Christian Bagge - Going Home At Last

You may remember this great picture of Christian Bagge running with President Bush. Christian lost both legs in and IED attack in Iraq on June 3, 2005. At the time, he had been married to Melissa for three months. Finally, they are coming back home to Oregon with their two children. They are coming home to a new adaptive home built by Homes for Our Troops.

Read about Christian and Melissa's journey here

And, read about what Homes For Our Troops are doing for the Bagge's here

Thank you to a great organization Homes For Our Troops

Wreckage of WWII Helldiver Plane Found in Oregon

The Curtiss Helldiver, despite a reputation for being difficult to handle at low speeds, was responsible for the destruction of more Japanese targets than any other aircraft. It was primarily used to attack Japanese submarines/ The Curtiss SB2C single-engine dive-bomber joined the fleet late in 1943, joining the Douglas Dauntless as the primary attack/bombing planes for the US Navy. The two-man Helldiver had a top speed of 295 mph and good range, making it an essential tool in the far reaches of the Pacific war.

Loggers along the Oregon Coast (between Wheeler and Rockaway) have found the remains of a Helldiver in the forest. Three planes were known to have gone down in the area - 2 in 1945 and 1 in 1948. Logging crews saw a wing, tail section, landing gear and other debris in a heavily wooded area. The debris field was strewn over a 200 yard area.

Munitions experts have searched for any live weapons and JPAC (Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command) are looking for any possible human remains in the area, as the Helldivers carried a crew of two.

Exercise Puts Oregon's Civil Support Team to the Test for Certification

Oregon Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Ryan Siggins, a survey team member with the 102 Civil Support Team, removes his protective suit after going through the decontamination process at Silverton High School, Silverton, Ore., March 10. Siggins was decontaminated after he entered the high school to search for any potential chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear contaminants as part of a joint external evaluation by U.S. Army North, between local authorities and the 102 Civil Support Team, Oregon National Guard, to certify the CST as an operational unit.

Staff Sgt. Jason Tarpley, Bravo Team survey chief, helps Oregon Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Ryan Siggins into his protective suit.

Lt. Col. Lance Englet, 102 Civil Support Team commander, receives a report from incident commander Rick Lewis, Silverton Chief of Police, and Capt. Ed Grambusch, Training Coordinator for Silverton Fire Department.

Sgt. Joseph Plueard and Oregon Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Ryan Siggins, search a dummy to detect potential chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear contaminants at the scene of a mock school shooting.

A Silverton police officer guards a doorway while other officers talk to a \"victim\" during a 102 Civil Support Team evaluation.

Lt. Col. Lance Englet, 102 Civil Support Team Commander, discusses the unit\'s capabilities with incident commander Rick Lewis, Silverton Chief of Police, and Capt. Ed Grambusch, Training Coordinator for Silverton Fire Department.

High school students flee a simulated "attack" during a 102 Civil Support Team evaluation at the Silverton High School auditorium in Silverton, Ore., March 10. The students are members of the Silverton High drama club who portrayed victims as part of a joint external evaluation by U.S. Army North, between local first responders and the 102 Civil Support Team, Oregon National Guard, to certify the CST as an operational unit.
Photos by SGT Eric Rutherford - Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office

Exercise Puts Oregon's Civil Support Team to the Test for Certification

Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office

Story by SGT Eric Rutherford

SILVERTON, Ore. – Gunshots rang out and screams echoed through the halls of the local high school.

One student lay bleeding on the floor, while others cower behind seats in the auditorium where moments earlier, several high school seniors had been preparing for an assembly on the morning of March 10.

The seniors unknowingly stumbled upon "Cory," a drop-out plotting revenge on his classmates. When confronted, Cory became enraged and opened fire before hurling a glass jar filled with liquid at the students, filling the room with an overwhelming vapor.

This nightmarish scenario might conjure up memories of other violent real-world incidents, but for the Silverton High School drama department, local responders, and the Oregon National Guard's 102 Civil Support Team, it was a day to work together on a joint exercise aimed at certifying Oregon's CST to be fully functional and operational.

"We evaluate the team every 18 months," said Todd Chance, an exercise specialist with U.S. Army North. "It is required by National Guard Bureau and Congress. During the evaluation we do all of our military training protocols to ensure that they can perform whenever they go into an environment that requires a technically correct response."

As part of the evaluation, students from Silverton High School drama club acted as the "victims." Silverton Police officers, Silverton Fire Department, Woodburn Ambulance, Oregon State Police, North Marion County Communications 9-1-1 Dispatch Center, and Silverton Hospital Network all participated in the training evaluation, to make the scenario more realistic.

"We are called the civil support team because that is exactly what we do," said Capt. Gregory Ramirez, medical operations officer for the CST. "We work with civil authorities to help support the intent of the incident commander."

The incident commander has a set of objectives to meet and we have the resources to help meet those needs, he added.

