Spring 2015 Vets News

statewide memorial day events

SPRING 2015

Pages 5

a father remembers: 1st lt. erik mccrae

By Scott McCrae (Col., Retired)

VETS NEWS

Connect with ODVA news online: [web & eSubscribe] oregon.gov/odva [blog] oregondva.com [fb] odvavet [twitter] @oregondva

Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Celebrates

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70 YEARS OF SERVING VETERANS

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Combined articles by Larry Quinlin, Freelance Writer, October 1946 and November 1947

Editor’s note: This year the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs celebrates its 70th year of serving veterans.

In researching our history, we came across a faded green file in the bowels of a filing cabinet that contained simply two newspaper articles stapled to the inside. Both articles were written by a freelance writer named Larry Quinlin, one in Oct. 1946 and a second in Nov. 1947.

The yellowed prints told the story of how groups of WWI veterans and concerned citizens came together in the final years of WWII to make sure the returning service men and women were cared for after their service to this country.

Poignantly noted was the not so positive experience of veterans that spurred the birth of an entire state benefits system centered around the care and honor of those who served. And it has remained so for 70 years.

So then, who better to tell our story than a man who observed us in the making and cared enough to record it in print? The following is reprinted, in part, and combined writings by Mr. Quinlin. Slight modifications have been made for clarification.

n 1944 the war was still in full swing and every American in uniform was something of a hero in the eyes of the civilian populace.

Promises flowed freely then as to the help these service members would receive when the war ended and they returned to pick up the threads of their prewar existence.

Large numbers returned home with disabilities, discharged because they were no longer able to fight.

Sincerely anxious to do their part for their fellow service member, Oregon WWI veterans, along with civic, community and service organizations banded together to take care of those returning home. Our first world war veterans advocated that every community in Oregon needed trained personnel to serve the returning soldiers – and this they were certain was essential because they didn’t always have it.

Most of the efforts to help were sincere, yet there was a danger that such enthusiasm improperly directed would result in confusion SEE SEVENTIETH - PAGE 4

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

veteran and family owned business

With the guidance provided through the SBDC, this veteran couple is proud to run a veteran and familyowned business that serves their community. PG 8

congressional gold medal awarded Six members of the Oregon Civil Air Patrol during WWII were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

PG 8

40 years since the end of Vietnam On May 7, 1975, President Ford declared the Vietnam war-era ended. PG 9

Director’s Message

Cameron Smith, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

SEVENTY YEARS OF HONORING OREGON'S PROMISE TO VETERANS Amazingly, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA). Established in the final year of World War II, ODVA has been serving and honoring Oregon’s veterans since 1945.

In celebration of the anniversary, we have been featuring 70 veterans’ stories from across all eras.

Each story is unique, but they all inspire for their service, dedication and commitment.

The veterans of Oregon and their families are the motivation for our work. We’ve been sharing their stories with our elected leaders in the current 78th Legislative Session as we advocate for policies and resources to better serve veterans. We’ll have a full review of veterans’ legislation in our next issue, but you can sign up for ODVA’s weekly bill digest here to track progress and stay engaged: www.oregon.gov/ ODVA/Pages/VetsLeg.aspx.

This past quarter, we also received the good news that the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home in Lebanon passed all surveys and achieved Federal VA recognition. This will allow us to continue to ramp up on admissions to further support aging veterans.

We are also continuing to innovate in our Veterans’ Home Loan program and are on track to soon offer down payment assistance to eligible

almost 1,000 service members have been mobilized to afghanistan over the last year and they are now returning home this spring and summer. veterans. This assistance, when combined with our already below market interest rates, will be tough to beat, so please spread the word to veterans who are in the market for a new home.

As we march forward on efforts to better serve veterans, it is important to remember those still in uniform and serving overseas. The Oregon National Guard has had almost 1,000 guard members mobilized to Afghanistan over the last year and they are returning home this spring and summer. I know communities across Oregon will rally to welcome them home and support their reintegration.

I am particularly struck by the support from our Vietnam veterans. They did not receive a welcome home in their own time, but now often form the backbone of support for our most recent veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Their support and that of our national service organizations and community partners has been impressive.

70 VETERAN STORIES AND THE 2015 VETERAN BENEFIT EXPO

Memorial Day is also this month and there will be ceremonies across the state to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. As you enjoy the start of summer with family and friends, take the time to pause and honor our fallen. Most importantly, keep our Gold Star Families in your thoughts.

As Oregon veterans, we are four generations strong and served in uniform here at home, on humanitarian missions around the world, and on the battlefield in five major wars. With your support, there is no question that ODVA will continue to build on the strong foundation of our first 70 years.

Thank you!

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A short reception with cake and refreshments will be held durning the event to recognize ODVA's 70th anniversary.

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Find more information about the event on the blog and on the back side of this publication. 

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For the 70 days leading up to ODVA's 70th Anniversary on June 16, 2015, ODVA is featuring daily stories of Oregon veterans online. All 70 stories are accessible via an interactive map found on the blog at www.oregondva.com.

Also in celebration of 70 years of serving our state’s veterans, ODVA is hosting a free veterans benefit expo in Salem on June 24th at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. S.E., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will showcase state and federal veteran benefits along with other Oregon community resources. Representatives from all benefit, service, and resource areas will be on hand to answer questions.

VETS NEW S Vets News is a free quarterly 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.

Nicole Hoeft Mike Allegre Sarah Dressler Marc Huchette

Managing Editor / Production / Staff Writer Associate Editor / Staff Writer Production / Staff Writer / Copy Editing Production / Staff Writer

BE A GUEST CONTRIBUTOR/ SUBSCRIBE / ADDRESS CHANGES / EVENTS Mail

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

Phone

503-373-2389

Email

vetsnews@odva.state.or.us

Online

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

Reunions, events, and story submissions are welcome, however, please note that all items are printed upon space availability. Input for the next issue must be received by July 6, 2015.

Up to the minute Oregon veteran news at www.oregondva.com

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Oregon Soldiers - WWI Raymond H. Heinz Edward C. Allworth Walter Waters Ben Ricks Bill Wingett Don Malarkey Anna Flynn Monkiewicz Bill Finucane Bill Markham Blanche Osborn (right) Clint Gruber David Kingsley Art Iwasaki Dick Royse Donna Smith Eileen Roach Kesti Jacob DeShazer David Whelan Harlan Roth Hazel Ying Lee Hoby Herron Isaac Endicott Jim Baker John “Jack” Heinz

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John Price Lyle Vassallo Robert Deiz Ernie Argo Howard Frasier Bob Gardner Keith Zilk “Mac” MacDonald Lawrence Plaisance Richard Heinz Stan Adams Richard Atiyeh Harry Johnson Jean Kirnak John Holcomb Larry Diebert Brian Biggs Denny Smith Norman Johnson Oregonians in Vietnam Ron Cannon Richard Twarog Tom Vanderhoof Jeff Bodenweiser Michael Harris

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George Lanning Vicki Paulson, Martha Garcia, Barbara Isaacs, Amy Elker Alisha Hamel Shane Bohnenkamp Brian Klopp Oregon Army National Guard, 2-162 Infantry Scott Anderson Denise Kraxberger Hollywood Honors, Oregon Army National Guard 2-162 Infantry Jacob Jones Paul Evans Sal Trujillo Tom Richards Kent Solheim Shawn Taylor Nathan Nakis Matthew Zedwick Matt Hoeft Dillon Bergstad Gabriel Reynolds

The Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home in Lebanon recently received recognition from the USDVA, allowing veterans who may qualify to have their to have their cost of care covered. The facility opened its doors in October 2014.

ALLWORTH VETERANS’ HOME EARNS VA RECOGNITION LEBANON, Ore. – Service connected disabled veterans in need of skilled nursing care may now be eligible to have their cost of care paid for at the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home in Lebanon. On March 20, 2015, the facility was awarded recognition by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (USDVA).

