Oregon War Veterans Blog

Sad news from the 41st

This morning, OWVA was notified that two members of the Oregon National Guard's 41st Infantry Combat Brigade were killed in Iraq.  A third soldier was wounded.  Very few details are available yet, but OWVA has told the Governor's Office, ORNG's General Staff and the 41st's Family Readiness Support Team that "we are here to help as needed."

Nearly 3,500 ORNG families are reeling from the news, especially since it has come so soon after our troops arrived in Iraq. 

In the past, OWVA has been asked to assist with funeral costs and transportation for extended family members.  "We do whatever is asked of us," said Greg Warnock, OWVA's executive director. OWVA is one of the few charitable organizations that has developed a close relationship with the 41st, and the General Staff of the Oregon National Guard. 

"Thank you again, I know you are tired of hearing me say this, but I really appreciate you and all you have done for me and the families of our soldiers," said Donna Herr, the Family Rediness Assistant for the 41st, to Warnock today.

OWVA spent time during the legislative session trying to get the legislature to fund the National Guard's Family Emergency Fund, and only had minor success.  Barely one-half of the funds requested were budgeted, so OWVA is asking for the public to help with their own emergency fund.  OWVA has operated an emergency fund for the National Guard since 2002, and has supported them as needed.

Please consider donating desperately needed charitable contributions to OWVA's ORNG Emergency Fund TODAY.  Contributions of any amount can be sent to OWVA, PO Box 8043, Salem, OR  97303.

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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