Some of those needs might be to indentify a substance or use their reach-back capabilities to bring on additional resources, should the team need them, said Ramirez.

In the scenario the group of seniors, injured and suffering from respiratory problems, fled the building to find Silverton police officers who sized up the situation and realized they needed additional assistance. This is when the 102 Civil Support Team was requested.

"They never go in cold," said Conrad Striegl, team chief and evaluator from U.S. Army North. "We do pre-training leading up to this. It should be like another day at the office for them if we do our job right."

Rick Lewis, Silverton chief of police, acted as incident commander during the exercise. He coordinated with Lt. Col. Lance Englet, commander of the 102 Civil Support Team to determine what actions they should take and how best to work with responders and the teams assets.

"As soon as they got on site, they interfaced with Incident Command and let them know what their capabilities are," said Chance, who traveled from Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, to evaluate the team.

The advance party arrived and staged their vehicles in the incident command site and began unloading and inventorying their equipment. Team members conducted a perimeter survey using detection equipment to determine the area affected by Cory's attack. Once the initial survey was complete, the rest of the CST arrived, bringing their mobile laboratory, communications equipment, and decontamination gear.

Chance said the teams can train in sterile environments only so much. The CST needs to be able to train in actual environments to get the most out of the scenario.

"Now we have put it into a realistic scenario where the taxpayer gets their money," Chance said. "They can see these guys responding to an 'if-this-were-to-happen-for-real' event."

The team set up the medical tent, decontamination site, communications equipment and survey gear as though it was a real scenario.

"We train for this," said Englet. "The training reflects different environments that we already respond to ... a school, a house, a garage, an unknown chemical or device that is explosive. This isn't a scenario that is made up. This is something that is based on [other Civil Support Teams'] real-world responses and real world responses that this team has been on."

Once the site was set up and briefings had taken place, the survey team suited up and went into the site to take samples and evaluate the scene. With detection devices loaded onto the small all-terrain utility vehicle, two team members wearing large protective suits went in.

"Ultimately the fire department and the police are going to be the first on scene and its good to have that training and interoperability so they know if there is something that they want more investigation on," said Oregon Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Ryan Siggins, a survey team member.

Siggins meticulously scanned windows and doors outside the building. He and fellow survey team member Sgt. Joseph Plueard, determined if any chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear contaminants were in the "hot-zone."

After the survey was complete, Siggins and Plueard moved to the decontamination site through large shower tents, scrubbing down to ensure they brought nothing hazardous back into the "cold-zone."

Throughout the training, ARNORTH evaluators took notes to ensure the team was meeting the standards.

From the decontamination tent, the survey team moved to the medical evaluation tent where they were examined by the unit's medical officer to ensure they were physically stable after being in the suits for extended periods of time.

After the team finished the survey and briefed the responders, determinations were made on how to go about cleaning the area to restore it for use and allow the community access to the facility again.

"I think we are doing great," said Englet. "The team is fantastic. They are focused, dedicated soldiers and airmen. The real benefit is the fact that we have genuine first responders as part of the exercise."

Englet said many soldiers and airmen may work with these agencies full-time, and be part time citizen soldiers, giving back to their communities at the same time they help it.

"The National Guard is about the community first," said Englet. "We live in these communities ... it is our own back yard."

After the evaluation was complete, the evaluation team was unanimous in recognizing the 102 CST as a well prepared, professional organization, and proficient in all areas evaluated. The evaluation team spoke highly of the 102 Civil Support Team and complimented each section.

"They are doing well," said Striegl, who also provides training support for eight other Civil Support Teams on the West Coast. "The 102 has always been a strong team. The citizens of Oregon are lucky."

With the exercise behind them, the 102 Civil Support Team is ready to respond to real world call-outs. The next big event planned for the team is the scheduled move from their existing location to the new Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem.

Face of Freedom ~ Dr. Anil Menon, Oregon National Guard

Dr Anil Menon is in the center of this group.

Oregon Air National Guard Flight Surgeon,
Dr Anil Menon,
is in Haiti with a team from Stanford Medical Center

To follow his journey - the dispatches are brief and interesting:

1/16/2010 - Stanford doctor's first person account of helping in Haiti

1/16/2010 - Another Haiti Dr. Dispatch

1/17/2010 - Dr Menon is in Haiti

1/17/2010 - People with Broken Limbs were so Numb They Don't Cry

1/17/2010 - My Day Was Horrible

1/18/2010 - Today Was More Hopeful

1/19/2010 - You Were Here when We Needed You, And I Love You

1/20/2010 - Aftershock - Reporter Jumps Out of Window

1/21/2010 - Portuguese Reporter Demonstrates His Failure to Fly

1/22/2010 - Haiti Day 5 Photos

1/22/2010 - Josh Sternberg: Another Behind the Scenes in Haiti

1/23/2010 - Wondering Who Made it Through the Night

1/23/2010 - No One From His Family Was Hurt

1/23/2010 - The Army Was Able to Save Her Life, in All Likelyhood

1/23/2010 - It Must Have Seemed Like Anyone Who Went to the Hospital Got an Amputation

1/23/2010 - It Does Feed Good to See People Turn Around

1/24/2010 - Life Moves On...