The process to obtain this recognition was one of the final processes the facility had to successfully complete before being able to fully ramp up operational efforts.

“It was a big day for our veterans, the staff and the community,” said Program Director Jeremy Woodall.

The on-time and on-budget construction of the $40 million veterans’ home began in 2012, but the beginning of the effort to construct Oregon’s second veteran’s home began in 2008. A group of dedicated leaders from the state, the City of Lebanon, and Linn County brought together a vision and developed a detailed plan, resulting in the formal proposal to bring the home to Lebanon.

Since then, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has worked with the federal VA, the operator, construction managers, architects, city and county officials, dozens of on-site constructions crews to build a facility that has rightly gained national attention.

Left: The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Oregon Department Adjutant Robert Haltiner and Commander Charlie Upton present BBQs donated by the National MOPH Service Foundation to the Veterans' Home in Lebanon. (Photo courtesy MOPH.)

The beautiful home was designed using a new small house model for skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation facilities, which creates small neighborhood communities for up to 154 residents.

Like Oregon’s other award winning veterans' home, Lebanon offers services to veterans, their spouses and the parents who have lost a child to war time service.

The facility will soon be able to serve those veterans with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related care in the Memory Care neighborhood.

For more information about eligibility or to schedule a visit call 541-497-7265 or www.lebanon. oregonveteranshomes.com.

SPRING 2015

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1: SEVENTIETH

and overlapping services, to the detriment of “GI Joe’s” rehabilitation.

large measure of credit for that bill through the efforts of its Josephine county veterans council.

Seeing this danger, then Governor Earl Snell asked all interest groups in the Portland area to form a committee which would coordinate the services of each group so that the veteran seeking help in any valid problem could be directed to the proper agency, sparing him the wellknown “r un around.”

In 1945 the department of veterans’ affairs was established, with a director in charge to administer the state veterans’ benefits and an advisory committee of

On November 29, 1944, 34 organizations and agencies heeding the governors appeal met in the auditorium of the Public Service building and formed the Portland general committee on services to veterans. Their purpose was to “promote in every feasible manner the coordination of agencies and organizations with the state and federal agencies dealing with war veterans to the end that the veterans and their dependents may receive not only their rights under law, but the fullest possible meeting of our obligation to those who have borne arms for us, in whatever form and to whatever extent their valid individual need appear.”

Two years later it expanded to include communities outside of Portland. The 1943 legislature also approved a bond issue, referred this to the people in 1944 and saw it passed by a large majority, providing state funds to lend World War II veterans for the acquisition of farm and homes.

When our legislature met in 1945, the World War I veterans saw to it that the laws included a measure authorizing the county courts to appoint full-time, paid veterans’ service officers. Grants Pass deserved a

seven members appointed by the governor from the membership of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the United Spanish War Veterans, the Disabled American Veterans, and a congressionally chartered World War II organization.

Governor Snell appointed Hugh E. Rosson director.

Starting in July, 1945, he organized the department and after setting it on course of long-time service to Oregon veterans and dependents, resigned in May of this year [1946] to return to private employment. Col. George E. Sandy was appointed to succeed Rosson.

A woman in Klamath Falls wrote an unusual letter to the Portland office of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Her son had died on bloody Omaha Beach when the allies stormed the Cherbourg Peninsula to state the invasion of France in the spring of 1944. Her son, she said, was buried with the other thousands who died on the peninsula, in the military cemetery at Saint Laurent, Sur-Mer. All she wanted

was a snapshot of her son’s grave, and she has already tried other sources. Could the Department of Veterans’ Affairs help her?

Bill Gaarenstrom, assistant director in charge of the Portland office, wrote the mayor in Saint Laurent, giving him the details.

Sometime later the mother in Klamath Falls received the prized photo, and a kindly letter from the French mayor.

This may have seemed a trivial matter, but no problem is treated lightly by the agencies and organizations entrusted with the welfare of Oregon’s veterans who answered the call during the later war years, and dependents of those who came home disabled or who, like the son of the woman in Klamath Falls, will never come home.

Oregon was mighty proud to send some 145,000 of her fighting sons – and daughters – into the armed forces to help beat the Nazis and Japanese, and she also took steps to ensure a genuine welcome home to these veterans when the war should finally be won, by providing certain benefits to ease the veterans' task of returning to civilian life.

When the war came to sudden and surprising finish a year ago last August [1945], and out veterans began coming home in swarms, the state of Oregon was fairly well prepared for the rush. Far-sighted members of the leading veterans’ organizations had plans in place to provide benefits for these new World War II vets which they of the first World War had not enjoyed – principally, a well-organized counseling service for veterans and their dependents, and improved education and loan acts. 

FORMER ODVA COMMITTEE MEMBER FAIRCLO PASSES A former member of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and long-time veteran activist, David Fairclo, passed away March 6th in Bend after a short illness. Fairclo was 67.

A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, Fairlco served 25 years in the Air Force and was a veteran of Vietnam and Desert Shield. Upon retiring, he worked tirelessly for his fellow veterans. He helped initiate the Bend Veterans Day parade and was instrumental in establishing the daily DAV van shuttle to and from the Portland VA hospital. He helped champion the expansion of the VA clinic in Bend, by assisting in the introduction of effective veterans’ programs in Circuit Courts around Oregon, and with the introduction of housing vouchers for distressed veterans.

Former Gov. Ted Kulongoski appointed Fairclo to the Advisory Committee in 2004 where he served two four-year terms.

Fairclo was raised on a farm south of Klamath 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

Falls and later attended Oregon State University where he joined Air Force ROTC. Upon graduating, he attended flight school, earned his wings and became a flight instructor. He was later assigned to various military posts including a flying command post, as an air base commander, he served at the Pentagon, and at the ROTC program at the University of Connecticut.

He served on numerous boards and organizations, including the Central Oregon Military Officers Association, VFW, DAV, the Patriot Guard Riders, and Partners-in-Care Hospice.

Fairclo is survived by his wife, Paddi; children, Eli (Heather) Harris, Joshua, Peter, Micah and Isaiah; his mother, Ann; brother, Richard and sister, Susan Fairclo House, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father.

A graveside service with full military honors was held for Fairclo on March 23rd at Deschutes Memorial Gardens. 

Paddi and David Fairclo.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCOTT MC CRAE

OREGON

HONORS

MEMORIAL

DAY

2015

A Father Remembers 1ST LT. ERIK M C CRAE B Y S C OT T M C C R A E , C O L . , R E T I R E D , G U E S T C O N T R I B U TO R

First Lt. Erik S. McCrae: Just hearing his name brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face. He was a son that any parent would be proud to have.

Erik was an eighth generation Oregonian, born and raised in rural northeast Oregon where he attended schools at Elgin and La Grande. Because I was transferred, Erik graduated from Tigard High School in 1996, where he was co-Valedictorian of his class and earned an International Baccalaureate Degree.

He then attended Linfield College, graduating Cum Laude in only two and a half years with a double major in Math and Applied Physics. Needless to say, Erik stopped coming to Mom and Dad for help with his homework very early on!

After college, Erik worked for FEI, a local tech company in Hillsboro. Soon after starting with FEI, Erik told us that he wanted to join the National Guard as a Cavalry Scout. “Why? And why a Cavalry Scout,” I asked. “Well Dad, as you know, Cavalry Scouts are out front.”

As an Army Guard lieutenant colonel, in 2000, I had the honor of administering Erik his Oath of Enlistment into the Oregon Army National Guard as a Cavalry Scout (19D). Shortly after his Basic and Advanced training, Erik attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 2002. He was assigned to Troop E, 82nd Cavalry as a Scout Platoon Leader – ‘Scouts out!’

Around this time Erik also decided to become a Reserve Deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office - winning the Reserve Deputy Pistol Qualification Award with a record 496 out of 500 points - with his newly purchased pistol that he picked up just minutes prior to qualifying.

