serve women and LGBTQ veterans in Oregon.

aging veterans benefit from new partnerships

Over the past year ODVA provided 38 public engagement seminars to civic groups, state agencies, nonprofits, and service organizations on aging veterans benefits. These briefings encouraged bringing the veterans lens to groups that are providing state, county and federal benefits.

More than 800 participants attended these briefings.

Cover to Cover Program

2017 expo

Partnered ODVA with nearly 100 community and government providers, private corporations and veteran owned business for the 3rd annual Veteran Benefit Expo.

veteran housing Ongoing partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services resulted in two affordable veteran rental housing projects in Medford and Klamath Falls

enhancing access to veteran benefits for Tribal Veterans

ODVA is continuing work with the federal VA office of tribal government relations to break new ground in bringing the nine Oregon federally recognized tribes better representation for claims and appeals. ODVA also engaged with federal VA to ensure transportation to VA healthcare or use of community care on tribal lands.

ODVA began a close partnership with three aging and disability resource connection (ADRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) agencies in Oregon. The purpose of this program is to train veteran specialists within ADRC staff to understand and connect veterans to federal VA benefits. The training was also extended to ADRC benefit specialists to provide a broad-based knowledge of veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefits and connection with local county veteran service offices. Last year, 290 referrals were made to veteran service offices by ADRC staff.

New partnerships with Oregon state hospital and the department of corrections to work with veterans and connect them to resources and benefits as they transition in and out of these institutions.

mobilizing partnerships

United we stand

A military unit consists of many individuals, each one with different skills, capabilities and occupational specialties. The cadence calls them to a unified mission, leveraging their unique talents and potential into something greater than the sum of their parts.

The dynamic landscape of veteran services in Oregon is no different, composed of federal and state agencies, community partners, local chapters of national service organizations, and many others, all committed to deliver a broad range of services to veterans and their families.

Just as no unit is composed of a single service member, no one agency is equipped to be the sole provider of benefits, services and resources to veterans. Instead, we work together as a team, using our shared resources and experience in service to a diverse population whose needs are varied and ever-changing.

Marching to the same drum.

driving veteran engagement

no veteran left behind One for all.

All for one.

Just as important as keeping a unit in line and in rhythm, an important function of the cadence call is to reinforce a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture, build camraderie and boost morale.

At ODVA, we recognize the important of building a strong Oregon veterans brand, promoting positive images of veterans and veteran families, and telling the stories of Oregonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veterans to the wider world. In so doing, we seek to raise awareness of both the accomplishments and needs of the diverse veteran population.

While this rising tide of goodwill serves an important external function, we also embrace our role of engaging with Oregon veterans internally, to share vital news and benefit updates and help ensure a seamless and rewarding experience to those seeking services.

i am not

invisible oregon women veterans health

600 1 women veterans

A joint endeavor of ODVA and Portland State University, I Am Not Invisible is a traveling portrait exhibition showcasing the diversity, accomplishments, experiences, needs and challenges of Oregon’s women veterans. The campaign has been to over 20 locations since opening in February 2017 and has been viewed by thousands in Oregon. Its website, which also features the campaign’s subjects and their stories, has drawn more than 5,000 unique visitors. The campaign is headed to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., in the fall of 2017.

vietnam War

50th anniversary

commemoration

580+veterans 300k Attended the 3rd annual veteran benefit expo in redmond, oregon making it the single most successful odva event to date

study

ODVA has continued to expand outreach to the broad demographic of veterans who reside in Oregon. From printed materials to a larger online presence, the number of veterans and family members seeking information, connecting with resources and engaging in local veteran events has dramatically increased. In 2016, ODVA had more than 52,000 email subscriptions to a variety of veteran specific information across the state.

More than 600 Oregon women veterans participated in a Oregon Women Health Study that informed new legislation and improved services at VA Medical Centers to include working to expand tele-mental health services to rural locations.

Serving LGBTQ veterans

=

visitors to odva website and news blog in fy17

527

informational emails were sent to more than 614,000 recipients in fy17

ODVA connected with more than 300 LGBTQ veterans by participating in every major Pride celebration in Oregon in both 2016 and 2017. In 2017, Nathaniel Boehme, ODVA LGBTQ Veteran Coordinator, who is still currently serving with the Oregon Air National Guard, became the first actively-serving military person to gain permission to participate in uniform in the Portland and Seattle Pride parades. This generated national and global news coverage for ODVA’s outreach efforts.

The two Oregon Veterans’ Homes have, and will continue to offer private pay rates for veterans and qualified family that are well below the median charged by skilled nursing homes in Oregon.

$205/day AVERAGE

TARGET $286

oregon veterans’ homes maintaining below market rates

2016 target daily private pay rate was $286. ODVA was able to offer skilled nursing care in 2016 at 18% less than the target market rate.

two years after opening in 2016, the new oregon veterans’ home in lebanon reached full occupancy and Earned the bronze Excellence in Quality Award for superior performance in the long-term and post-acute care profession.

