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.

OWVA Confirms Maxwell’s Re-admittance to the Oregon University System

Salem, Oregon – The Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) is encouraged to announce that Jeff Maxwell, the Western Oregon University (WOU) student and veteran Marine who was wrongfully arrested and subsequently suspended from school for lawfully carrying a concealed weapon, may now re-enter the Oregon University System.

Earlier this year, Western Oregon University demanded Maxwell write a special research paper on the importance of following their policies – essentially a denouncement of his own lawful actions.  “We appreciate WOU’s concern and cooperation on this issue,” said Jesse Barton, the Salem attorney retained by OWVA to represent Maxwell.  “Maxwell will now be able to reenroll while the court case continues.”

Maxwell recently signed an agreement, negotiated by Jesse Barton with Assistant Attorney General Gary Cordy, effectively staying the research paper requirement until the Court of Appeals has a chance to review his case. 

After Maxwell’s arrest, OWVA retained Barton, who is also a veteran member of OWVA, to defend Maxwell after it became aware of the level of humiliation forced on him. 

“He did nothing wrong, but was arrested, humiliated, and suspended without the ability to properly defend himself. WOU’s actions infuriated veterans and gun rights advocates from all over the State,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of OWVA. 

WOU’s action against Maxwell caused him to lose the funds he prepaid for his education, lose academic credits for the courses he was enrolled in, and also lose his GI Bill educational benefits during his suspension. 

“We are happy that Maxwell may continue his education,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of OWVA. “We’re excited that WOU and Maxwell could reach a compromise on this one issue.”

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OWVA Urges State Legislature to Support the Oregon Youth Challenge Program

OWVA Asks for a “Do Pass” Recommendation

Salem, Oregon – Today, the Senate Committee on Education and General Government will hold a public hearing and work session on Senate Bill 920, which allows the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) to receive State School Fund distribution.  The OYCP is a mentor active, cost free, drug free, coed, residential/post-residential program conducted at the Central Oregon Training and Education Facility (COTEF) in Bend, Oregon.  It is an “at-risk” youth program that targets unemployed and underemployed male and female teens ages 16 to 18 that have dropped out or are struggling with school.  The program’s mission is to provide work skills and alternative learning opportunities to meet the unique individual needs of students in order to increase positive behavioral and academic skills.

“We realize that the legislature must deal with a faltering economy during one of the worst recessions this state has seen,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of the Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA).  “However, cutting the nation’s most successful program for “at risk” teens will not solve the problem.  It will make it worse.  In fact, that for every $1.00 dollar spent on the Oregon Youth Challenge Program, the State will receive $3.00 in matching Federal monies as of next year.  This is money our state must maintain. ”

The OYCP is the number one “at-risk” educational program in the nation and has successfully graduated over 3,000 students since 1994.   Over 80% of its graduates are successful post graduation and only 1% of its students have been detained in jail-a dramatically lower number than the “at-risk” teens who do not attend the program. 

Day after day, we hear legislators talk about the solution to Oregon’s economic recession being education.  In a year when education is a priority, diminishing the best academic program for “at-risk” teens is counterproductive.  Our teens and our state need this program.

“OWVA is heavily involved in the Oregon Youth Challenge Program in mentorship and fundraising “said Greg Warnock, the President of OWVA.  “In fact, one of my own sons is a successful graduate of OYCP.  OYCP is a very high priority for OWVA.  We will do whatever it takes to keep this program running.”

If SB 920 is passed out of committee with a “do pass” recommendation, it will head to Finance and Revenue for further consideration.

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Veteran Jeffery Maxwell Deserves Equal Protection of the Law

OWVA Supports Maxwell’s Appeal

Salem, Oregon – Today, Jeffery Maxwell, the Marine veteran WOU suspended after learning that he was lawfully carrying a concealed weapon on campus, filed a petition with the Oregon Court of Appeals for judicial review.  This petition starts an appeal of Western Oregon University’s (WOU) decision to suspend Maxwell and seeks to override the university’s requirements to be reinstated into the college.  These requirements add an extra burden solely on Maxwell for his reinstatement to any university under the Oregon University System. 

“This particular case encompasses much more than the Second Amendment right,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of the Oregon War Veterans Association.  “This case is about protecting this veteran’s rights.  Our association is about placing veterans first for their service to our country, and we want to ensure that Jeff Maxwell receives that same courtesy.”

