Oregon War Veterans Blog

Oregon War Veterans Association Defends Military Service Members and their Families

For more Information:
Nellie deVries (541) 601-7272

Salem, OR— A new bill encourages Oregon legislators to find a solution to the financial hardships that deployed members of the military often face.  Many times these hardships are a direct result of their deployment.  Therefore, a public hearing was held on Friday in the House Judiciary Committee on a bill that will allow service members to effectively fight the civil abuses by creditors.  HB 2303, which was drafted by members of the Oregon Bar Association, will make creditors responsible for damages and attorney fees to veterans if they violate the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

“We need incentives for creditors to do the right thing in a timely fashion,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of the Oregon War Veterans Association who testified on behalf of the bill.  “Although the SCRA seeks to protect the rights of servicemen and women and has broad public and legislative support, the Act has no teeth for enforcement.  This bill will provide teeth and will hold creditors liable for damages.”

An amendment, if passed, will make a violation to the SCRA a civil rights violation and will exempt damages from taxation.  There is little opposition to the bill from creditors, as the bill provides creditors with a 30-day notice of the violation as well as a 30-day grace period to correct the violation.

“In some cases, the rise in suicide among service members is related to financial stress that escalates to out-of-control family stress and their inability to manage it” said Greg Warnock.  “It’s time legislators hold predatory creditors accountable for their abuses and neglect, and support the men and women who risk their lives for our country.”

In addition to HB 2303, the Oregon War Veterans Association has a fairly comprehensive legislative agenda that will cover a variety of different bills ranging from supporting the Oregon Youth Challenge Program and Family Service Emergency Assistance Program to tax credits for veterans. 

“Despite the current economic crisis, there’s still a lot of good things that can be done for veterans in Oregon, “said Warnock. “I’m very confident in OWVA’s ability to help move these bills through the legislature.

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Oregon Army National Guard’s Black Hawk Unit Mobilizes for Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Nellie deVries
541-601-7272

Oregon Army National Guard’s Black Hawk Unit Mobilizes for Iraq

(Salem) There was standing room only for the family and friends of the brave men and women of C/7-158 Aviation who mobilized for Iraq yesterday.  Two Detachments also joined these soldiers for deployment including 1/3/7-158 Aviation and 1/3/7-158 Aviation for a total of about 120 individuals from the Oregon Army National Guard.  The state also sent all 12 of the Oregon Guard's Black Hawk medical evacuation helicopters for the first time in Oregon’s history.

Many distinguished officials attended the ceremony and extended their gratitude to the Salem-based unit.   Among these officials were Governor Ted Kulongoski, U.S. Representative Kurt Schrader, Speaker Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas), and Representatives Jim Thompson (R-Dallas) and Bruce Hanna (R –Roseburg).

“We have your back while you’re gone,” said Speaker Dave Hunt (D-Clackamas) during his opening speech.  Hunt also emphasized the amount of support and respect the troops deserve from the Oregon Legislature.

For many of the soldiers mobilized yesterday, this would not be their first deployment.  In fact, soldiers in this unit have collectively completed 68 National Guard deployments and 30 Regular Army deployments prior to this mobilization.

Congressman Kurt Schrader told the troops, “Your dedication makes this country strong.”

One of the soldiers heading to Iraq in this deployment is Helicopter Pilot-Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4) Rob Brattain, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of Oregon War Veterans Association.  “This will be Rob’s third deployment to the area, and we are very proud of him,” said Greg Warnock, OWVA’s executive director.

These soldiers will depart for the Army Aviation Support Facility in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, on Saturday, where they will train for approximately two months prior to their 400-day deployment to Iraq.

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New content coming soon!

As you can see, not much has happened on this blog for some time.  That is changing.  OWVA has some great new volunteers eager to keep the information flowing.  Stay tuned for important updates about the Oregon National Guard, the 2009 Legislative Session, legal issues, fundraising, and service for veterans and their families in need!