In 2002, Troop E, and its members, were asked to deploy to Iraq with the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry, Oregon Army National Guard, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As I recall, every deployable soldier of Troop E volunteered to go with the unit, though they could have easily declined. For the next 18 months the training was intense and demanding.

With deployment looming, Erik and his sweetheart, Heather Smyth, decided to get married before he deployed, “If we love each other,” Heather said, “why wait?”

Erik’s unit was supposed to deploy to Iraq directly from their deployment validation at Ft. Polk, La., so they decided to get married there. On February 27th, in Chapel #10, attended by Heather’s parents, my wife Terri and I, and a small group of soldiers and friends, Erik and Heather tied the knot. It was a great ceremony that we are so glad we were a part of. Of course, dad got to cart his dress blue uniform from Portland to Louisiana and back - that’s what parents do, right?

Two weeks later, mid-March 2004, Erik’s unit deployed to Iraq as part of the 1st Cavalry Division.

His company was assigned to a Forward Operating Base in Sadr City (the poorest most rat infested part of Baghdad and right in the middle of the Muqtada al-Sadr uprising). Daily life was tense, consisting of Humvee and foot patrols to monitor Mosques and conduct random civilian vehicle checks for weapons and explosives.

The Sunday before Erik was killed, he called us.

Terri and I were walking our two Boxer dogs on Sunset Beach near Warrenton - I remember that day well. We talked about many things; how life was going in Iraq, how he was so proud of his platoon, and how he and Heather thought they wanted to move to FEI’s newly acquired company in Scotland after his deployment.

As with most of his calls, Erik closed with, "I love you and like you."

Just five days later, June 4th, 2004, we got the most terrible news a parent can get… Erik and two of his Humvee crew members were killed while responding to assist a U.S. military convoy under attack. I was later told by both his superiors and subordinates, that Erik was a superb platoon leader who performed his duties admirably.

His last words were asking how his crew members were while never knowing that two of them were killed by the same IED.

We were absolutely and completely devastated hearing that Erik was killed. Our world as we knew it had just ended. While we had an outpouring of support from our family and friends, the shock was overwhelming - absolutely suffocating. It was even hard to breathe.

Since that horrific day the pain has dulled, but I will always have an Erik ‘hole’ in my heart. While it might seem odd to some (not us), we often refer to Erik in the first person - as if he is still among us. Of course, I get that big smile whenever I think of him or hear his name.

I am continually amazed by the number of lives that Erik touched. He was extremely intelligent, but more so he was extremely kind and caring. He loved being around people, and people were drawn to Erik.

Like his eclectic group of friends in high school, his life was eclectic.

Half-jokingly Heather, his widow, said, "There were so many things Erik liked that he led a part time life; he usually worked part time, he was in the military part time, he was a part time police officer, he rode his Harley part time. But, he was always, always was a full time friend."

Erik, along with his mom and I, have a strong belief in God - we plan to see Erik again soon. 

First Lt. Erik McCrae was a member of the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade and assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry, Delta Company in Cottage Grove. After graduating from Linfield College he was working as a mechanical engineer and reserve sheriff’s deputy before being deployed to Iraq.

McCrae was 25.

Photos: 1st Lt. Erik McCrae pictured in Iraq. Lower right; his wife Heather (in white) and parents, Scott and Terri McCrae (left).

SPRING 2015

5

2015 memorial Day Edition

honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

2015 statewide memorial

ALBANY May 25 - 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 10, VFW Linn Post 584, Linn County Veterans Memorial Assoc. present a ceremony at the county’s Veterans Memorial, Timber Linn Park, off of Price Road. Keynote speaker: Maj. Gen. Julie Bentz, Oregon Army National Guard. Lunch will be served at Post 584, 1469 Timber St. Contact: VFW Post 584, 541-928-7925 ASHLAND May 25 - 10:30 a.m. – A ceremony with American Legion Post 14 and VFW Post 383, at Mountain View Cemetery, 440 Normal Ave. Flag presentation: Boy Scout Troop 112. Guest speakers, music from the Valley of the Rogue New Horizons Band, Southern Oregon Univ., and Ashland High School Choir. Contact: Brad Fish, 541-261-5867, bg75fish@gmail.com BAKER CITY May 25 - 10 a.m. – VFW Post 3048 will host a ceremony to honor the military fallen and veterans, with burial flag dedications at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Contact: Gary Young, 541-523-4838 BEAVERTON May 25 - 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, 7th and Watson Streets includes the American Legion Post 185 Band, an Honor Guard flag presentation, POW/MIA ceremony, guest speakers, West Coast Ravens flyover, and rifle salute.

Contact: American Legion Post 185, 503-644-8930, www. beavertonpost124.org BEND May 25 - 1 p.m. – Ceremony and services at Deschutes Memorial Gardens, on Hwy. 97. Speaker: Robert McHaney, WWII veteran.

Reception following at VFW Post 1643, 1503 NE 4th St. Contact: Bob Cusick, 541-419-8463 BROOKINGS May 23 - 6 p.m. – Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 757 will read aloud the names of Oregon veterans killed in Vietnam at a ceremony at City Hall, 898 Elk Drive. Contact: Sam Vitale, 541-469-6443 CANBY May 25 - 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 CAVE JUNCTION May 25 - 10 a.m. – Ceremony with guest speakers at City Hall, 222 Lister Ave., presented by American Legion Post 70.

10:30 a.m. – Ceremony with guest speakers at the World War II monument, near Jubilee Park, presented by American Legion Post 70.

11 a.m. – Ceremony with guest speakers at Laurel Cemetery, on Laurel Ave., presented by American Legion Post 70.

Contact: Bob Soria, 541-592-6856 CENTRAL POINT May 25 - 9 a.m. – Ceremony at Don Jones Memorial Park, on Hamrick Road, for the annual Fallen War Heroes Commemoration. Guest speakers: Oregon Rep. Greg Walden and Russ McBride. Contact: Jennifer Boardman, 541-423-1042 CLOVERDALE May 23 - 1 p.m. – Ceremonial gathering at the Col. Kenneth Reusser memorial marker will honor the memory of former Nestucca High School students who died during or after their military service. Contact: Kay Saddler, 503-398-5000, vfwa9611@gmail.com

COOS BAY

GOLD BEACH

May 25 - 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Oceanview Memorial Cemetery on Ocean Blvd.

May 25 - 12 p.m. – VFW Post 4439’s ceremony will honor and salute the fallen at the Curry County Veterans Memorial, 94080 Shirley Lane. Guest speaker: Sgt. Major Vinnie Jacques, Oregon Army National Guard. Honor Guards: U.S. Coast Guard and Boy Scouts. Contact: Sam Vitale, 541-661-5155

12 p.m. – Ceremony at Sunset Ocean, near Hwy. 101, on Frontage Road.

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

Contact: Bill Kehler, 541-888-6556, www.coosbay.org CORVALLIS May 25 - 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 DALLAS May 25 - 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 20 and Auxiliary will host a ceremony with a Color Guard, Avenue of Flags at Dallas Cemetery, 2065 SW Fairview. Patriotic music: Dallas High School.

Guest speaker: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Frank Flux. Contact: Dennis Johnson, 503-623-3727

GRANTS PASS May 25 - 11 a.m. – Ceremony hosted by the Marine Corps League. One thousand flags in an Avenue of Flags display at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Military honors: Color Guard and Firing Squad. Refreshments served after the ceremony.

Hillcrest Memorial Park, 541-476-2310 12 p.m. – Memorial ceremony at Riverside Park to honor the fallen. Contact: Gerrin Beck, 541-659-5535 GRESHAM May 25 - 9 a.m. – Graveside tribute to all fallen military members to 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, www.vfwpost180.us

DEPOE BAY

HARRISBURG

May 25 - 11 a.m. – The 70th Annual Fleet of Flowers hosts Harbor Front ceremony. Local fishing vessels will sail to cast flowers upon the ocean in memory of all who have lost their lives at sea, and U.S. armed forces men and women killed in action. Guest speakers: State Rep. David Gomberg and Bob Elder.