1/25/2010 - The Top Five Rules in a Disaster

1/26/2010 - Four Days Ago A Woman Was Shot

1/28/2010 - There Are Always Problems You Can't Fix

1/28/2010 - I Got Into This Business to Help People

1/30/2010 - We are Nearing the End of Our Tenure

1/30/2010 - Our Fearless Leader Collapsed on Floor

1/30/2010 - Listen to the Interview with Dr. Menon as He Heads Home

Anil Menon, MD, is a clinical instructor at Stanford School of Medicine focused on surgery and emergency medicine. His research interests are Aerospace Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine. He graduated from Stanford Med in 2006, received a degree in mechanical engineering in 2003 and became a full ER doctor in 2009. He has practiced medicine in combat in Afghanistan and will be practicing aerospace medicine next year at NASA. Menon is a flight surgeon assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing (F-15s) of the Oregon Air National Guard, and he's part of a team sent to Haiti by Stanford.

Thank you to my dear friends at the Oregon Military Department for alerting me to this story!
Their coverage is here

Oregon Doctor Heads to Landstuhl ~ Meet Dr David Street

Doctor Heads to Landstuhl to Volunteer His Talents

A Medford, Oregon vascular surgeon, Dr. David L Street, is leaving for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, to volunteer for two weeks treating wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I don't know what I'm walking into," he said. "I look at it as a chance to help guys that help us out. It will be vascular and a lot of general surgery. I don't know the need or opportunity, but will figure it out and be willing to go again if needed."

In a news release from his clinic, Street said, "There's a time in your life when it's just time to give back, and I'm there. We live in a great country that has been very good to me. It will be an honor to give back. I have the ultimate respect for what the military does for our country. It's a selfless goal to guard our freedom."

The entire article is here.
Thank you to Mary Ann for sending me this - you are reading her fabulous blog Soldiers' Angels Germany, right? Mary Ann volunteers untold hours at Landstuhl!

Lately, it's been a bit embarrassing to be an Oregonian. Then, you read stories like this and it makes your heart soar!

Brig Gen (ret) Fred M Rosenbaum ~ Farewell and Thank You

Brig. Gen. (ret.) Fred M. Rosenbaum
June 30, 1926 - Jan. 12, 2010

The World Got a Little Dimmer Today....

I learned of some sad news upon my arrival in the office today. Early this morning, retired Brig. Gen. Fred Rosenbaum passed away in his home, following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 83 years old.

Anyone who knows Fred Rosenbaum may also know of the annual youth camp he founded in 1972, which, to this day, bears his name. Camp Rosenbaum is dedicated to empowering young Oregonians to stay in school, avoid gangs and drugs, and to realize their hopes and dreams.

The genesis for Camp Rosenbaum came out of his own personal challenges as a youngster of the Jewish faith, growing up in Austria. During the German occupation of his homeland in the days leading up to WWII, a young Fred was spirited away in the middle of the night to England, where he would await the arrival of his parents sometime later. Fred's extended family didn't fare as well--his grandparents were later killed in one of the Nazi concentration camps.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1944 at the age of 17. He hoped to be assigned to the European theater, where he could help push back Axis aggressors, but instead, he ended up fighting in the Pacific.

Two years after his discharge from the Army in 1946, he joined the Oregon Army National Guard, and was assigned as the First Sergeant for HQ Company, 162nd Infantry. After a short stint as an officer with the Washington National Guard, he joined the Oregon Air National Guard in 1953.

He served in various positions before being appointed as the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, in late 1980. He later retired from the military in 1986.

Rosenbaum dedicated his life to the people and the world around him. Organizations such as Portland State University, Congregation Beth Israel, The Housing Authority of Portland--where he served as Chairman for 13 years--and various other civic groups benefited from his insight, vision and wisdom.

Never wanting the world to forget the challenges which brought him through his life's work, he also played a major role in the fruition of the Portland Holocaust Memorial, and remained active in other civic and political groups, right up to the very end of his life.

Ever the entrepreneur, he founded the insurance brokerage, Rosenbaum Financial, in 1957, a company which is now run by his son, Mark.

Those who worked with him knew he was very "hands-on". Fred preferred to pick up the phone and discuss ways of improving how things were done--be it CEOs of companies, the Mayor of Portland, or senior leadership in the Oregon National Guard--they all eventually got a phone call from Fred. And they were better because of it.

But he did all these things in a way that made you want to help. He was, and continues to be through his legacy, the "Great Motivator". He made an art out of motivating people to do better, be better, or to do more. But he did more than that. He led by example. A quick scan of his six-page biography reveals more accomplishments and accolades than several men combined. His list of awards alone fills an entire page.

