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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (March 25, 2015)
March 25, 2015 Career & Education Building Skills in the Military Tyrone Dumas of Portland has embarked on a Navy career serving as an Airman Appren- tice with an elite group known as the “Flying Eagles.” Stationed in Lemoore, Calif., Dumas is an aviation electronic technician for Fighter Squadron 122, one of the Navy’s most le- thal and versatile strike fighter aircrafts, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. “I like that the Navy has giv- en me the opportunity to trav- el,” said Dumas of his joys of serving. “It’s my job as senior airman Navy Airman Tyrone Dumas of Portland. to teach the new airman how we do things in the squadron,” add- ed Dumas. He went on to say he is very proud of his work as part of the squadron’s 1,140-mem- ber team , helping to protect America on the world’s oceans. Bridging Cultures C ontinued froM f ront Lee’s accomplishments in- clude serving IRCO for over 34 years in a multitude of leadership roles, most recently as associate director. He was key to provid- ing culturally specific services in the development of IRCO’s Asian Family Center and Africa House, and raising awareness of the need to address disparities in health, poverty, educational achievement, and access to com- munity resources among com- munities of color. As a former refugee himself, Lee embodies the vision of the organization’s commitment to helping each immigrant and ref- ugee family achieve their full potential in their new home. When he takes office on April 1, Lee will face a changing pic- ture for immigration and refugee issues. “Policies around refugees have drastically changed,” says Lee. “For example, during the late 70s, early 80s, as a refugee, you would be eligible for federal and state assistance for up to 38 months- cash and medical assis- tance, like the welfare programs offered in the United States. That is gone now. You can get at most 8 months now. Basically the policies say that within those 8 months you need to get a job and be able to support yourself and your family.” Lee also walks into a new leadership role during a time when more and more unaccom- panied minors are crossing into the United States on a regular basis. “That’s not something you saw as much 30 years ago,” Lee says. He says IRCO will have to continue to expand its services to the ever-changing face of im- migration and refugees coming to the United States. “That’s the thing about this work; it’s not always clear what the community will need next. We have English classes for the community, we have all of ser- vices that try to meet the needs of the populations we deal with, but it’s always changing, and my hope is just to meet those needs and be prepared for what comes next.” Lee will succeed Sokhom Tauch who successfully led the organization for 19 years, ex- panding its capacity to serve diverse communities with a well-deserved reputation for accountability and innovation. Tauch will become a special ad- visor at IRCO to aid in the lead- ership transition. For more information about the Immigration and Refugee Community Organization, as well as opportunities to volun- teer with the organization, visit irco.org or call 503-234-1541. IRCO offices are located at 10301 N.E. Glisan St. Page 5