Reception at the U.S. Coast Guard Station. Contact: Debby Metz, 541-765-2150 or Tonya York, 541-270-1508

May 25 - 8 a.m. – Ceremonial flag raising at the River Bank Gazebo. Boy Scouts will place a wreath on the Willamette River to remember veterans lost or interred at sea. Contact: Margaret Kimbro, 541-998-6192, 4margaretkimbro@comcast.net.

EAGLE POINT May 25 - 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Eagle Point National Cemetery includes: guest speakers Sen. Ron Wyden; Rep Greg Walden; VA SORCC Interim Director Barbara Oemcke; Oregon National Guard and Marine Corps League Honor Guard; Bag Pipers; a flyover by local aircraft. Contact: Bob Huff, 541-601-9283 ESTACADA May 25 - 7 to 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 74 and Odd Fellows will host a breakfast at SW 2nd Ave. Donations suggested. Contact: Terry Brown, 503-867-6123

HILLSBORO May 25 - 1 p.m. – VFW Post 2666 and veteran organizations present a ceremony at Hillsboro Stadium. Speakers include Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici. Patriotic music: Local high schools. Contact: Dan Fink, 503-799-2665, www.vfw2666.org 2 p.m. – Ceremony at Veterans Gateway, NE 34th Ave. and Veterans Drive. Color Guard: U.S. Marine Corps. Guest speaker: Sheriff Pat Garrett, Iraq/Afghanistan veteran, U.S. Army Reserve.

Contact: Vicki Horn, 503-846-3051, www.co.washington.or.us/ HHS/DAVS/Veterans/index.cfm 2:30 p.m. – “Oregon Remembers” ceremony at Fir Lawn Cemetery, 1070 W. Main St. Contact: Glenn Colangelo, 503-9450190 HOOD RIVER

EUGENE May 25 - 9 a.m. – Ceremony at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Catholic Memorial Day Mass, 200 Crest Drive. Contact: Dee Harbison, 541-686-2818 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Eugene Pioneer Cemetery, 18th and University Ave., hosted by American Legion Post 3. Patriotic music by Shasta Middle School. Military Honors: Civil War reenactors. Contact: Jim Walsh, 541-484-6630 12:30 p.m. – Ceremony at Lane Memorial Gardens, 5300 W. 11th Ave. Music: Willamette High School Choir. Military Honors: U.S. Marine Corps.

2:30 p.m. – Ceremony at West Lawn, 225 S. Danebo. Music: Willamette High School Choir. Military Honors: U.S. Marine Corps.

Contact: Dee Harbison, 541-686-2818 FOREST GROVE May 25 - 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 25 - 10 a.m. – Ceremony and program includes adding names to the Memorial Wall of Douglas County veterans killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Memorial wreath presentation: Frank A. Moore, U.S. Army, WWII. Location: Community Center, 20062 N. Umpqua Hwy. Refreshments will be served. Contact: John DeGroot, 541-496-0238

May 25 - 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.

Veterans’ plaques will be added to the “Bud Collins Walk of Honor.” Music: Hood River Valley High School band. Contact: Bob Huskey, 541-386-2599, idlewildecemetery@gorge.net INDEPENDENCE May 25 - 10 a.m. – Veterans groups to 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 10:45 a.m. – The State Airport, 4705 Airport Rd., hosts the 22nd annual pilot tribute to Oregon military and civilian aviators who have passed on. Guest speakers: State Rep. Paul Evans, Maj. USAF (Ret.); Paul Disney, Col. U.S. Army, (Ret). Picnic lunch in the Nutsch Aviation Hangar: $5 per person. Limited parking. A free shuttle from Marquis Spa on Hoffman Road. Contact: Danny Jaffer, 503-838-1273 JUNCTION CITY May 25 - 10 a.m. – A 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, 541-998-6192, 4margaretkimbro@comcast. net KLAMATH FALLS May 25 - 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.

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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.

day events 12 p.m. – 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 LA PINE May 25 - 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 45’s ceremony will be held at the Community Cemetery, Reed Rd. off Hwy. 97. A public open house and BBQ will be held later at Post 45, 52532 Drafter Rd. Contact: Pat Cotton, 541-536-1402

11:15 a.m. – Ceremony at the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Living Memorial with military honors, rifle salute, and Taps. Guest speaker: Col. Paul Fitzgerald, Oregon Air National Guard.

Contact: Ron Cannon, 503-819-4228

May 25 - 12 p.m. – Ceremony with guest speakers, at Deer Creek Cemetery on Lake Shore Drive, hosted by American Legion Post 70. Contact: Bob Soria, 541-592-6856

PRINEVILLE

SISTERS

May 25 - 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

May 25 - 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 86 and VFW Post 8138 will host a ceremony at the Village Green Park, at Fir St. and Washington Ave. A BBQ will be served afterward. Contact: Pat Bowe, 541-719-0049

LA GRANDE May 25 - 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 43 presents a ceremony and Avenue of Flags at Grandview Cemetery. Speaker: Rev. Roger Cochrane. The flags will remain lighted overnight and displayed May 23-25. Contact: John Craig, 541-786-5148

RAINIER

LEBANON

REDMOND

May 25 - 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: Lt. Col. Mathew Wyatt. More than 550 U.S. burial flags will be displayed. Contact: Ray Johnson, 541-451-1351

May 25 - 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast will be served at Post 44, 704 SW 8th St. Donations accepted.

MALIN May 25 - 7 to 10 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 25 - 10 a.m. – VFW Post 3973 will hold a ceremony at Adams Cemetery, Adams Cemetery Rd. Contact: Jason Carroll, 503-824-3608 MT. ANGEL May 25 - 9:30 a.m. – A 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. Refreshments will be served at American Legion Post 89, 740 College St. Contact: Jim Kosel, 503-845-6119 MYRTLE CREEK (TRI CITY) May 25 - 8 to 10 a.m. – Breakfast for veterans and families at Veterans Memorial Bldg., American Legion Post 123, 252 S. Pacific Hwy. Veterans are free; donations accepted for others.

Contact: Roy Brogden, 541-863-3857 NEWBERG May 25 - 8 to 11 a.m. – 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.

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

12 p.m. – Community BBQ. Contact: Faith Gerstel, 503-538-9151 OREGON CITY May 25 - 10 a.m. – Mountain View Cemetery, 500 Hilda St., will host a program with music. Guest speaker: Jim McDonald, U.S. Navy retired. Light refreshments will be served. Contact: Mountain View Cemetery, 503-657-8299 PORTLAND May 25 - 10 a.m. – Ceremony with live patriotic music, a joint military Honor Guard, and veterans’ organizations flag procession at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd.

10 a.m. – Reading of the 803 names of Oregon service members killed in action in Vietnam who appear on the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Living Memorial, 4022 SW Canyon Rd.

SELMA

May 25 - 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, 503-883-1091

11 a.m. – 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.

Contact: Jack Newcom, 541-526-1371 REEDSPORT May 24 - 2 p.m. – Parade on Longview Avenue, at Highlands Elementary School, travels north on Hwy. 101. A memorial service will follow the parade at Hahn Memorial Park.

4 to 6:30 p.m. – Veterans’ dinner at United Presbyterian Church, 2360 Longview Dr. 7 p.m. – Music concert at Pacific Auditorium/Reedsport Charter School, 2260 Longwood Dr. May 25 - 9 a.m. – Ceremony at the Masonic Cemetery, 3021 Longwood Dr.