In 2010, his namesake youth camp, Camp Rosenbaum, will celebrate its 40th anniversary. With about 100-160 youngsters from Oregon and Southwest Washington attending this camp every year for the last four decades, the reach and influence of Fred Rosenbaum's vision to improve the world around him is overwhelming.

My wife and I were privileged to have spoken to Gen. Rosenbaum and Jane, his wife of 55 years, just before our Hawaii trip this past December. They were both in good spirits, looking forward to the upcoming holidays. Fred even joked with my wife about our upcoming one-year anniversary, saying that by marrying her, I had "married up".

I entitled this post "The world got a little dimmer today." Let me clarify: that statement is only to mark the passing of a great man who did great things while he was with us. There is no doubt in my mind that those of us who were touched and influenced by his kindness, warmth and generosity, will ensure a bright future for his enduring legacy.

Farewell Fred Rosenbaum. You will be missed by all.


Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy,
Oregon National Guard Social Media Manager


Postscript: A public memorial ceremony for Fred Rosenbaum is scheduled for Noon on Tuesday, Jan. 19, in Building 375 (Rosenbaum Hangar), at the Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Oregon. Members of the public are welcome. Please bring personal identification to access the Air Base. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the following organizations:

- The Camp Rosenbaum Fund:
c/o GREAT, 449 NE Emerson St., Portland, OR 97221, Attn: Erin Parks

- Portland State University Foundation:
P.O. Box 243, Portland, OR 97043

- American Cancer Society:
Online at http://www.cancer.org/, look for the "Gifts in Memory" link

- Congregation Beth Israel:
1972 NW Flanders St., Portland, OR 97209

*******************************
This tribute was written by my friend, SGT Nick Choy, who gave me permission to post it here. We have lost a remarkable man. If you Google his name, you will find many remarkable stories of a remarkable life.

Elk Hunters Don't Cry

Elk Hunters Don't Cry
by Perry P Perkins

"Elk Hunters Don’t Cry" is 19 humorous, poignant, and sometimes absurd adventures of a Pacific Northwest sportsman. It’s a well-known fact that outdoorsmen, elk hunters in particular, don’t cry. In fact, not so many years ago this was considered a badge of honor, a mark of courage for young hunters to aspire to as they watched their fathers and uncles grimace manfully in the face of pain. I’ve seen several of my own hunting friends take tumbles in rocky riverbeds, gash themselves with skinning knives, and char various portions of their anatomies in campfires…all without a single tear. Some of them defoliated large tracts of national forest with white-hot profanity, but none ever cried…”

Novelist, blogger, and award winning travel writer, Perry P. Perkins is a stay-at-home dad who lives in the Pacific Northwest. Perry has written for numerous outdoor magazines and anthologies including American Hunter, Bassmaster Magazine, and Northwest Fly Fishing. His novels include Just Past Oysterville, and Shoalwater Voices.
His website is http://www.perryperkinsbooks.com/

50% of proceeds from this sale will be donated to Kevin’s Driftboat, a ministry to help returning veterans re-adjust to daily life by spending some time in a relaxing environment, talking about their experiences, and enjoying the outdoors.

Mitch Webb, founder of Kevin’s Driftboat, has taken countless returning vets (as well as the parents of our fallen heroes) on multi-day fishing trips around Oregon.

To order this great book, $9.99 (+$2.50 S/H)
and donate to Kevin's Driftboat
use this PayPal link
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9994423

I am honored to call Mitch a friend and support his work.
Thank you, Mitch, for all you do for our best!
And, thank you, Perry for your generosity.

Fishing to Remember Kevin Davis

SSG Kevin Davis was killed in Iraq on April 6, 2005.

In his memory, his fishing buddy, Mitch Webb of 'Kevin's Driftboat'
has made it a mission to take our veterans fishing.
This video is of one fishing adventure with Mitch and SGT Trent Stuart.

To read all about it, please click here

"After fishing in Oregon for almost 20 years I made it over to Mack's Canyon to fish for summer steelhead. Mitch Webb founder of Kevin's Driftboat Project and his good friend Oregon National Guardsmen Sargent Trent Stuart invited me over for the day to talk about the project and fish spinners through the drifts in hopes of hooking up with Deschutes steel.

Trent also an active member of the project and Mitch have something in common, their friend and fisherman Oregon National Guardsmen Staff Sgt Kevin D. Davis. Kevin lost his life to a roadside bomb in the fight against terrorists in Iraq on Aprill 8th 2005. I wanted to shoot a film to help Mitch tell Kevin's story and get the word out about the great thing he is doing but this day turned out to be so much more for me then I could have ever expected. It was also a goal to get Trent into his first steelhead this day as well. Trent told me that he had fished in Oregon for over 20 years for bass and other fish but had not yet tackled the mighty steelhead.

Their goal is to help returning soldiers in their transformation back into life at home and help them to remember how great it is to be here in the Northwest. Not always easy task for them to do on their own. Mitch has been very active in his venture by not only taking these heroes out himself but also in hooking them up with other anglers and guides through ifish.net threads and the Kevins Driftboat Yahoo group..." Read the rest here and some amazing pictures, too!

