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Veterans Newsletter, November 2026

Honoring Service. Celebrating Veterans. Bringing Community Together.

The CM Alliance of Washington County invites the community to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The annual Veterans Day celebration brings together veterans, military families, local leaders, and community members to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who have worn our nation’s uniform. The event includes a presentation of the colors, the National Anthem, guest speakers, and a special tribute to veterans from each branch of the Armed Forces.

Join this community event on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. in Hillsboro. At the time of publication, the venue had not been announced. This event is free and open to all. For more details, visit the Washington County Veterans Day Celebration web page.

The State of Oregon’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony honors Oregon’s veterans at this year’s Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony. This annual event is a meaningful tribute featuring patriotic performances, ceremonial honors, and inspiring messages recognizing the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

Hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. on the Capitol Mall in Salem. The ceremony is free and open to all. Seating is provided, and guests are encouraged to dress for the November weather. Can’t attend in person? Watch the livestream on ODVA’s Facebook page at facebook.com/odvavet.

Veteran Lunch and Learn with Q&A is Back!

On November 17 from 12-12:30 p.m. via Zoom, Military Education Counselor Caleb Brunton and University Development Counselor Shanay Adams with Grand Canyon University will discuss virtual education programs for veterans and their families.

The series will continue every third Tuesday through June 2027. Please note: There is a new registration link. If you registered before this fall, you will need to submit a new registration. Have questions? Email us at hhsdavsinfo@washingtoncountyor.gov.

Ask a VSO

This month, we are discussing the value and importance of submitting a medical nexus letter to support your VA disability claims.

What is a nexus letter and why do I need one?

If you’ve ever filed a VA disability claim and walked away frustrated, you’re not alone. Many veterans are surprised to learn that even with a diagnosis and proof of something that happened in service, the VA can still deny a claim. The missing piece is often one simple but powerful document: a nexus letter.

A nexus letter is a written medical opinion from a qualified doctor that explains how your current disability is connected to your military service. In other words, it provides the “service connection” the VA will not establish for you on its own. Without it, the VA often defaults to denying the claim — not because your condition isn’t real, but because the evidence isn’t complete.

So why do I need one?

The VA requires a medical professional to state — using the correct legal language — that your condition is “at least as likely as not” (a 50% likelihood) related to your service. When that phrase appears in a well‑supported letter, it carries significant weight and can turn a weak claim into a strong one.

A solid nexus letter can help you by:

• Clearly connecting your condition to your service.
• Strengthening your case beyond what a Compensation & Pension exam typically provides.
• Supporting direct, secondary or aggravated service connection.
• Giving the VA the medical justification it needs to approve your claim.

Bottom line: If you believe your disability is tied to your service, a nexus letter is one of the most important tools you have. It fills the gap between what you know happened and what the VA needs to recognize it.

The best way to get started is to work with your Veteran Service Officer (VSO). A VSO can help you gather your records, prepare a complete packet for your doctor, and make sure the letter addresses exactly what the VA needs to see.

The quickest way to reach your VSO is by email, and they also have direct phone numbers. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can contact your VSO directly or call Disability, Aging and Veteran Services at 503‑846‑3060.

If you have a question for our Veteran Service Officers, we invite you to “Ask a VSO.” We will answer your question. 

Clothing Swap: Give. Take. Support.

Pacific Northwest Veteran Sisters invites women veterans to a community Clothing Swap. This is a great opportunity to refresh your wardrobe, share with others, and support a worthy cause.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, December 12
• Location: Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton
• Drop‑off: Doors open at 10:30 a.m. for item drop‑off
• Clothing Swap: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Bring your gently used women’s, children’s, and men’s clothing and shoes to exchange with fellow women veterans. This is a family‑friendly event, and no RSVP is required.

Any unclaimed items at the end of the event will be donated to the Gung Ho Ministries Boutique in Beaverton. For questions, please email pnwvetsisters@gmail.com.

Veterans Events Build Stronger Community Together

Pickleball: Join veterans and community members on the first Sunday of the month. For more information and to register, contact Cindy at ccosenzo@justcreatecommunity.com or 503-739-2647. Space is limited to 12 veterans per month.

Connecting Oregon Veterans with Senior Wish Makers: Senior Wish Makers in Beaverton is dedicated to granting meaningful wishes for low-income seniors and veterans age 65 and older across Oregon. Wishes can take many forms — an experience you’ve always wanted to try, a special outing, or a needed item you haven’t been able to afford. Wishes can be submitted by the veteran, a family member, a friend, or a community organization. To learn more or submit a wish, visit Senior Wish Makers.

Community Outreach for At-Risk Veterans: Transition Projects provides a monthly outreach opportunity for veterans without housing or at imminent risk of losing their housing to access Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) grant funding resources. The SSVF screening is on the third Thursday of every month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Salvation Army Veteran and Family Center in Beaverton. Complete the online referral form or call 855-425-5544.

Exercise Program in Forest Grove: The American Legion Post 2 is hosting exercise classes administered by Pacific University student Kayla Speer as her Capstone Project on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. at the American Legion Post 2, 2003 21st Ave, Forest Grove. For more information, email Michael Perrault at mrperrault44@gmail.com or call 503-735-5616.

Whole Health and Well-Being Classes: A variety of classes are available to veterans, including offerings in general well-being and whole health, symptom management, movement, tobacco cessation, support groups and nutrition. Find more information and available classes. The Whole Health scheduling number is 503-220-8262 ext. 53098.  

Yoga: Bringing healing to the whole warrior, Saturdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. at the Yoga for Veterans - The City of Tualatin Oregon. No registration required. 

Coffee Connection: Gather with veterans for Joe Mud Coffee Hour, a community connection opportunity, on November 12 and 28, 9-10 a.m., at the Hillsboro Elks Lodge 1862.  



Free Meals: Enjoy breakfast on the first Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m. and dinner on the fourth Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at Hillsboro VFW Post 2666. Breakfast is served on the third Sunday of every month at 10 a.m. at Sherwood Elks Lodge.

Veterans Crisis Line is Available 24/7

The Veterans Crisis Line provides free confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or healthcare to connect.

• Call the Crisis Line: Dial 988 (press 1)
• Text the Crisis Line: Text 838255
• Chat Online