SPRINGFIELD May 25 - 9 a.m. – American Legion Post 40 flag ceremony at Mohawk and I St. Elks Lodge Color Guard. Contact: Frank Blair, 541-998-2839 10 a.m. – Ceremony at Springfield Memorial Gardens, 5305 Main St. Music: Willamette High School Choir. Military Honors: U.S. Marine Corps. Contact: Dee Harbison, 541-686-2818 TERREBONNE May 25 - 9 a.m. – A memorial ceremony will be held at Pioneer Cemetery, 485 NW Larch Ave. Contact: Jack Newcome, 541526-1371 THE DALLES May 25 - 12 p.m. – A memorial ceremony, wreath laying, military honors by American Legion Post 19 will be held at the Sorosis Park, Kelly Viewpoint Veterans Memorial. Contact: Vandee Mauser, 541-993-4300 TIGARD May 25 - 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, 503-624-2332, www.americanlegion158.com

Contact: Margo and Ron Thompson, 541-271-3940 TILLAMOOK ROSEBURG May 25 - 11 a.m. – Ceremonial tribute at the Roseburg VA Cemetery Annex with military honors rendered by VFW Post 2468, wreath presentations, guest speaker, and Taps. Afterwards a public picnic at the Stewart Park Pavilion. Contact: John McDonald, 541-580-6178 SALEM May 21 - 11 a.m. – Ceremony at Chemeketa Community College, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE. Guest speakers: County Commissioner Kevin Cameron and Councilor Daniel Benjamin. Contact: Lupe Reyna, 503-589-7702 May 25 - 11 a.m. – The Greater Salem Area Veterans Organization hosts a ceremony at City View Cemetery, 390 Hoyt St. SE. Military honors: GSAVO. Multiple wreath presentations.

Speaker: Stu Weber, Vietnam veteran. Free lunch is served afterwards at VFW Post 661, 630 Hood St. NE. Contact: Kerry Wymatelek, 503-881-8303 11 a.m. – “Oregon Remembers” ceremony at Restlawn Memorial Garden, 201 Oak Grove Rd. NW. Contact: Glenn Colangelo, 503-945-0190 3 p.m. – Ceremony at the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial, 700 Summer St. NE. The names of Oregon veterans killed in action listed on the Memorial’s Wall will be read. Guest speaker: State Sen. Brian Boquist. Military honors: McNary High School JROTC. Contact: Mike Allegre, 503-373-2389

May 25 - 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: Linton Whittles, U.S. Marine Corps. Boy Scout Troop 586 will present the colors. Refreshments will be served. Contact: Dean Crist, 503-842-6213 TUALATIN May 25 - 10:45 a.m. – Ceremony at Winona Cemetery, 9900 SW Tualatin Rd. Honored Veteran: U.S. Marine and Vietnam helicopter pilot Norb Murray. Police Honor Guard and static display by Tualatin Valley Fire Dept. Free community picnic at Tualatin Community Park. Contact: Dale Potts, 503-692-1832, dalegpotts@gmail.com VERNONIA May 25 - 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 104 will host a ceremony at Vernonia Cemetery. Military honors: Post 104 Honor Guard. Guest speaker: Edward VanDyke, Deputy Director, ODVA. Contact: Bill Shields, 503-649-5099 WASCO May 25 - 7:30 to 11 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 at 11 a.m. Contact: Carol MacKenzie, 541-442-5079

SCAPPOOSE May 25 - 10 a.m. – VFW Post 4362 will host a memorial service with a guest speaker at Heritage Park on SE 1st. Contact: Tom Ford, 503-543-7381 SEASIDE May 25 - 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 99 and Elks Lodge 1748 will host a ceremony at the Post, 1350 Broadway. Guest speaker: Luke Thomas, Clatsop County Veteran Service Officer. Contact: Bud Thompson, 503-338-8019

WILSONVILLE May 25 - 10 a.m. – The 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 WOODBURN May 25 - 10:30 a.m. – The annual Remembrance Ceremony is hosted by American Legion Post 46 at Belle Passi Cemetery, 997 Belle Passi Cemetery Rd. An Avenue of Flags will have nearly 300 burial flags. Contact: Dan Evers, 503-981-1470 SPRING 2015

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DEVELOPMENT CENTER HELPS COUPLE START BUSINESS Story and picture courtesy of Cindy Fetty, Clackamas Community College Small Business Center

If you ask Jose Radillo and Annabel Ortega de Radillo what their one-year goal was, last year, they would have said that they wanted to start their own painting business.

Jose had worked for a contractor for 10 Jose Radillo and Annabel years and Annabel has Ortega de Radillo served in the military and is still an engineering officer in the Oregon Army National Guard, now serving one weekend per month.

With two young children to care for, and the time to work together, the Radillo’s looked to the Veteran’s Representative Myrna Rattle of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for some guidance in fulfilling their goal.

“With the affordability, we signed up for the Small Business Greenhouse 16 week course, hoping to get some assistance on how we would get started,” Annabel said.

The Radillo’s got more than just assistance from the course. So much so, that they were able to actually start their business while still in the middle of the course,

ahead of their original goal.

“The class taught us everything we needed to know about how to start our business. At this point, I don’t think there is anyone we haven’t seen at the SBDC or any business consulting we haven’t taken advantage of or will continue to utilize.” Annabel said.

“One thing we learned quickly was to source out what we didn’t know initially, so we can focus on building and working on the business.” she added.

With her background in design, she was able to design the website for the business. The website not only showcases Jose’s amazing and professional portfolio, but numerous testimonials from extremely satisfied customers, many of whom are veterans who receive a special discount.

Where there was still a learning curve, the Radillo’s have consulted with the SBDC to learn the necessary resources for accounting, bookkeeping, marketing, managing, and for getting a contractor’s license. Their ultimate goal? Continue to be able to do this together while growing their business.

“We feel prideful that we run a Veteran and Familyowned business. We truly run a business that serves our country, community and neighbors.” she added.

Learn more about their business at www. empowerpainting.com 

CIVIL AIR PATROL VETERANS AWARDED CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL Story and photo by Tom Traver, Lt. Col., Oregon Civil Air Patrol

P O RT L A N D – S i x members of the Oregon Civil Air Patrol during World War II were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at the annual awards banquet of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Columbia Composite Squadron on February 16.

Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley presented the medals to several Oregon families in recognition of the service by their loved ones.

Texas-Mexico border. He later served as the Oregon wing commander reaching the grade of colonel. His widow, Iris, and three sons (Richard, Dale and Don) attended the ceremony.

George Felt was born in Nebraska and started his career in aviation at the Roseburg Airport where he worked on airplanes. At age 29, he learned to fly at the age of 15 and later the Oregon Wing of Civil Air. His granddaughter, Lori Adams of Roseburg, accepted the medal on behalf of her grandfather.

The only surviving CAP honoree, Ms. Hellenmerie “Rie” (Fiatte) Walker, 89, of Former Civil Air Patrol member “Rie” (Fiatte) Lewiston, Ida., personally Walker, 89, was awarded a Congressional Gold While flying a southern accepted the award because Medal by Sen. Jeff Merkley in February as liaison coastal patrol mission she was unable to travel to Walker’s daughter Karliene Zack watched. on Jan. 17, 1944, Harry M. Washington, D.C. to receive Hewitt lost his life. He was 28 it. Walker’s daughter had years old. A Colorado native, Hewitt was raised in attended the national ceremony on her behalf in Dec. Eugene and had been a senior member of CAP for 10, 2014. one year. Prior to joining CAP he was an enlisted man As a teenager, serving as a cadet from 1942 to 1944, Walker was assigned guard duty to keep watch on B-25 bombers located at the The Dalles airport. She later walked neighborhoods in Portland to remind residents about the “blackout” order of showing no lights after dark. Walker later rejoined the Civil Air Patrol and served as a medical officer and administrative officer.