93% customer satisfaction Percentage of customers rating their overall satisfaction with ODVA as excellent or good

511

residents ASSISTED at

oregon veterans’ homes 193 veterans + 43 spouses were ASSISTED at the home in the dalles

228 veterans + 47 spouses were ASSISTED at the home in lebanon

22 years of financial Excellence ODVA’s Financial Services Division has once again won the Gold Star Award from the State Controller’s Division for financial reporting for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. This is the 22nd year in a row that ODVA has received this honor. Every year, the State Controller’s Division (part of the Department of Administrative Services), recognizes agencies for providing accurate and complete fiscal year-end information in a timely manner.

$296M loans under management

Increased loan servicing portfolio by $33,794,318, representing a 12.88% increase over the last fiscal year end.

ODVA’s current servicing portfolio now stands at 1870 units with $296,115,288.77 in loans under management.

modernization

Work began in 2016 to analyze ODVA’s custom IT applications as part of an agency wide modernization effort to update and support core program and operation areas. A new VOIP system and Records Management application upgrade was completed in 2016.

invigorating core operations

reporting for duty First and foremost, the cadence call serves to focus the unit on its shared mission as they march, eyes forward, scanning the horizon for any challenges that lie ahead.

Much has changed since ODVA was founded in 1945, but our core mission has not.

In the same way a unit leader must take account of the road ahead to map the best way forward, we have had to reflect and take stock in recent years, to ensure our core operations and services are best aligned to the mission at hand.

We are deeply grateful to our partners in the legislature and the veteran community who have given us their vote of confidence. With your continued support, we pledge to build a better, stronger ODVA for future generations and, in all things, to remain true to our mission of ensuring veterans and their families thrive in our state.

Strength from our past. Focus on our mission.

2017-19 legislative highlights

new investments with measure 96 lottery funds $4.5 million to double the current level of funding for county veteran service offices and national service organizations $4.1 million to secure Oregonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veteran home loan program for future generations

In 2016, the Legislature passed a resolution that set forth a ballot measure to dedicate 1.5 percent of lottery proceeds to benefit Oregon veterans. With broad understanding of the needs across the veteran community, ODVA made a series of recommendations through the 2017-19 biennium budget process to align funding with the underserved veteran community needs in Oregon. Funding recommendations were aimed to solidify existing programs and expand veteran services, and leverage state program resources across veteran health and mental health, education and housing and homelessness.

$3.9 million to sustain county veteran service office funding and enhance statewide veteran services

Because of the incredible advocacy and support of the veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; community and partners, elected leaders and all Oregonians, Measure 96 passed last November with a resounding 84 percent approval and now dedicates 1.5 percent of net lottery revenues to better serve our veterans and their families.

$1.2 million to establish a grant fund to support student veteran success on campus

There is $26.1 million in combined General Fund and Lottery Fund resources for services to veterans in the 2017-19 biennium (prior biennial funding for veteran services was $10.4 million General Fund). These essential resources help fund statewide veteran services as well as pass through funding to local partners like county veteran service offices, national service organizations and community non-profits.

In addition to the existing General Fund and new Lottery Funds for veteran services, Oregon made other significant investments for veterans and their families in this biennial budget. They include additional funding for mental health, housing and homelessness resources, and capital construction projects.

As a result of this broad citizen support and the bipartisan leadership of the governor and legislature this session, Oregon is making historic investments in local and statewide veteran services and together, we will ensure that veterans and their families thrive in Oregon.

$1.5 million to support veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; housing and homelessness prevention efforts

$555,000 to establish a grant fund to support non-profit and community partner efforts $350,000 to support a veterans' crisis and suicide prevention hotline $245,000 to establish a veteran volunteer program $2.3 million to establish a reserve balance in the veteran services fund

community services

$18.7M LOTTERY FUNDS (M96)

48%

GENERAL FUNDS

Establishes a new Veteran Services Grant Fund to better support non-profits and community partners serving veterans and their families

HB 2908

Creates a veteran volunteer program

health care

PASS-THROUGH TO COUNTIES, NATIONAL SERVICE ORGS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS

$7.4M

HB 2891

43%

ODVA VETERAN SERVICES

9%

RESERVES

GENERAL FUND AND LOTTERY FUND FOR OREGON VETERANS

state investments in veteran Mental Health

SB 81

Targets efforts to help veterans better navigate health care resources

honor and recognition

HB 2100

Designates Highway 20 as the Oregon Medal of Honor Memorial Highway

HB 2880

Expands public buildings required to display the POW/MIA flag

SB 992

Designates the third Friday in September as Oregon POW/MIA Recognition Day

SB 993

Designates August 7th of each year as Oregon Purple Heart Recognition Day

HB 3207

Designates part of Interstate 5 as the Atomic Veteran Memorial Highway

license plates HB 2149

Sets one-time $15 vehicle registration fee for former POWs

$2.5 million invested through Oregon Health Authority to improve veterans' access to mental health resources

recreation

state investments in Capital Construction

SB 80

Focuses outreach and support to Oregonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tribal veterans

