Oregon War Veterans Blogtag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-13088522009-08-28T15:16:44-07:00A place for folks to read about issues interesting to Oregon's veterans, members of the military and their families.
TypePad44.926644-122.986942Sad news from the 41sttag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8357a582e69e20120a52c4a37970b2009-08-28T15:16:44-07:002009-08-28T15:16:44-07:00This morning, OWVA was notified that two members of the Oregon National Guard's 41st Infantry Combat Brigade were killed in Iraq. A third soldier was wounded. Very few details are available yet, but OWVA has told the Governor's Office, ORNG's General Staff and the 41st's Family Readiness Support Team that "we are here to help as needed." Nearly 3,500 ORNG families are reeling from the news, especially since it has come so soon after our troops arrived in Iraq. In the past, OWVA has been asked to assist with funeral costs and transportation for extended family members. "We do whatever...Greg WarnockOWVA Confirms Maxwell’s Re-admittance to the Oregon University Systemtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8357a582e69e2011571f50983970b2009-07-11T09:44:20-07:002009-07-11T09:45:13-07:00Salem, Oregon – The Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) is encouraged to announce that Jeff Maxwell, the Western Oregon University (WOU) student and veteran Marine who was wrongfully arrested and subsequently suspended from school for lawfully carrying a concealed weapon, may now re-enter the Oregon University System. Earlier this year, Western Oregon University demanded Maxwell write a special research paper on the importance of following their policies – essentially a denouncement of his own lawful actions. “We appreciate WOU’s concern and cooperation on this issue,” said Jesse Barton, the Salem attorney retained by OWVA to represent Maxwell. “Maxwell will now...Greg WarnockOregon Legislature Cuts National Guard Budget While Troops Deploytag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8357a582e69e2011571944965970b2009-06-30T16:49:17-07:002009-06-30T16:50:33-07:00Salem, OR - OWVA is saddened by the Oregon Legislature's decision to cut the Oregon Military Department/National Guard (OMD) budget by more than 16% while 3,200 Oregon National Guard troops deploy to Iraq this year. "I am so sick of hearing 'we got your back' by politicians in Oregon who voice their support for our military in pubic forums, but in committee and session hearings cut their support so drastically," said Greg Warnock, Director of Oregon War Veterans Association. During the budget vote by the Oregon House, Representative Tim Freeman (R-Roseburg) - the only member to voice his opinion on...Greg WarnockOWVA Director Emails Legislative Leadership About Not Yet Hearing Important Billstag:typepad.com,2003:post-676083052009-06-03T17:00:50-07:002009-06-04T09:08:02-07:00The following email was sent to Oregon's legislative leaders, in an attempt to express how important it is to help the Oregon National Guard in their time of extraordinary need: Dear President Courtney, Speaker Hunt, Senators Burdick and Carter, and Representatives Buckley and Barnhart: Our constituents have been hounding us for more information regarding our legislation to assist the Oregon Nation Guard Emergency Fund funding, and Oregon Youth Challenge Program. We have not been critical of the legislature so far, and would honestly like to keep it that way. Since 2005, the Oregon National Guard has received funding for their...Greg WarnockOWVA Passes Priority Legislationtag:typepad.com,2003:post-674628952009-05-30T16:03:10-07:002009-05-30T16:03:10-07:00The Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) worked with others to pass a bill that designates the U.S. Highway 97 in Oregon as the World War II Veterans Historic Highway. SB 449 passed the House unanimously Thursday. “The passage of this bill is a huge victory,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of OWVA. “Oregonians often forget the history behind World War II, the war that played a major role in central Oregon. This bill will place plaques along the highway with facts and reminders of those that fought for our country.” The signage will be paid for by veteran groups...Greg WarnockOWVA Partners with the VIP Discount Card Program Memorial Day Weekendtag:typepad.com,2003:post-671760792009-05-22T20:08:40-07:002009-05-22T20:08:40-07:00The VIP Discount Card Program, which allows consumers to save money at their favorite restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and attractions, has partnered with the Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) this Memorial Day weekend. The program will donate 25% of their direct card sales to OWVA's charitable projects. OWVA is currently helping families of deployed National Guard troops with emergency funding relating to medical and housing issues. "VIP's contributions are especially helpful during the beginning of this National Guard deployment, as the recession has impacted the families harder than normal,” said Greg Warnock, the Executive Director of the Oregon War Veterans...Greg WarnockOWVA Asks House to Protect Veteran Vulnerability instead of Protecting the Creditorstag:typepad.com,2003:post-671300012009-05-21T19:14:42-07:002009-05-21T19:14:42-07:00Salem, Oregon – Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) urges a "do pass" recommendation on the SB 731A version of the bill that is now in the House Committee on Consumer Protection. This important legislation will help disabled veterans better protect their disability pensions from illegal collections. SB 731A implements the policy and principle behind state and federal exemption laws by ensuring that protection is offered up front, at the bank account level, rather than requiring an expensive and delayed court hearing. OWVA's director, Greg Warnock, told a group of OWVA supporters on Wednesday that some legislators feel that the banks...Greg WarnockNew "Linscott Law" Protects Military Familiestag:typepad.com,2003:post-666675772009-05-11T19:37:20-07:002009-05-11T19:38:52-07:00Salem, Oregon - House Bill 2303 was signed into law on Friday, sending a loud signal to creditors who abuse Oregon's military families. The law now requires financial institutions to conform to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) laws, and special federal rights held by service members. The passage of this law is a result of the efforts of strong lobby support of the Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA), the Oregon State Bar's (OSB) Military Assistance Panel, Salem Attorney Jess Barton, Portland Attorney Mike Mendelson, and Brigadier General Mike Caldwell, Deputy Director of the Oregon Military Department who gave much...Greg WarnockOWVA Partners with Mattress World to Help Veterans and their Familiestag:typepad.com,2003:post-666675072009-05-08T19:32:00-07:002009-05-08T19:32:00-07:00Salem, Oregon – Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) is proud to partner with Mattress World in an effort to help veterans and military families during the month of May. OWVA has actively participated with the Oregon National Guard's Family Readiness Group (ORNG's FRG) and family assistance program providers. Since 2002, OWVA has helped hundreds of families with emergency housing, medical bills, and transportation issues. OWVA works directly with the general staff and FRG system for the ORNG. "I am so proud to help OWVA raise funds to help Oregon's military families,” said Sherri, the owner of Mattress World. “I can't...Greg WarnockGood news!tag:typepad.com,2003:post-664204492009-05-05T19:12:16-07:002009-05-05T19:12:16-07:00The Oregon Senate passed SB 731! OWVA would like to thank the Senate for its support our of most vulberable citizens, including many veterans. Now, we need to urge the Oregon House to continue pushing this important legislation forward.Greg WarnockOWVA Urges Senate to Protect Veteran Vulnerabilitytag:typepad.com,2003:post-663771952009-05-01T21:18:00-07:002009-05-01T21:18:00-07:00A bill that will protect Oregon’s vulnerable veterans is expected to land on the Senate floor early next week. SB 731A will protect exempt funds from garnishment. The bill implements the policy and principle behind state and federal exemption laws by ensuring that protection is offered up front, at the bank account level, rather than requiring an expensive and delayed court hearing. “Veterans’ benefits, disability benefits, social security benefits – these are crucial programs that are designed to create a safety net for vulnerable people. That’s why state and federal laws declare these benefits exempt from collection,” said Sybil Hebb,...Greg WarnockOWVA’s Priority Legislation Moves through the Legislaturetag:typepad.com,2003:post-663772532009-04-29T21:21:00-07:002009-04-29T21:21:00-07:00Salem, Oregon – Today, the Senate unanimously approved a bill to protect servicemembers from violations of their rights under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). HB 2303 will allow servicemembers to effectively fight civil abuses by creditors. The bill, which was drafted by members of the Oregon Bar Association, will make creditors responsible for damages and attorney fees to veterans if they violate the SCRA. “Congress did not create the protections as something akin to a veterans benefit,” said Jesse Barton, Attorney at Law. “Congress created the protections for the primary purpose of providing for, strengthening, and expediting the...Greg WarnockOWVA Urges State Legislature to Support the Oregon Youth Challenge Programtag:typepad.com,2003:post-661348692009-04-27T09:00:00-07:002009-04-28T19:08:18-07:00OWVA Asks for a “Do Pass” Recommendation Salem, Oregon – Today, the Senate Committee on Education and General Government will hold a public hearing and work session on Senate Bill 920, which allows the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program (OYCP) to receive State School Fund distribution. The OYCP is a mentor active, cost free, drug free, coed, residential/post-residential program conducted at the Central Oregon Training and Education Facility (COTEF) in Bend, Oregon. It is an “at-risk” youth program that targets unemployed and underemployed male and female teens ages 16 to 18 that have dropped out or are struggling with...Greg WarnockVeteran Jeffery Maxwell Deserves Equal Protection of the Lawtag:typepad.com,2003:post-659499932009-04-23T16:28:06-07:002009-04-23T16:32:51-07:00OWVA Supports Maxwell’s Appeal Salem, Oregon – Today, Jeffery Maxwell, the Marine veteran WOU suspended after learning that he was lawfully