Eventually promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, she also worked on many aircraft searches and search exercises, led trips for cadets to British Columbia, Canada for airshows where they would help direct aircraft traffic and perform other duties.

Five other honorees were awarded the medal posthumously.

At age 34, Obed “Pancho” Donaldson became a CAP member on Dec. 1, 1941, the day the Civil Air Patrol was founded, just six days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. During his wartime service, Donaldson was a pilot with the Southern Liaison Patrol on the 8

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in the U.S. Army Air Corps. At the national award ceremony in Washington, D.C., Hewitt’s son Harry Hewitt Dichter, of Oregon, received the bronze medal for his father.

Most of the Civil Air Patrol flying was done by men during World War II and about 20 percent of the members were women who served in many important functions. One of those ladies was Ms. Dean Jones, a resident of eastern Oregon. Because Jones’s family was unable to attend the ceremony, a close family friend, State Rep. Greg Barreto, accepted the medal for them.

The Congressional Gold Medal was granted to Civil Air Patrol volunteers from World War II on May 10, 2014. It is one the two highest civilian awards in the United States. It is awarded to persons “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field long after the achievement.” 

KLAMATH VETERANS LOST IN WWII, KOREA, VIETNAM

By Judith Hassen, Guest Contributor

An emotionally moving exhibit of photographs and biographical information about military members from Klamath County who died during their service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, has been created at the Klamath County Museum in Klamath Falls.

Museum volunteer, Cliff Ambers, a U.S. Army veteran (Vietnam era), and the museum’s curator, Lynn Jeche, found the materials used to make the 1954 KIA monument at the county courthouse and determined that with the materials and more information from old newspapers, an exhibit could be made that would be more than a list of names.

This exhibit will portray how Klamath County servicemen were involved in many facets of these wars and remind visitors that the county’s dead are buried in nearly every American cemetery overseas.

As the project grew more volunteers were added including Bill Anderson, an Army veteran researcher, computer researcher Dave Mattos, and editor Holly Owens. Their expertise extended the search for materials to internet sites and cemeteries and enhanced the exhibit and will help create a traveling exhibit that will be used at various venues.

What the research team discovered were many variations of stories of personal sacrifice, of putting aside the individual’s needs in order to fulfill their country’s needs. They left family and friends behind and stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, landed on Iwo Jima and many other South Pacific islands.

The examples of Klamath County men who paid the ultimate sacrifice in each war are numerous and compelling. Of the 193 Klamath County servicemen who died in service during World War II, three were killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. There were nine Klamath POW’s who died in Japanese prison camps, primarily from Bataan and Corregidor, and on POW ships. Three men died in the D-Day landing at Normandy. Eight Klamath Marines died at Iwo Jima in 1945.

In Europe, a dozen more servicemen died in Italy, another dozen in Germany, and several at the Battle of the Bulge. Among these casualties were four sets of brothers.

During the Korean War, 20 Klamath County servicemen were killed. In Vietnam, 25 more died while serving. Among those 45 KIA, four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars and a Navy Cross were awarded posthumously.

The exhibit is located at the museum, 1451 Main St. Call 541-883-4208 with questions. For scheduled showings visit the museum’s web site, www. klamathmuseum.org 

40 YEARS SINCE THE END OF THE

VIETNAM ERA TIMELINE

2,709,918 Americans served in uniform in Vietnam.

58,282 American military members lost their lives.

Two-thirds of the men serving in Vietnam were volunteers.

More than 303,000 Americans were wounded.

803 Oregonians were killed in action; 39 are Missing in Action.

37.2% of Oregon’s veterans are Vietnam era vets.

About 70% of those killed in action were volunteers.

Vietnam veterans represent 9.7% of their generation.

MAY 7, 1975 May 1961 After Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson visits South Vietnam, President John F. Kennedy sends 400 American Green Beret ‘Special Advisors’ to train South Vietnamese soldiers.

Oct. President Kennedy sends additional military advisors along with American helicopter units to transport and direct South Vietnamese troops in battle, thus involving Americans in combat operations.

Aug. Johnson orders a halt in the bombing, which lasted 37 days; asks Congress for $1.7 billion for the war.

Dec. U.S. troop strength in Vietnam exceeds 200,000.

March 1966 Oregon Sen. Wayne Morse leads an attempt to repeal the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which fails in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 92 to 5.

April U.S. troop levels peak at 543,400; 33,641 Americans have been killed.

July The first of a 14-stage U.S. troop withdrawal begins.

Dec. U.S. troop levels reduced by 115,000 men; 40,024 Americans have been killed.

June 1970 American use of jungle defoliants (Agent Orange) is halted. The U.S. Senate repeals the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

Jan. 1962 Operation Chopper marks the first time US forces participate in major combat in Vietnam.

July U.S. intensifies bombing raids against portions of the Ho Chi Minh trail.

Feb. U.S. military employs the use of Agent Orange – a herbicide to reduce dense jungle foliage.

Dec. About 389,000 American troops are stationed in Vietnam. More than 6,000 have been killed.

Dec. U.S. troop levels drop to 280,000.

April 1971 - The last U.S. Marine combat units depart Vietnam.

July to Aug. 1963 Buddhist monks protest the war by publicly burning themselves to death in South Vietnam.

Feb. 1967 Diplomatic peace efforts fail. U.S. resumes bombing of North Vietnam.

Dec. U.S. troop levels drop to 156,800.

July 1972 - Paris peace talks resume.

May President Johnson publicly urges North Vietnam to accept a peace compromise.

Dec. Operation Linebacker II - the most intensive bombing campaign of the war ends.

October 46 percent of Americans believe U.S. military involvement in Vietnam is a "mistake."

Feb. 1973 Operation Homecoming begins the release of 591 American POWs from Hanoi.

Nov. Robert McNamara joins a growing list of Johnson's top aides who resigned over the war.

March 29, 1973 The last remaining American troops withdraw from Vietnam.

Dec. U.S. troop levels: 463,000 with 16,000 combat deaths.

Aug. 1974 Richard M. Nixon resigns the presidency as result of Watergate.

Jan. 1968 More than 80,000 Viet Cong and NVA troops launch widespread attacks during the Tet Offensive.

Dec. North Vietnam's leaders meet in Hanoi to form a plan for final victory.

Nov. President Kennedy reconsidered his Vietnam strategy; hundreds of soldiers were enroute to the U.S. at the time of his assassination.

Dec. President Johnson's top aides recommend a policy of gradual escalation of U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. 16,300 Americans military advisors were in Vietnam.

March 1964 Defense Secretary Robert McNamara visits South Vietnam and vows to “win the battle against the Communist insurgents."

The U.S. National Security Council recommends the bombing of North Vietnam.

Aug. The U.S. Congress passes the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, giving President Johnson power to protect American forces in Vietnam.

Sept. Johnson meets with his top aides to discuss a future course of action in Vietnam.

Nov. The first attack by Viet Cong against Americans occurs at Bien Hoa air base.

Johnson wins the presidential election in a huge landslide.

March 1965 President Johnson authorizes the bombing campaign, Operation Rolling Thunder.

May The first U.S. combat units arrive in Vietnam.

American ground forces engage the Viet Cong in direct for the first time.

Johnson signs into law an amendment to the Selective Service Act that will criminalize the destruction of draft cards.

Feb. In the Battle for Saigon, 35 enemy battalions are defeated by 50 battalions of American and Allied troops.

March Johnson announces his surprise decision not to seek re-election.

April Peace talks begin in Paris.

Oct. To encourage peace talks Johnson halts the bombing of North Vietnam.

April 29, 1975 President Gerald R. Ford orders the helicopter evacuation of 7,000 Americans and South Vietnamese from Saigon.

April 30, 1975 The last American civilians and 10 Marines from the embassy depart Saigon. North Vietnamese troops storm into Saigon. The war is over.

May 7, 1975 President Ford declares the Vietnam war-era ended.