HB 2405

Adds tribal governments to local and regional governments that are eligible to apply for state park grants to construct or restore veterans and war memorials

$2.5 million authorized for Oregon Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Home facility improvements in Lebanon and The Dalles $10.5 million authorized for a third Oregon Veterans Home $250,000 authorized for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica project in Southern Oregon

SB 116

Eliminates state forest user fees for service connected disabled veterans

tribal veteran

student veterans

HB 2565

Streamlines process to ensure veterans receive priority registration at community colleges and universities

HB 3423

Allows flexibility for Oregon National Guard service members to participate in Oregon Promise grants

SB 143

Establishes a grant program to support student veteran success on college and university campus

ODVA

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Dedication is at the heart of all veteran leaders serving on ODVA’s Advisory Committee. Since the Advisory Committee was established in 1945, it has held a distinct and fundamental role advising the Director and staff of ODVA. Advisory Committee members are military veterans from diverse eras of service, branches of service, backgrounds and locations across the state. The veterans who serve on this committee are appointed by the Governor and take on a role to act as advocates for veteran issues and represent veteran concerns across Oregon.

 

The Advisory Committee conducts regular quarterly meetings across Oregon to review ODVA’s core programs and operations. Members also help connect ODVA’s work to the broader veterans’ community and engage local partners about issues facing veterans in their communities.

To contact the committee please email vaac@odva.state.or.us. To learn more about the committee, read committee reports or to find future meeting location information, visit: www.oregon.gov/ODVA/Connect/Pages/ Advisory-Committee.aspx

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 Advisory Committte meeting locations 2016-2017  Meeting locations 2013-2015

DENNIS GUTHRIE, CHAIR

KIM DOUTHIT, SECRETARY

TONY GARCÍA, VICE CHAIR

JOHN HOWARD

MICHAEL JONES

U.S. ARMY

U.S. COAST GUARD

OREGON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD U.S. ARMY RESERVES

U.S. NAVY

U.S. ARMY

Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam after completing Airborne and Special Forces Medical Training. He served as Head Company Field Medic with the First Cavalry Division and is the recipient of the Silver Star and Bronze Star (Valor).

Kim is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and a Navy spouse. She is the Veterans Services Supervisor for Multnomah County’s Disability, Aging, and Veterans’ Services Division and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Communication and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University.

Tony is a graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Oregon, School of Law. He is currently a Major in the Army Reserves and an attorney, Judge Advocate and served as a prosecutor in Iraq from 2009-2010.

John served six years in the Navy Reserve as an enlisted sailor and NROTC midshipman, followed by 24 years of active commissioned service.

He currently serves as chairman of the Jackson County Veterans Advisory Committee.

Michael served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1973 and is the recipient of two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. He is a local and state leader in the American Legion, as well as a member of the VFW and DAV. Michael and his wife live in Ontario.

REYNOLD LENO

ROSA MACIAS

JON MANGIS

ADOLPH "VAL" VALFRE, JR.

U.S. MARINE CORPS

U.S. MARINE CORPS

OREGON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD U.S. AIR FORCE

U.S. AIR FORCE

Reynold is a Vietnam veteran. He was elected to the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon in 1996 and serves as a member of the Veterans Committee.

Rosa served in the U.S. Marines and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as an Aviation Supply Clerk. She now serves as the Veterans Outreach Coordinator at the Salem Vet Center.

Jon 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.

Val served for nearly 25 years in the Air Force as a C-141/B-52 instructor pilot and was awarded an Air Medal for in-theater missions during the Vietnam War. He serves on the State Housing Stability Council and is the Director of Housing for Washington County.

oregon.gov/odva facebook.com/odvavet 800 828 8801 twitter.com/oregondva oregondva.com

ODVA Headquarters

700 Summer Street / Salem, Oregon 97301

Director's Office 503 373 2383 Statewide Veteran Services 503 373 2090 Aging Veteran Services 503 373 2085 Salem Claims 503 373 2085 Portland Claims 503 412 4777 Home Loans 503 673 8387

Oregon Veterans' Homes

Lebanon

The Dalles Conservatorship & Rep Payee Communications Office Advisory Commitee

541 497 7265 541 296 7190 503 373 2085 503 373 2386 vaac@odva.state.or.us

instagram.com/oregondva odvainformation@odva.state.or.us

This 2017 Annual Report can be found on ODVAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website: www.oregon.gov/odva. To request a printed copy, please call 503 373 2386.