November 11, 2021
Happy Veteran's Day
With so much going on in our nation, it’s important to pause and honor those who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Service members and their families continue to make significant sacrifices on behalf of our great nation. I have a cousin who is graduating from boot camp and another stationed in Germany. I also have dear friends who have three kids serving in the Navy. The Oregon National Guard is currently on deployment, serving across the state. I take great pride and gratitude in heroes like these and those that have gone before them. I will keep them in my prayers as they sacrifice and serve.
Community Events Today
  • 8:00 am Pancake Breakfast - Community Center in Merlin Community Park, 100 Acorn Dr. (Hosted by the Grants Pass Lion's Club)

  • 11:00 am Veteran's Day Celebration - Veteran's Walk of Honor, Merlin Park, 100 Acorn Dr. (Sponsored by Evergreen Bank)
A Tribute to Veterans at the Oregon Capitol Showcases Service Flags, Uniforms
If you happen to be in the Salem area, you can visit the annual A Tribute to Veterans exhibit at the Oregon State Capitol which is taking place noon Monday, November 8 to noon Friday, November 12. (The Capitol is closed on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11.)

The exhibit will include uniforms from each service branch with a biography of the person who served in the uniform, coming from the Veterans of Foreign Wars #661 Uniform Display Museum. Each uniform will be accompanied by the appropriate service flag, which are on loan from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs.
This is a free exhibit open to the public. Parking is metered around the Capitol. This event is part of the Capitol History Gateway Project produced by the Visitor Services Department and is funded by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation.

For more information about events and exhibits at the Capitol, contact Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 or visit www.oregoncapitol.com .
Veteran's Legacies Grand Opening at Evergreen Museum
3 to 6 p.m. on Veterans Day
2021 Legislation Passed Supporting Veterans
During the 2021 Legislative Session, I voted for the following bills that support our veterans:

HB 2139 – Rural Veterans Healthcare Transportation Grant Program
·      Ensures that veterans residing in rural areas will have access to physical, mental, or behavioral health care.

SB 101 – Grants for members of the Oregon National Guard
·      Supports members of the Oregon National Guard in their efforts to obtain higher education degrees by awarding them grants.
·     This is a continuation of funding for veterans to attend public universities/colleges.
·      Adds flexibility to expand who is eligible for the grants and how much they are able to receive.

SB 319 – Vietnam War Memorial
·      The project is to be funded and constructed by a qualified nonprofit corporation, so there is virtually no cost to the state apart from providing the land on which the memorial will be built.
·      Oregon doesn’t have a Vietnam War memorial set up to honor veterans, and this will create a location at which families can honor their loved ones, and veterans can finally feel welcomed home.
·      There was a big push for this from the VFW and American Legion.

SB 320 – No-charge fishing permits for veterans Arguments for:
·      Supports veterans and gets them involved in a hands-on hobby.
·      Gets veterans outdoors.
·      Brings new participants in Fish and Wildlife activities.

HB 5036 – Department of Veterans’ Affairs Budget
·      $3 million to provide assistance for potentially higher operational costs for the Oregon Veterans’ Homes due to COVID-19.
·      $600,000 for Campus Veteran Resource Center Grants for community colleges and public universities to expand and enhance existing veteran programs on campuses.
·      $650,000 for the Rural Veterans Healthcare Transportation Grant program.
·      $342,689 for Veterans Services Grant.
·      $100,000 for Emergency Assistance.
Resources for Veterans
Josephine County Veteran's Services Office is an outstanding resource that can connect veterans with services and programs. You can find out more HERE.

If my office could be of any assistance, please email or call (503) 986-1403.
All my best,