Dec. U.S. troop levels reached 495,000 with 30,000 American deaths to date. In 1968, over a thousand a month were killed.

Jan. 1969 Richard M. Nixon is inaugurated as the 37th U.S. President; the fifth president to cope with Vietnam.

SPRING 2015

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The proud history and undaunted service of the U.S. Navy Reserve is being celebrated nationwide this year as the reserve component turns 100 years old.

And while 100 years is a very significant milestone, 2015 also marks the 240th anniversary of the creation of the Navy.

Walter Waters, leader of the Bonus Army, led some 300 Portland veterans on an 18-day journey to the U.S. Capitol to seek immediate payment of the $1.25 per day bonus promised to veterans by Congress.

TEEN FILMMAKERS HEADED TO NATIONAL HISTORY COMPETITION Reprinted with permission of Kathy Aney, East Oregonian

Oregonian (newspaper) columnist Jeff Mapes last year dubbed tiny Griswold High School “a farm team for the History Channel.”

Located in Helix (near Pendleton), population 184, the school is a perennial power at the state National History Day competition in Portland. Helix students have traveled to Washington, D.C., for the national competition the last 13 years in a row where the Helix documentary filmmakers make the finals with regularity.

This year, two Helix teams will again compete at nationals June 14-18 after winning first and second for best documentary at the state competition at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, April 18th .

The winning duo, Bradey Cope and Paden Flerchinger, also earned the competition’s Best Entry Award among the almost 100 participants in multiple categories. The team won airfare to D.C. With their 10-minute video, the young documentarians introduce viewers to a man named Walter W. Waters. The World War I veteran from Burns led a protest in Washington, D.C., that some say eventually led to creation of the G.I. Bill, a law that provides education and low-cost loans to service members.

Waters had returned home from war and looked for work. As with many other men who had fought in WWI, his savings were depleted and jobs were hard to find. Congress had authorized a one-time payment to veterans, but it wouldn’t be given until years later.

“It was called ‘the Tombstone Bonus,’” Cope said, “because by the time you got it, so many years would have passed, you’d be dead.”

Waters, who lived in Portland after the war, organized about 300 men in 1932 to travel to Washington, D.C., to support a bill that would move up the date for receiving bonuses. The so-called “Bonus Army” took the train, riding in cattle cars. When they arrived at the Capitol, the veterans had attracted about 20,000 other supporters who camped in buildings abandoned during the Great Depression and marched against the slow bonus.

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“It was pretty much the first civil rights movement,” Cope said.

Congress defeated the bill 62-18. Four years later, however, legislators authorized $2 billion in bonuses and in 1945 passed the G.I. Bill.

“Roosevelt vetoed the bill, then Congress overrode the veto,” Cope said. “It helped pull Americans out of the Great Depression.”

The pair of young documentary filmmakers started with an idea and not much else.

“The topic is kind of obscure,” Flerchinger said.

“There’s not a lot out there.”

They conducted interviews of a National Guard recruiter, a West Point professor and a woman who experienced the Great Depression. They wrote a narration and whittled it from 20 minutes to 10.

They located photos in the Oregon Historical Society archives. They got behind the microphone and then spent hours editing. The result was “Walter W. Waters and the Bonus Army: A Soldier’s Legacy.”

The second-place state team of Tucker Wilson and Connar Westfall actually beat Cope and Flerchinger during an earlier competition in Helix.

“It was rather an upset victory for them (at state),” said their teacher and advisor Lorin Kubishta.

Wilson and Westfall’s documentary focuses on the Scopes Monkey Trial, where John Scopes was tried in 1925 for breaking Tennessee law by teaching evolution to his high school class. Attorney Clarence Darrow defended Scopes. Kubishta expects great things of both teams at nationals.

“Both documentaries are exceptionally strong,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if one or both make finals in D.C. — that’s how good they are.”

Victory at state isn’t an automatic ticket to the nationals, said Denise Brock, education director at the Oregon Historical Society. If judges don’t think an entry will be competitive at the national level, they won’t advance it.

“If you’re going to represent the state of Oregon,” Brock said, “it has to be good.” 

Celebrations will be held nationwide throughout 2015 including one in Portland on May 16th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park at the USS Oregon mast. The keynote speaker, Rear Adm. Paula Brown, will be introduced by ODVA Director Cameron Smith.

Chief of Navy Reserve, Vice Adm. Robin Braun recently told a celebration event at the Pentagon that 2015 is a year to remember the service and accomplishments of Reserve Sailors. “This centennial year provides the Navy Reserve with an opportunity to reflect on a century of service to our nation, thank those who have honorably served the force, and pay honor to those Reserve sailors who have selflessly given their lives in defense of our nation and its values,” The Navy Reserve’s mission is to deliver strategic and operational capability to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint Forces. Today, there are approximately 59,000 sailors in the Reserve, however reservists once dominated the Navy’s active duty ranks.

By an act of Congress, on March 3, 1915, the Navy Reserve initially was composed of recently retired sailors who left the service with an honorable discharge. Before World War I a swift reorganization in 1916 allowed “enrollment of citizens” without prior service—including women—and the commissioning of officers below the rank of lieutenant commander.

When the U.S. entered that war on April 6, 1917 there were 8,000 sailors serving in the Navy Reserve Force. When the fighting ended on Nov. 11, 1918, more than 250,000 were on active duty, which was more than half of the war-time Navy.

The first U.S. shots fired in anger in World War II came from reserve sailors from the destroyer USS Ward (DD-139) who sank a Japanese midget submarine two hours before the aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941.

About 45,000 sailors were in the reserve at the start of that war. That number grew to almost 3 million four years later which comprised nearly 84 percent of the Navy. More than 100,000 women served in the Navy Reserve during World War II. There have been several significant milestones for the Navy Reserve to include: • Nearly 200,000 reserve sailors mobilized during the Korean War, including many World War II veterans. Navy Reserve aviators flew nearly 75 percent of the Navy’s combat sorties.

• More than 22,000 reserve sailors were mobilized for the first Gulf War. • Since Sept. 11, 2001, about 70,000 Navy Reserve sailors have completed more than 70,000 mobilizations worldwide.

• Five U.S. presidents served in the Navy Reserve: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford and George H. W. Bush. 

CHOICE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY EXPANDING WASHINGTON – In order to expand eligibility for the Veterans Choice Program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced April 24th that it has changed the calculation used to determine the distance between a veteran’s residence and the nearest VA medical facility from a straight line distance to driving distance.

Distance will now be calculated based on driving miles from the veteran’s home to a VA facility.

VA Secretary Robert McDonald said the department recognizes that 40 miles as the “crow flies” does not translate into 40 miles as a veteran drives, so the department is reinterpreting its rules to enable more vets to take advantage of nearby private health care options.

Under the Veterans Choice Act, veterans living more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility have the option of going to a local health care provider.

But under the law – as originally drafted – that was 40 miles as a straight line from the veteran’s home to the VA facility. McDonald said the VA has determined that changing the distance calculation will help ensure more veterans have access to care when and where they want it.

Veterans seeking to use the Veterans Choice Program should call 1-866-606-8198 to confirm their eligibility and to schedule an appointment.

Since the Choice Program went into effect on last November, more than 45,000 medical appointments have been scheduled. 

VA HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY FACTOR ELIMINATED WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating the way it determines eligibility for VA health care, a change that will result in more veterans having access to the health care benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

VA has eliminated the use of net worth as a determining factor for both health care programs and copayment responsibilities. This change makes VA health care benefits more accessible to lower-income veterans. This brings VA policies in line with VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald’s MyVA initiative which reorients VA around veterans’ needs.

Instead of combining the sum of veterans’ income with their assets to determine eligibility for medical care and copayment obligations, VA will now only consider a veteran’s gross household income and deductible expenses from the previous year. Elimination of the consideration of net worth for VA health care enrollment means that certain lower-income; non-service-connected veterans will have less out-of- pocket costs. Over a 5-year period,

it is estimated that 190,000 veterans will become eligible for reduced costs of their health care services.

