Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (June 22, 1994)
Limited Edition PATRIOT magazine to debut in August Subscrj,tion included wffh membership The Veterans of Oregon Association, a non-profit corpo- ration, registered in Oregon, has launched its "Patriarch" (charter) member drive in search of veter- ans, families of veterans and other patriotic Oregonians dedicated to a common cause as patriots in action - through thought, word and deed. There are more than 380,000 veterans in the state of Oregon; one of the highest per capita rates in the nation. The VOA's purpose is to unite and support all who have served, and those who continue to serve. means we don't have to pay costly franchise fees. owe can pass better seroice, better and better rates. For Reservations 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 2 2 - 2 2 4 4 This Tabloid provided courtesy of Shilo Inns, Corporate Member of Veterans of Oregon Assoc"iation. The VOA wants to bring together veterans, families, civic and service dubs, businesses, and other veterans' organizations from throughout the state. Our goal is to develop, enhance and expand programs, services and benefits in appreciation and rec- ognition for their service to our state and nation. The VOA is committed to service and cooperation. We will compliment and support those events, programs and activities dedicated to common goals of promoting patriotism, protecting the welfare of our veterans and their families and insuring the freedom and democracy of our state and nation. By uniting members from throughout all of Oregon, the VOA will be able to provide sup- port, services and programs for veterans, local communities, schools, and other veterans' or- ganizations. The VOA's success will depend on strength - in numbers. Consider joining today. Patriot through thought, word and deed Come; experience Shilo's Affordable Excellence whenever you travel for business or pleasure across America's Western States. Details and application inside Veterans of Oregon Association seek veterans, family members, patriotic Oregonians company in the Western United States. That rooms and suites Charter membership deadline ... September 30th ************************'** Shilo Inns is the largest independent, privately-owned hospitality the savings on to you-with Norman Rockwell Commemorative WWI I Calendar available for 1995 Shilo Inns owner's support launches VOA I The American Veterans and Desert Storm Memorial was officially dedicated on Sunday, May 15, 1994. Fea· tured speakers included General Merrill A. McPeak, chief of staff of the Air Force; Admiral (htired) David E. Jeremiah, for• mer vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under General Colin Powell; and Jon Mangis, Director, Ongon Depart· ment of Veteran•' Affairs. During the ceremony the monument was deeded by Shilo Inn• owner, Mark S. Hemstttet, to the Veterans of Oregon AMOciation. A $50,000 financial grant and contributions - in- kind to the Veterans of Oregon Association by Shilo Inns' owner, Mark 5. Hemstreet, has launched the organizational efforts and statewide membership drive of the group, accord- ing to Bob Hagen, executive director of the non-profit, non-partisan organiza- tion. Hemstreet, who is not a veteran himself, feels that if it weren't for the men and women who have served our country, and those who continue to serve, freedom and democracy as we know it would not be possible. "Mark Hemstreet's support to veterans and their families is never-end- ing," according to Hagen. "During the Gulf War, a family program coordinator for the Oregon National Guard asked Hemstreet if their group could use a room at one of his hotels for a family gathering at Christmas. Mark did even more. He invited all of the Oregon Guard unit's family members to a Christmas party, complete with food, entertain- ment and Santa Claus," Hagen said. "And when the soldiers came home, Mark threw a 'Welcome Home' celebra- tion to thank the veterans and their fami- lies." According to Hagen, "He (Hemstreet) is always going out of his way to support our veterans, recogniz- ing their efforts and showing his appre- ciation for the sacrifices that these men and women in uniform have endured andcontinuetoenduretokeepthiscoun- try free. The VOA seeks to recognize those individuals and businesses who support our veterans, and Mark Hemstreet is a true example of a Patriot in action - not with just occasional out- bursts of patriotism and pride - but every day of the year." Another example of Hemstreet's respect for our veterans: he constructed the American V eteransand DesertStorm Memorial in Lincoln City, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to his ocean- front resort property. Hemstreet says, "I was inspired to create this memorial because I wanted to ensure that a permanent monument was created in respect for all thoee who have served, and continue to serve, to defend freedom and democracy; and in memory of all those who gave their lives in all American wars and conflicts. I want my children, and my children's children, to never forget the sacrifices that our veterans have made for this country of ours." The monument is a hexagonal style format, six feet high at the hue. It is three feet wide at the top and five feet wide at the bottom on each of the six sides. F.ach side displays the official logo from the respective branches of the armed forces and includes a historical narrative of each branch's participation in Desert Storm, along with the names of those killed in action. An American flag Oies atop the monument at all timea jllll as ii does on all 49 his holel properties.·