Oregon & Iraq Professors Meet

Iraqi Engineering professors learn about solar technologies while attending Oregon State University's International Promotion of Sustainable Engineering Seminar in August 2009.

Nineteen engineering professors from 11 Iraqi universities participated in a sustainable engineering conference at Oregon State University, August 1-14, 2009. The group learned about green technology and building design while visiting a road construction project.

Nineteen engineering professors from 11 Iraqi universities participated in a sustainable engineering conference at Oregon State University (OSU), August 1-14, 2009, as part of OSU's International Promotion of Sustainable Engineering (IPOSE) Seminar.

Organized by the Michael Scott Mater Foundation (MSMF), which has key leaders serving in civilian and contractor capacities with the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, the conference discussed green technology and building design, recycling, and wind, biomass, solar and geothermal energy generation.

Sponsored by OSU, Oregon BEST Center, and the US Embassy - Baghdad, Cultural Affairs Office, the event served to strengthen and expand the cultural and academic exchanges between the US and Iraq, while demonstrating to the Iraqi professors new sustainable technologies that can be applied in their country as it continues its reconstruction. Other universities that participated in the seminar were Portland State University, University of Oregon, and the Oregon Institute of Technology.

Going forward, over 20 Iraqi universities have formed the Iraqi Coalition on Sustainable Engineering Education (I-CSEE), which has the support of both the Iraqi Government and Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministries of Higher Education. The I-CSEE mission is to integrate the Iraqi reconstruction and infrastructure development initiatives through the development of a series of testing laboratories at strategically selected universities, each focusing on different sustainability platforms.

I-CSEE represents the first coalition of its kind in Southwest Asia and has the potential for inclusion of Iraq's neighbors and other countries throughout the world.

"The IPOSE seminar and I-CSEE program represent a full enterprise approach towards implementing sustainable practices into the community, provincial and national reconstruction efforts of Iraq," said Joshua Mater with the MSMF. "Iraq is not only codifying its development efforts, but demonstrating its capability as a responsible member of the international community."

From General Ray Odierno - thank you, sir.

United States Marine Corps Band ~ The President's Own

United States Marine Corps Band
"The President's Own"

Colonel Michael J Coburn, Director

Friday night, we had the great pleasure to attend the performance of the United States Marine Corps Band. We live in a rather isolated area, but the past several years, we have been fortunate to have our local newspaper, The Bend Bulletin, sponsor the touring military bands when they tour the west. We have seen the Army and the Air Force in past years. This year, we were given the honor of seeing "The President's Own" Marine Corps Band! The Bulletin gives out free tickets to the concerts, which is a very nice thing to do!

The venue was a little difficult - a high school gymnasium - and it became clear that they had given out more tickets than they had seating. But, we all managed and enjoyed a wonderful concert. There were several JROTC Marines in uniform at the concert. People kept commenting that they looked too young to be in college (high school kids have a tendency to be too young and look to young.)

When we left our house, we waited for three Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge buses to pass before we could pull onto the highway. We assumed they were getting a night out and wondered if they were going to the concert --- and, indeed they were.

One group of girls and two groups of boys came in in their uniforms. Standing in formation and marching in formation, they had tongues wagging - and most of the people there had no idea who they were. They precision marched to their seats and sat at the same time. They were disciplined and proud. When it became evident that their were not enough seats for everyone, the cadets moved -- again in precision -- and sat on the floor for the concert. Several of us applauded them loudly and the band narrator thanked them.

If you don't know about the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe - you really should. Some of the readers might be interested in becoming mentors. This is that chance that so many at risk kids need and the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe gives it to them. They made me proud to see them grabbing a hold of that chance and showing the pride they had in themselves.

The Marine Band was outstanding, but seeing these kids moving forward with their lives was an honor it is hard to describe!

Most states have a Youth ChalleNGe and now there is the Patriot Academy for high school dropouts ages 18-24 who want to join the military.

Dedication of the PFC Thomas L Tucker Veterans Memorial

"A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure."
-Abraham Lincoln

Photos by SGT Eric Rutherford, Oregon National Guard

Three years after PFC Thomas Lowell Tucker was murdered in Iraq (here and here and here and here), the community of Madras, Oregon, led by his friends and classmates, K'Lyn Bush and Lyndasy Hessel, dedicated the memorial project they have worked so hard on. They have sold t-shirts, bracelets, bricks for the memorial walkway and had all kinds of fundraisers. They have rallied the community to support their project. Donations came in dollars and cents, as the children and teens were the biggest donors and fundraisers. On Sunday, their dream to honor their friend for the long term came true.

