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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Oregon Legislature Cuts National Guard Budget While Troops Deploy

Salem, OR - OWVA is saddened by the Oregon Legislature's decision to cut the Oregon Military Department/National Guard (OMD) budget by more than 16% while 3,200 Oregon National Guard troops deploy to Iraq this year.

"I am so sick of hearing 'we got your back' by politicians in Oregon who voice their support for our military in pubic forums, but in committee and session hearings cut their support so drastically," said Greg Warnock, Director of Oregon War Veterans Association.

During the budget vote by the Oregon House, Representative Tim Freeman (R-Roseburg) - the only member to voice his opinion on the budget bill - said, "I voted yes on this bill in committee, and will vote yes on this bill today. But, I think it is unconscionable that we could be passing a budget with such drastic cuts, while we are in a war with Oregon Troops deployed." 

Most of the troops deploying to war zones this year have been there two or three times already, and some have been there four times. Each of these families has suffered for many years while in the deployment cycle, and needed more help than ever from the legislature, especially for their emergency family fund support.

During the 2009 legislative session, OWVA asked for $850,000 to properly fund the National Guard's family emergency assistance fund. The legislative sub committee which oversaw the military budget process this year only authorized $250,000 to fund the emergency fund. After OWVA's loud complaints to the legislative leadership, they decided to raise the fund contribution from $250,000 to $450,000, which is still a decrease from previous years.

In the past two biennia, the legislature gave the fund $500,000. But, during each of those biennia the Oregon Military Department ran out of funds for emergencies within 18 months, so OWVA asked for more money this session. This year, the Oregon Military Department/National Guard has deployed more troops to war than at any other time since WWII.

This is a legislative FAILURE, in our opinion, and a tragedy for our military families. Military members, who have endured multiple years of deployments and subsequent financial hardships, cannot continue to support their families with even the most basic housing and utility costs. Many of them have already used up their home equities to subsidize their income, cashed in their savings accounts, sold assets and depleted other family resources just to survive the previous 18-24 month deployments. Some of these families will undoubtedly become homeless while their heads of household are dodging bullets and IEDs in Iraq.

During the next week, the directors and supporters of OWVA will more thoroughly review this legislative session's treatment of Oregon's veterans and military members by reviewing all of the veteran related bills, and will publish their review online and as a press release.

 

OWVA Partners with Mattress World to Help Veterans and their Families

Salem, Oregon – Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) is proud to partner with Mattress World in an effort to help veterans and military families during the month of May.  OWVA has actively participated with the Oregon National Guard's Family Readiness Group (ORNG's FRG) and family assistance program providers.  Since 2002, OWVA has helped hundreds of families with emergency housing, medical bills, and transportation issues.  OWVA works directly with the general staff and FRG system for the ORNG.

"I am so proud to help OWVA raise funds to help Oregon's military families,” said Sherri, the owner of Mattress World. “I can't imagine what it would be like to leave your family to serve your country, and be forced to rely on the charity of others. Thank you so much for the opportunity to let us help you."

This month, 3,200 members of the Oregon National Guard are being deployed to Iraq and will leave their families behind to struggle during this economic recession.  OWVA will do everything possible to help relieve the stress that comes with financial emergencies.

All funds donated through the Mattress World Public Service project will be dedicated to OWVA's charitable service projects and programs.  We will provide a tax deductible receipt for your contribution upon request.

Please send your donations to:

OWVA

PO Box 8043

Salem, OR  97303

OR, donate online at: www.owva.org

 

Thank you for supporting Oregon's veterans and military families!

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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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