After eliminating the annual requirement for updated financial information, in March 2014, VA now uses information from the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration to automatically match individual veterans’ income information. This reduces the burden on veterans to keep their healthcare eligibility up to date. That change better aligned VA’s health care financial assessment program with other federal health care organizations.

Veterans may submit updated income information at www.1010ez.med.va.gov, or by visiting their nearby VA health care facility.

For more information, visit www.va.gov/ healthbenefits or call VA toll-free at 1-877222-VETS (8387). 

NEW DIRECTOR AT ROSEBURG MC ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has appointed Douglas Paxton as the new director of the VA Roseburg Healthcare System (VARHS). Paxton will oversee delivery of health care to more than 27,000 Veterans and an operating budget of $167 million, according to the VA. Paxton was named interim director last October and was officially appointed on May 3.

“We are excited to bring Mr. Paxton on board as the new director of the VA Roseburg HCS Healthcare System,” said Lawrence H. Carroll, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 Director.

“His sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve. " The VA says Paxton, formally Associate Director at the Louisville VAMC since 2012, has been serving in the capacity of Acting Director at the VAMC Roseburg since October 2014. He filled a similar roll from October 2013 to February 2014 when he served as the Interim Director at the Louisville VAMC. As Acting Director at Louisville, Paxton was responsible for overall operations of the Medical center and all affiliated clinics, just as he has been at Roseburg.

Officials say Paxton has a Master of Social Work from Delaware State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Maryland. 

 EVENTS AND REUNIONS Warbird Over the West –A vintage aircraft fly-in, car show, military vehicles, and living history event at McNary Field in Salem, June 13, ((times)). A flight in a WWII B-25 bomber – “Grumpy” – will be offered. The event is a fundraiser for restoring Oregon’s B-17 bomber “Lacey’s Lady.” Call: 503-654-6491, www.b17alliancegroup.com.

The Vietnam "Moving Wall" at Milwaukie High School’s football field, SE 21st and Washington St., July 23-27. The display is open 24 hours a day until 2 p.m. July 27. Veterans Parade: July 25, at 10 a.m., downtown. Event volunteers and sponsors needed. Contact: Jerry Craig, 503-723-9988, squish5213@comcast.net Portland Metro Veterans Connection Join veterans in the Portland Metro area on the 1st Wednesday of each month, at 6 p.m., to connect with other veterans for good conversation and to be part of a "community" of fellow veterans. Meet at 5600 NE Glisan St. Contact: Patti, 971-998-7362, www.pmvc.weebly.com American Women Vets’ Assoc. meets in Douglas Co. Female veterans from all US service branch/eras are invited to meet, become better informed, do service projects, and enjoy camaraderie. Monthly meeting is the 2nd Tue. of each month, 5 p.m., with a quarterly potluck at American Legion Post 16, 406 SE Oak St., Roseburg. Contact: Dona Brewer, 541-391-9813 Vietnam 25th Infantry Div., 1st Air CAV Vets Meet All veterans are welcome to meet for lunch and conversation on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Superking Buffet, 5105 SE 82nd Ave., Portland. Contact: Gary Hartt, 503-632-6955 US Merchant Marine - Navy Armed Guard Meets The Oregon AMMV meets on the 3rd Monday of the month, 11:30 a.m., Clackamas Banquet Facility, 15815 SE 82nd Dr. Contact: Max Guitierez, 503-789-7932 Douglas County Veterans Monthly Forum Veteran organization leaders discuss and develop common support issues for all veterans in SW Oregon. Briefings from VA Roseburg Healthcare Systems, county veteran service officer and veteran's agencies. Meetings: 5 p.m., third Tue. of each month at Roseburg American Legion Post 16, 406 SE Oak St. Contact: Jim, 541-672-4635, gunnerlittle@aol.com

County Veteran Service Offices Baker ..................... 541-523‑8223 Rick Gloria Benton .................. 541-758-1595 Mary Newman Clackamas ............ 503-650-5631 Janice Tayfoya

www.clackamascvso.com Clatsop .................. 503-791-9983 Luke Thomas Columbia ............... 503-366-6580 Russell Clark

www.columbiacvso.com Coos....................... 541-396‑3121, Ext. 362 Eric Gleason Crook...................... 541-447‑5304 Angela Gilley Curry ...................... 866-298-0404 Tony Vouday

www.currycvso.com Deschutes ............. 541-385‑3214 Keith Macnamara Douglas ................. 541-440‑4219 Pat Plouard Gilliam ................... 541-384-6712 Bryan Hunt

www.tricountyvso.com Grant ..................... 541-575‑1631 Erin Osgood

www.grantcvso.com Harney.................... 541-573-1342 Guy McKay

www.harneycvso.com Hood River ............ 541-386-1080 Les Logsdon Jackson ................. 541-774-8214 Bob Carson Jefferson ............... 541-475-5228 Tom Weiss Josephine............... 541-474-5454 Lisa Shipley

www.josephinecvso.com Klamath ................ 541-883‑4274 Kathy Pierce

www.klamathcvso.com Lake ...................... 541-947‑6043 Charles Pike

www.lakecvso.com Lane ...................... 541-682‑4191 Joseph Reiley

www.lanecvso.com Lincoln .................. 541-574-6955 John Reed Linn ....................... 800-319-3882 Kim Grooms Malheur ................ 541-889‑6649 Connie Tanaka Marion.................... 503-373-2085 ODVA

www.marionpolkcvso.com Morrow .................. 541-922-6420 Linda Skendzel Multnomah ........... 503-988‑8387 Eric Ensley Polk ....................... 503-373-2085 ODVA

www.marionpolkcvso.com Sherman ............... 541-565-3408 Bryan Hunt

www.tricountyvso.com Tillamook .............. 503-842-4358 Bill Hatton

www.tillamookcvso.com Umatilla ................. 541-278‑5482 Stan Getz

www.umatillacvso.com Union ..................... 541-962‑8802 Byron Whipple

www.unioncvso.com Wallowa.................. 541-426‑3155, Ext. 241 Charlie Neveau Wasco ................... 541-506-2502 Russell Jones Washington ........... 503-846-3060 Vicki Horn

www.washingtoncvso.com Wheeler.................. 541-763-3032 Bryan Hunt

www.tricountyvso.com Yamhill .................. 503-434‑7503 Jerry Wilson

www.yamhillcvso.com

Advisory Committee to the ODVA Since the Advisory Committee was established in 1945, it has held a distinct and fundamental role as advisors to the Director of ODVA. Advisory Committee members include: Tony García Dennis G. Guthrie Al Herrera , Chair

J. Ryan Howell Michael Jones Trisa E. Kelly

Gerard F. Lorang Mary J. Mayer Kevin J. Owens

To contact the Advisory Committee, please email vaac@odva.state.or.us or call 503-373-2383.

Public Meetings of the Advisory Committee to the ODVA

June 4, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.

Dept. of Public Safety Standards and Training 4190 Aumsville Highway in Salem, OR Meetings of the Advisory Committee are public meetings held quarterly.

Please contact 503-373-2383 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.

Connect with ODVA Benefits, Services and News Statewide Veteran Services (Salem) .................. 503-373-2085 Statewide Veteran Services (Portland) .............. 503-412-4777 Home Loans......................................................... 888-673-8387 Oregon Veterans' Home (The Dalles)................. 541-296-7190 Oregon Veterans' Home (Lebanon)..................... 541-497-7265 Conservatorship Services.................................... 503-373-2391 Website and E-subscribe to Info......................... www.oregon.gov/odva Facebook.............................................................. www.facebook.com/odvavet Blog....................................................................... www.oregondva.com SPRING 2015

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