On Sunday, August 23, the PFC Thomas Lowell Tucker Memorial Statue was dedicated in Friendship Park in Madras, Oregon. The dedication ceremony was very moving and very warm. Everyone there had a few tears hiding behind their smiles as this magnificent statue of PFC Tucker reaching out a hand to a young Iraqi girl was unveiled. It will sit on the corner of US Highway 97 until the new City Hall is built in the same location. It will then be a focal point of the entry of the building.

(Ed Note - Please, read the next post down about the ceremony)

Welcome Home Oregon National Guard 2-641 Aviation!

Rogue Brewery bottled a limited run of "Aviator Ale" to commemorate the return of Oregon Army National Guard's 2-641 Aviation, from a deployment to Iraq. The unit was honored during a demobilization ceremony held July 13 in Salem, Ore. The unit conducted flight missions, transported equipment and personnel, and supported other units' missions over the course of one year.
Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski (left) and Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard (center), welcome home soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's 2-641 Aviation during a demobilization ceremony in Salem, Ore., July 13, following their deployment to Iraq. Twenty soldiers from the second rotation returned to Oregon on July 10. Another 35 soldiers, who returned home in August 2008, joined them at the ceremony.
Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs

The Oregon Army National Guard welcomed home members of one of their aviation units during an official demobilization ceremony on July 13, in Salem, Oregon. Members of the 2-641 Aviation were deployed to Iraq, supporting aviation missions there. About 20 members of the 2-641 Aviation returned on July 10. They joined 35 other soldiers from the first rotation who returned in August 2008. Each rotation spent six months in Iraq.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joseph Mollahan said the wide ranges of ages and levels of experience helped with the overall success of the mission. "The diversity of the people in that group made the deployment a class act," he said. "The spectrum of people really allowed us to accomplish a lot more."

One of the local employers, Rogue Brewery, distributed to all the unit's soldiers free bottles of a limited edition beer called "Aviator Ale", featuring the unit's crest.

Unit commander, Lt. Col. Christian F. Rees, said in addition to theater aviation operations, the unit took part in moving about 10 tons of cargo over the course of their deployment, as well as assisted with real-world medical evacuation missions along with the Oregon MEDEVAC company, Charlie 7-158 Aviation.

"Morale and motivation was high," he said. "I was very impressed by the unit's soldiers and their work ethic."

The unit conducted flight missions, transported equipment and personnel, and supported other units' missions during their combined one-year deployment.

Welcome Home!! We are so proud of you all!!!

Farewell Marine Corps Col Kenneth Reusser

Retired Marine Corps Col. Kenneth L. Reusser
January 20, 1927 - June 20, 2009

Veteran of WWII, Korea, Vietnam
Considered the most decorated Marine Aviator in history

Retired Marine Corps Col. Kenneth L. Reusser has passed away and been laid to rest in the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. The Patriot Guard Riders were there to honor him -

Reusser was called the most decorated Marine aviator in history and was shot down in three wars in the Pacific theater - World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Colonel Ken Reusser's distinguished combat record:

-flew 253 combat missions in World War II, Korea and Vietnam and was shot down in all three, five times in all.
-59 medals included two Navy Crosses, five Purple Hearts and two Legions of Merit.

Ken Reusser enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a seaman recruit on August 23, 1941, and entered flight training. In April 1942, he completed flight training, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and in May 1942 left for the Southwest Pacific. Upon arrival at Guadalcanal, was assigned to VMF-122, flying the F4F-3. On his first combat mission, he was credited with a probable kill of a Mitsubishi "Betty." In October of that year, he was injured during a ditching and spent 6 months in a hospital.

Ken returned to the Pacific in 1944 flying F4U's from USS Hollandia, (CVE 97) off Okinawa. He led a flight of Corsairs intending to shoot down a Japanese KI-45 "Nick" high-altitude photo reconnaissance airplane gathering information for the day's Kamikaze flights. With altitude frozen guns, the only weapon left was the Corsair itself. Ken and his wingman severely damaged the tail of the KI-45 with their propellers. It entered a graveyard spiral, breaking up before hitting the water. Ken and his wingman shared the kill. Each was awarded the Navy Cross.

In 1950, Ken found himself again in combat, flying F4U's from USS Sicily, (CVE 118). He was awarded a second Navy Cross for making two very low-level passes down a street to identify, through a building's windows, what was hidden inside. He then led a flight back, destroying the target. Exiting the area, with only 20mm guns remaining, he made a firing pass on a ship moored to a camouflaged pier. Loaded with fuel, the ship exploded, flipping the Corsair inverted. After righting the airplane, Ken returned to USS Sicily where the severely crippled F4U was pushed over the side for being too damaged to repair.

During the Vietnam War, Reusser flew helicopters. He was leading a Marine Air Group in a rescue mission, when his own "Huey" was shot down. He needed skin grafts over 35 percent of his badly burned body. He retired from the Marine Corps in July 1968 due to his combat wounds.

Reusser raced motorcycles to help pay for college and earning a pilots license before World War II. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he worked for Lockheed Aircraft and the Piasecki Helicopter Corp. He remained active in veterans groups.