In January, Maxwell was arrested for carrying a concealed handgun on campus.  The Polk County District Attorney’s Office later dismissed these charges when Maxwell confirmed that he had the necessary permit to carry a concealed weapon.  However, the dismissal of his charges did not change the university’s disciplinary decision to suspend Maxwell until June 12, 2009.
 
“This issue has become a matter of principle,” said Maxwell.  “I should not be punished for something that is unwarranted.  I’ve lost my educational benefits from the G.I. Bill, and have been publicly humiliated in front of my peers.  The university’s suspension decision is no more supported by the law than was my false arrest for lawful possession of concealed handgun.  I should be allowed to re-enroll under the same terms as anyone else.”

Without the appeal, Maxwell must complete a 10-page paper, with citations of authority, to be reinstated into the university in June.  Even with the completion of the paper, WOU still has the power and authority to accept or deny the essay, meaning it could further delay Maxwell’s re-enrollment.  WOU does not impose this type of enrollment requirement on anyone but Maxwell.

“It will be several months until the court issues its decision, so time becomes a factor,” said Jesse Barton, Maxwell’s legal counsel and one of OWVA’s attorneys.  “Our goal of the petition is to allow Jeff Maxwell, an honorably discharged Marine who compiled an excellent record at Western Oregon and at Linn-Benton Community College before that, and who is on the staff of the Mitchell Group Home in Albany, to continue his pursuit of his chosen professional field.”

The university now has 30 days to provide the Court of Appeals with the entire record of the university’s proceedings regarding this case.  A court date is expected in the upcoming months.

For more information, contact:

Jess Barton
Attorney at Law
jessbarton@msn.com
Phone (503) 391-6283

Greg Warnock
Executive Director, OWVA
greg@owva.org
Phone (503) 689-4145

# # #

OWVA raises over half a million dollars

10.17.08

Contact: Greg Warnock

503.689.4145

greg@owva.org

For Immediate Release

 

SALEM—Oregon War Veterans Association has received more than $500,000.00 in contributions from donors during the 2008 election cycle.  The funds have been used for numerous electoral and charitable projects that will help veterans and members of Oregon’s military families get the benefits they deserve.

 

“We have waited for many years to see contributions like the ones we have received this year.  It has been a long hard road, with our board members and directors working selflessly to help where we can,” OWVA’s Director, Greg Warnock, told a member of its community support team.

 

OWVA’s goal to raise One Million Dollars for its election and measure projects, and the establishment of the Military Family Support Foundation (a charity to help with emergency needs for military related families) has “had a great start,” said Warnock during a discussion with supporters.

 

OWVA is a 501(c)(19) War Veterans Association established to advocate for veterans and members of the military and their families.  Each election cycle it endorses candidates in a bi-partisan manner and works to elect officials who will be more sensitive to veterans’ issues.  Contributions to OWVA are tax deductible.

 

OWVA also supports projects that aid and comfort deployed troops and their families.  In 2003, it paid for several Christmas parties for deployed units, and supported 25 pieces of legislation—and saw 19 of them passed and signed by the Governor.

 

In 2005, OWVA paid for funeral expenses relating to travel for families of National Guard troops who were killed in Action, and raised money for the now famous “Save Christmas Project,” where it sent 45 pallets of donated goods to Oregon troops deployed to Afghanistan. 

 

In 2007, it wrote 12 pieces of legislation and saw some of the most creative new laws passed in support of vets and military families, including House Bill 3201, which gives tax deductions to National Guard members and health care providers who serve military families.

 

In 2008, OWVA has endorsed more than 75 candidates for public office, including candidates for Congress and the Oregon Legislature.  It has also paid for several Christmas parties for units being deployed to Iraq in 2009.

 

For more information about OWVA, visit its website at www.OWVA.org.

A trip down memory lane: OWVA Director Sends Letter to Legislators and Media - May 21, 2007

(Note: this letter was originally published on 5/27/2007 and is being republished today as a reminder to voters that veterans haven't always received the best representation from their elected officials!)

 

May 21, 2007

President Courtney

Senator Monnes-Anderson

Senator Carter

Senator Gordly

Senator Kruse

Senator Brown

Senator Schrader

Speaker Merkley

Representative Hunt

Representative Barnhart

Representative Rosenbaum

Representative Read

 

Veterans are very frustrated with the 2007 legislative session.