carrying a concealed weapon on campus, filed a petition with the Oregon Court of Appeals for judicial review. This petition starts an appeal of Western Oregon University’s (WOU) decision to suspend Maxwell and seeks to override the university’s requirements to be reinstated into the college. These requirements add an extra burden solely on Maxwell for his reinstatement to any university under the Oregon University System. “This particular case encompasses much more than the Second Amendment right,” said Greg Warnock,...Greg WarnockOWVA Protects Veteran’s Educational Rightstag:typepad.com,2003:post-650336672009-04-02T21:00:00-07:002009-04-02T21:00:00-07:00SALEM, OR -- Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) just learned that Jeff Maxwell, the Western Oregon University (WOU) Student who was illegally arrested and subsequently suspended from school for carrying a concealed weapon was just told that he cannot attend ANY Oregon University. Michelle Sandlin, admissions director of Oregon State University, told Maxwell today that he would not be allowed to attend OSU, even though they admitted him recently- after he was suspended by WOU. Maxwell has a concealed handgun permit, and is permitted to carry a handgun according to Oregon Law, and the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution....Greg WarnockOWVA supports SB 731tag:typepad.com,2003:post-644695072009-03-19T12:00:00-07:002009-03-22T11:14:21-07:00On behalf of the directors, members and staff of Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA), OWVA would like to voice its support for SB 731 to protect the vulnerability of Oregon War Veterans. SB 731 will protect a basic minimum level of funds (proposed at $2,500) in accounts containing reasonably identifiable exempt direct deposits from garnishment. Day after day, even more so during these tough economic times, veterans find themselves struggling to pay their bills. Even more disheartening is when veterans lose their exempt funds. Veterans often assume their money is safe when it is being directly deposited, when in reality...Greg WarnockOWVA announces new legislationtag:typepad.com,2003:post-639608152009-03-11T18:16:18-07:002009-03-11T18:17:14-07:00Oregon War Veterans Association is proud to announce the publication of the following bills for the 2009 Oregon Legislative Assembly: SB 917 - Expands number of health care providers eligible for income tax credit allowed for initially contracting to provide health care services in TRICARE system by including providers who entered contracts on or after January 1, 2006. SB 918 - Creates tax credit for taxpayer who is veteran and who pays or incurs premium costs during tax year for long term care insurance that provides long term care coverage of taxpayer. SB 919 - Appropriates moneys from General Fund...Greg WarnockOWVA Prepares to Litigate Against Western Oregon Universitytag:typepad.com,2003:post-635658512009-02-28T15:00:00-08:002009-02-28T15:00:00-08:00FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more Information: Nellie deVries (541) 601-7272 Salem, Oregon—Today, the Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) publicly announced its decision to file a lawsuit against Western Oregon University (WOU) for its violation of the Second Amendment right to carry a gun and its decision to expel veteran Marine, Jeff Maxwell. The university suspended Maxwell for a year upon discovering he carried a concealed handgun onto campus. In addition to his unlawful discipline, WOU humiliated the 30 year old, veteran Marine by mandating that he receive psychiatric evaluation and write a ten page paper on civil obedience before his...Greg WarnockOregon War Veterans Association Announces 2009 Legislative Agendatag:typepad.com,2003:post-635659352009-02-27T15:00:00-08:002009-02-27T15:00:00-08:00FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more Information: Nellie deVries (541) 601-7272 Salem, Oregon—The Oregon War Veterans Association today announced a broad legislative agenda for 2009. Greg Warnock, executive director of the association, says he is “looking forward to bipartisan support from the Legislative Assembly on a number of key issues that impact the lives of Oregon’s veterans.” Among the association’s goals are to: • Provide needed aid to our troops and their families during this ongoing economic downturn; • Protect tax exemptions for military pay; • Improve veterans’ access to and utilization of higher education in Oregon; • Increase veterans’ access...Greg WarnockOregon War Veterans Association Defends Military Service Members and their Familiestag:typepad.com,2003:post-621947222009-01-31T09:58:29-08:002009-01-31T09:58:29-08:00For more Information: Nellie deVries (541) 601-7272 Salem, OR— A new bill encourages Oregon legislators to find a solution to the financial hardships that deployed members of the military often face. Many times these hardships are a direct result of their deployment. Therefore, a public hearing was held on Friday in the House Judiciary Committee on a bill that will allow service members to effectively fight the civil abuses by creditors. HB 2303, which was drafted by members of the Oregon Bar Association, will make creditors responsible for damages and attorney fees to veterans if they violate the Servicemembers Civil...Greg Warnock