Where our veterans live
According to figures provided by the Oregon Department of Veterans'
Affairs, Oregon has an estimated veteran population of more than 380,000; one
of the highest per capita rates of veterans in the United States.
The following figures represent the estimated veteran populations of
each county in Oregon as of July l, 1993:
Purposes of the VOA
p erpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and provide comfort to their survivors.
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ft ssist disabled and needy veterans and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of
deceased veterans.
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T each the heritage of our nation and its greatness and the role of veterans of yesterday,
today and tomorrow.
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R ecognize those who have served in our armed forces and those who are still serving.
I nstill pride and patriotism through education of our past and faith in our future -
through action today.
0 rganize, sponsor and participate in activities of a charitable, educational and patriotic nature.
Tend to the needs of hospitalized veterans and their families through activities and programs
that provide care, entertainment and assistance.
s upport and assist veterans organizations, groups and individuals in
their efforts to serve veterans and their families, the communities, the state and the nation.
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Questions and Answers about the VOA
Q. What is the registered status of the
Veterans of Oregon Association?
Q. ls the VOA just another veterans'
organization?
Articles of Incorporation and the
Bylaws of the Association, registering
the VOA as a Non-Profit, Public Benefit
Corporation were filed with the Oregon .
Secretary of State's office on March 1, ·
1994. An Application for Recognition of
Exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code was filed by
the VOA's accounting firm of Grove,
Mueller, Hall&SwankonApril 12, 1994.
A.
o. There are more than 380,000
veteran in Oregon. There are approxi-
mately 56,000 dues-paying member of
veterans' orgaruzation , and many of
these individuals belong to more than
one organization. The VOA wants to
include all veterans who have served, or
are still serving, regardle s of rank, place
of duty or branch of service.
The common requirement is an
honorable discharge, or still serving in a
branch of the armed forces.
Q. What if I belong to the National
Guard or Reserves, can I join?
A. Yes. The VOA believes in the Total
Force Concept whereby Active duty,
Guard and Reserve members all play a
key role in our nation's defen and are
therefore entitled to the same benefits
and services.
Q. Do I have to be a veteran to become
a member of the VOA?
A. o. There are additional categorie
of member hip for famil y member ,
individuals, groups, organizations and
busin
who believe in the purposes
of the VOA and want to join. See page 4.
A.
Q. Who is considered a veteran?
A.
Current members of the Armed
Force of the United States (Active duty,
ational Guard or Reserve); and tho e
honorably discharged / relea ed mem-
ber of the Armed Forces of the United
States. Former members of the ational
Guard or Reserve must have served a
minimum of three (3) years unless dis-
charged or released under honorable
conditions on account of service-con-
nected injury or illness prior to the
completion of the minimum period of
service. Furthermore, a "War Veteran"
is defined by federal and state statutes
based on period of service and a pre-
scribed number of consecutive days of
service. You may write to the VOA for
more information.
Q. Are there a lot of meetings to attend?
A. No. In fact almost all as ociation
business will be conducted through cor-
respondence by mail, telephone, com-
puter modem or our bi-monthly maga-
zine, The PATRJ.OT. An annual meeting
will be held each year, beginning in
1995, for the purpose of electing offic-
ers, presenting association and commit-
tee reports, preparing for statewide ac-
Q. Is the VOA a legislative lobbying tivities and disbursement of PATRIOT
organization?
Fund proceeds. Special meetings will be
held by volunteer committees of the VOA
A.
o. The VOA is a non-parti an to address pecific issues and projects as
organization that provides information needed . In addition, repre entatives of
to its members about benefits, services the association will travel throughout
and entitlement . The Oregon Depart- the state on a continuing basis to con-
ment of Veteran ' Affa irs (ODVA) and duct member ' erviceand benefit brief-
the United Veterans Group of Oregon ings, and to provide programs of a his-
(UVGO) are two of the most recognized to rical, patriotic or educational nature
lobbying forces that act on behalf of all ,, that further the goals of the as ociation.
veterans and their families.
Q. My spouse, who was a veteran, has
passed away. Am I still eligible to join
as a Patriot (family) member?
A. Definitely yes. Just as a veteran is
always a veteran, "never forgotten, never
forsaken," the same is true for family
members. The VOA is dedicated to serve
veterans and their families.
Q. Do I need my DD Form 214, Report
of Separation from the Anned Forces of
the United States to join?
A. No. However, it is the goal of the
VOA to maintain copies of official docu-
ments for all of its members to assist in
obtaining private,stateand federal bene-
fits and ervices that each individual is
entitled to.
., If you don't have a copy of
your DD 214, the VOA will assist you in
obtaining one.