Reusser is survived by his wife, Trudy; and sons, Richard C. and Kenneth L. Jr.

UPDATE:
To view the photos of his service at Willamette Cemetery go here:
http://www.wwiiwarheroes.org/kenneth_reusser/index.htm
Thank you, Q.

To read Q's story of how we don't remember our heroes and the service for this hero:
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=16565528&blogId=497180920

Farewell Carl Edmund "Ed" Johnson

Carl Edmund "Ed" Johnson
Recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross
March 26, 1919 - May 4, 2009

This Friday, Carl Edmund "Ed" Johnson will be laid to rest with full military honors at Oregon's Willamette National Cemetery. Mr. Johnson was 90 years old and a veteran of World War II. Like most WWII Veterans, Mr. Johnson came home, set the war aside and went on as a productive member of his community.

Mr. Johnson was born in Seattle and raised in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from Grant High School and Oregon State College. While at OSC, he was president of Beta Theta Pi and the Society of Automotive Engineers and a representative to the Engineers Student Council. Mr. Johnson enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWII and flew B-24 bombers in the Pacific theater. He flew 40 missions and was awarded several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions at Marcus Island, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart for actions at Iwo Jima. After the war, Mr. Johnson worked for Pacific Northwest Bell. He was an avid golfer and tennis player and was fiercely dedicated to the OSU Beavers.


1st Lt. Carl E. Johnson Jr., 7th Air Force, 0413830, took the controls of a B-24, and, on 22 February 1945, piloted a bombing mission over Marcus Island:

"Where" -- the Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads -- "intense opposition was encountered, damaging the plane's communication system. ... As no precision navigation or bombing instruments for use in adverse weather were installed in the plane, it was impossible to find the target from this high altitude.

"After an hour's search, and with the fuel running low, the target was sighted and attacked from a very low altitude. Despite the damage to the airplane by enemy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire, before bombs were away, this crew successfully bombed the enemy airfield, rending it inoperative.

"Leaving the target with a low fuel supply, and with no means of radio contact, the crew flew the seriously damaged airplane on the precarious 900-mile over-water flight to its home base, landing safely with no further damage to plane or injury to crew."

For all of this, all Mr. Johnson wanted was to be interred at the National Cemetery in Portland. His son, Eric, wanted more for this honorable man who did so much for our country. This Friday, the Air Force will provide an honor guard and a flyover of four F-15's. If you are near Portland at 2:15 pm, look skyward as the planes scream out his name.

Farewell, Mr Johnson, and Walk with God. Thank you for all you did for us.

Oregon National Guard Mobilization

1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry stand in formation during its mobilization ceremony at Bend's Mountain View High School, May 2. The Troops will be leaving for Ft. Steward, Ga., prior to taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of Task Force Stetson.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. BZ Zeller/115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

The Oregon National Guard is deploying 2,700 soldiers to Iraq. Earlier this month, mobilization ceremonies were held in 4 places to accomodate the vast numbers and geographic diversity of the group and their families and friends. Additionally, five companies of soldiers totaling 700 personnel from Delaware, Massachusetts, Nebraska and New Mexico will join the Oregon group.

They will be spending two months at Camp Stewart, Georgia, then ten months in Iraq.

The Oregon units being deployed are:

Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion of Portland
A Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion of Portland
B Company, 141st Brigade Support Battalion of Portland
A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218 Field Artillery of Portland
G Company, Forward Support Battalion, 141st Brigade Support Battalion of Forest Grove Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of Portland
Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 41st Special Troops Battalion of Clackamas
A Company, 41st Special Troops Battalion of Clackamas
C Company, 41st Special Troops Battalion of Clackamas
Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry of Bend
A Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry of Lebanon
B Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry of Woodburn
Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Springfield
A Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Springfield
B Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Corvallis
C Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Gresham
D Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry of Hillsboro
A Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry of Ashland
B Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry of Coos Bay
C Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry of Roseburg
D Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry of Grants Pass

Thank you for your service and God Speed on your deployment.

Oregon National Guard ~ Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day in Oregon

Four F-15 Eagle fighter jets fly over the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem, Ore., May 13. The jets, assigned to 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, flew over the Capitol Mall in honor of Armed Forces Day.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric A. Rutherford, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office

Armed Forces Day in Oregon

More Pictures and Story Here

Oregon National Guard Demonstration ~ SGT Eric Rutherford

Tech. Sgt. Derrick Brooks, a pararescue jumper with the 304th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, back flips from an Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter at 7,200 feet, during a joint operation High Altitude-Low Open jump demonstration for the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, flew the Air Force Reserve pararescue jumpers to high altitude for a parachute drop.