 

Oregon War Veterans Association is the fastest growing veterans assocition in Oregon, with more than 400 new war veteran members since January, and we are NOT happy.

 

How many times do you think I have heard, "we don't like the war, or the President's policies, but we do support veterans and our troops," from the leaders of this legislative session?  Everytime I turn around, I get that comment thrown at me.  But your actions do NOT support your words, words that now seem very much like political smoke and mirrors.

 

In 2003, our directors and members supported 28 legislative bills.  19 of them were passed, and signed by the Governor.  Last session, monumental steps were taken to prove the legislature's support of the our vets and deployed National Guard troops.

 

This year, however, we decided to keep our bills to a minimum, and focus on several key, important bills.  Of the 15 bills OWVA supported this session, only a few of them still remain viable.  These were good bills.  Bills that will help our troops deal with emergencies, when they return home from the war.  Bills that help disabled veterans fight for justice.  Bills that help veterans buy long term care policies, so they don't become problems for us in the future.  Bills that let more girls enter the Oregon Youth Challenge Progam.

 

This year, I will be surprised if any of our important bills make it to the Governor's desk.  What does that say about this session's legislative leadership?  What have veterans done to deserve this treatment?  How will it look to have this legislature turn on veterans and our returning troops?

 

A good case in point is HB 3009.  This bill has no fiscal impact on the State.  People who previously fought against the Oregon Veterans Home are now in support of adding more homes.  We have done our work to resolve many of the issues that people in the care industry had with a second veterans home, and now it looks like the Senate is going to kill our chances to build a new one in the near future.

 

We heard on Friday that Senator Monnes-Anderson is "not inclined to bring this bill back for a work session," essentially killing one of our highest priority bills.  It seems to me that there is too much political wrangling around the sponsors of our bills, and not enough concern for the bill's actual merit.

 

Perhaps I am mistaken.  We'll see.

 

Please carefully consider how disinfranchising Oregon's greatest citizens will have on the future of those citizens who have sacrificed their families, their health, and their carreers so that you folks can actually do the job that you do, and live with the influence and priviledges that you enjoy.

In the great scehme of things, veterans don't ask for even a portion of what they deserve.  But when we do ask for something, that means it is very important to us, and we expect our leaders to respect that, and give us at least as much attention as you do for the special interest groups who contantly have your ears and share your kleenex boxes.

 

Why aren't the ODVA and OMD emergency fund programs going to be funded again this year?  They each need $500,000.00 to help needy families.  You gave them the money last year, but refuse to give it this year, while 950 troops are returning to Oregon.  What kind of message is that?

You still have time to make a real difference for veterans and returning troops.

 

As a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foriegn Wars and the president of Oregon War Veterans Association, I strongly urge you to not kill anymore of our bills.  Please pass HB 3009.  Please vote to pass our remaining bills in Revenue and Ways and Means.  Please fund the emergency accounts as requested.  Please give us the respect we deserve. Let's not let HJM 9 be the best veteran's bills that you have passed this year.

 

Very sincerely,

 

Greg Warnock

OWVA

Memorial Day Events in Oregon

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Each year on Memorial Day, Americans pay honor to all of those who have died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

In recognition of the holiday’s rich history, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is announcing the Memorial Day celebrations occurring statewide of which the agency has been made aware.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868 as a day in which the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers would be decorated with flowers.

The holiday’s name was later changed to Memorial Day. In 1971, it became a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May.

MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS THROUGHOUT OREGON:

OWVA Director calls Lars Larson

On Wednesday (at approx. 11:45 AM), Greg Warnock called the Lars Larson Show on 750 KXL Radio, to express his primary reason for OWVA's endorsement of Kevin Mannix.

OWVA- Oregon Primary Races

Note from executive director, Greg Warnock:

OWVA rarely gets involved in Primary campaign races, unless candidates request an endorsement.

In 2008's Primary season, only four candidates asked for OWVA's endorsement. 

OWVA produces it's first widely viewed TV commercial- "OWVA endorses Kevin Mannix for Congress."

This TV Commercial is being aired on all Portland area networks and many Comcast Cable channels through May 20, 2008.