COUNTY
Baker
Benton
Clackamas
Clatsop
Columbia
Coos
Crook
Curry
Deschutes
Douglas
Gilliam
Grant
Hamey
Hood River
Jackson
Jefferson
Josephine
Klamath
Lake
Lane
Lincoln
Linn
Malheur
Marion
Morrow
Multnomah
Polk
Sherman
Tillamook
Umatilla
Union
Wallowa
Wasco
Was hington
Wheeler
Yamhill
# of VETERAN~
2,170
7,320
37,500
5,120
5,630
9,370
2,020
4,010
12,270
13,720
250
1,010
STATEWTDE %
.57
1.94
9.95
1.36
1.49
2.48
900
1,930
22,480
1,600
10,930
8,410
1,050
35,580
6,510
12,360
2,790
29,180
960
69,330
6,360
320
3,630
7,300
2,930
920
3,160
39,210
240
8,370
.53
1.06
3.25
3.64
.08
.26
.70
.50
5.96
.42
2.90
2.23
.27
9.44
1.n
3.28
.70
7.74
.20
18.4
1.69
.08
.96
1.94
.70
.20
.80
10.4
.06
2.22
Members bring varied
backgrounds, skills to VOA
The Board of Ad visors for the Veterans of Oregon Association
was created to guide the Association during its early months of
organization and future planning. The Board consists of members
from various branches and periods of service, from various regions
throughout the state. Most members belong to other veteran organi-
zations and will provide guidance and information for the VOA to
work in cooperation towards the common goals of service to veterans
and their families.
In accordance with the Bylaws of the Association, the initial
Board of Directors shall be elected from the Board of Advisors unles
exceptions are approved by a majority vote of the Board. If you would
like to be consedered for membership on the Board of the VOA, please
send a biographical sketch to the Executive Director of the Association
no later than September 1, 1994. The first election of officers is
scheduled to occur in early October of this year.
Board members as of May 10, 1994 are:
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WW II Commemorative Community
VOA recognized by Department
of Defense Committee
The Department of Defense 50th
Anniversary of WWII Commemorative
Committee has designated the Veterans
of Oregon Association as an official
"Commemorative Community." As an
official community the VOA will pres-
ent historical, commemorative and edu-
cational events throughout the state
duringl994and 1995, recognizing those
who served.
Board of Advisors
The Department of Defen e is
assistingagratefulNation in commemo-
rating the 50th anniversary of World
War II between 1991 and 1995. The
purJX>se of the commemoration is to
thank and honor the veterans of World
War II and their families (especially fami-
lies who lost loved ones), and remember
those who served on the home front and
turned America into the Arsenal for
Democracy. The committee also wants
to encourage the study of the history of
this era so we can use this knowledge to
help ensure a safer and better tomorrow
for future generations.
If you would like more informa-
tion about WWII Commemorative
events and activities, or would like a
di play or presentation mad e in your
community, contact the VOA. Informa-
tion about WWIJ commemorative pro-
grams and history of World War II will
be included in the PATRJOT magazine.
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Richard Crow, State Commander, American Ex-POWs
Judi Mayfield, State President, American Legion Auxiliary
Charles Risely, State Commander, AMVETS
Sunny Anderson, State President, AMVETS Auxiliary
Dave Schroeder, State Commander, Disabled American Veterans
Val Davie, President, Korean War Veterans
Shannon Harlan, State Commander, Marine Corps League
Charles Weatherill, State Chairman NCOA
Don Barker, President, U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans
Martin LeDoux, State Commander, VFW
Louie Grimmer, State President, Paralyzed Veterans of America
Orville Rummel, State Commander, Veterans of World War I
Clint Heath, State President, Vietnam Veterans of America
Major General (Ret) Willard Carey, AUS, Former Deputy
Commanding General, 6th U.S. Army(RC); Asst. AG(Army) Oregon
• Brig. Gen. (Ret) Staryl Austin, USAF, Deputy AG(Air) Oregon;
Director, Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (1981-84)
• Brig. Gen. Alex H. Burgin, acting Oregon Adjutant General
and Commander, 41st Separate Infantry Brigade ORARNG
• Brig. Gen. (Ret) Fred M. Ro enbaum, Fonner Asst. A~ (~) Oregon
•Mr.Stan Adams, Congressional Medal of Honor Rec1p1ent (Korea)
• COL (Ret) James B. lhayer, USA, Civilian Aide to the Secretary
of the Anny
• Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Ret) Rick Meyers, Editorial Director
KA TU-TV2, Portland
• COL (Ret) H. Gordon Waite, USA, Executive Asst. to TAG
• Mr. Ernie Argo, USMC(Korea), President Linn County Veteran ' Council
• Mrs.Cheryl La.Mar, Personnel Manager, Oregon Department of
Veterans' Affairs
• Mr. Jon Mangis, Director, Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs;
Sergeant Major, ORARNG
• Capt. Robert D. Hagen, Public Affairs Officer, ORARNG
Executive Director, Veterans of Oregon Association
NOTE: Major General (RE1) Richard A Miller, former Adjutant General
for the state of Oregon, was one of the first members of the Board during
its organizational period. His untimely death in !anuary ~994 left a bi~
void of dedicated service to this state and our nation. In hi memory, his
wife Marjorie has granted pennis ion for the VOA to name its Veteran,
Business and Community service awards after her late husband.
The first "RAM Six" awards will be presented at the Association's
annual "Salute to Veterans and Patriots" reception and ceremony to be held
in Portland on Saturday, November 11, 1995.