Senior Master Sgt. Tim Lum, a Pararescue jumper with the 304th Rescue Squadron, Air Force Reserve, inspects the landing zone from an Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter during a joint operation High Altitude-Low Open jump demonstration for the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, flew the Air Force Reserve pararescue jumpers to high altitude for a parachute drop.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter creates a large dust cloud as it prepares to sling-lift two humvees during at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook's heavy lift capabilities and versatility by sling-loading the two vehicles, then carrying them around the airfield and setting them back down.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter fills its firefighting water bucket during at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook's heavy lift and firefighting capabilities by filling the bucket with 2,000 gallons of water and dumping it near the airfield.

Oregon Army National Guard air crews head across the flight line to their CH-47 Chinook helicopter to prepare for flight demonstrations at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook?s heavy lift capabilities and versatility by sling-loading vehicles, firefighting water bucket drills and taking Air Force Reserve pararescue jumpers to high altitude for a parachute drop.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter sling-lifts two humvees during at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook's heavy lift capabilities and versatility by sling-loading the two vehicles, then carrying them around the airfield and setting them back down.

An Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter demonstrates its firefighting capability during at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The air crews with 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, demonstrated the Chinook's heavy lift and firefighting capabilities by filling the bucket with 2,000 gallons of water and dumping it near the airfield.

Selah Ann Farley, of Pilot Rock, Ore., enjoys the view from the turret on an Oregon Army National Guard M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2's Community appreciation open house, April 23, in Pendleton, Ore. The event brought local school children and community members to the facility to become familiar with the Guard and their capabilities in the area.

A Presentation by Sgt. Eric Rutherford
Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office
(and my friend!)

Farewell and Walk with God ~ PFC Richard Dewater

Tyler Hicks/The New York Times

WALKING TOWARD DEATH A minute after he crossed this river, Pfc. Richard A. Dewater, 21, was killed by a Taliban bomb blast.

PFC Richard A. Dewater, 21, of Topeka, Kansas, died April 15, 2009 of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device, while on a dismounted patrol near Korengal Valley, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 26^th Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Known as Rick, he joined the Army at age 20, graduated June 6, married June 17 and deployed to Afghanistan on July 27. His father described him "He loved fishing. He loved guns. He loved what he was doing. He dedicated himself to it. He believed in what he was doing."

In his own words, about himself, Rick said, "I like the outdoors. I fish, camp, paintball....all that cool outdoor stuff. I'm into cruisin around with my buddies around town, and gotta throw in some stupid s&%t from time to time, you know? Just stuff for a good laugh from time to time. I like playin my guitars too. been playing on and off a few years."

From Rick's MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/Rick785

I AM THE INFANTRY, I AM MY COUNTRY'S STRENGTH IN WAR, HER DERRENT IN PEACE, I AM THE HEART OF THE FIGHT, WHEREVER, WHENEVER. I CARRY AMERICA'S FAITH AND HONOR AGAINST HER ENEMIES, I AM THE QUEEN OF BATTLE I AM WHAT MY COUNTRY EXPECTS ME TO BE, THE BEST TRAINED SOLDIER IN THE WORLD IN THE RACE FOR VICTORY, I AM SWIFT, DETERMINED, AND COURAGEOUS, ARMED WITH THE FIERCE WILL TO WIN. NEVER WILL I FAIL MY COUNTRY'S TRUST, ALWAYS I FIGHT ON, THROUGH THE FOE, TO THE OBJECTIVE, TO TRIUMPH OVER ALL. IF NECESSARY, I WILL FIGHT TO MY DEATH. BY MY STEADFAST COURAGE, I HAVE WON OVER 200 YEARS OF FREEDOM. I YIELD NOT TO WEAKNESS, TO HUNGER, TO COWARDICE, TO FATIGUE, TO SUPERIOR ODDS, FOR I AM MENTALLY TOUGH, PHYSICALLY STRONG, AND MORALLY STRAIGHT. I FORSAKE NOT MY COUNTRY, MY MISSION, MY COMRADES, MY SACRED DUTY. I AM RELENTLESS, I AM ALWAYS THERE, NOW AND FOREVER I AM THE INFANTRY.... FOLLOW ME

PFC Richard 'Rick' Dewater will be buried at Roseburg National Cemetery, in Oregon. Oregon was a place that Rick loved and he graduated from high school in Grants Pass, Oregon.

He is survived by his wife, his brother and his parents.

*************************************************************************
"The first explosion had killed Private Dewater and lifted his body into a tree.

Sgt. Matthew R. Kuhn climbed the branches to free the missing man. In an instant, Second Platoon’s mission had changed. It would carry Private Dewater on the first steps of his journey home.

The soldiers gently rested their friend onto a stretcher, organized into teams of litter bearers and began the long walk back, over the two footbridges, up the Aliabad staircase and past the other soldiers and Marines, who provided security and stood quietly in respect.

He was the fourth member of Second Platoon killed during nine months in the valley."

Read the entire story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/world/asia/20ambush.html

For a multimedia presentation of the day:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/04/19/world/20090420-aliabad-ambush/index.html

Farewell, Rick, and Walk with God... You will be missed.