Oregon Military Department

Oregon National Guard Soldiers assist with Governor's Toy Drive

2011-12-16T15:55:00.001-08:00

111216-F-TK422-138, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Spc. Cuong Quach, (foreground), of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 162 Engineer Company, hands one of the many toys donated to the Governor’s Toy Drive, to Sgt. Roderick Compton at the Oregon State Capitol, in Salem, Ore., Dec. 16. Oregon Soldiers joined volunteers and Salvation Army members to load the donated toys into vehicles for transport to the Salvation Army collection center. (Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

Oregon National Guard's Youth Challenge Program graduates 2011-12 class in Redmond

2011-12-14T18:16:00.001-08:00

111214-A-6947H-004, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon, shakes hands with one of the graduating cadets from class 2011-12 of the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program during the class’ graduation ceremony in Redmond, Ore., Dec. 14. The primary mission of the OYCP is to intervene in, and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year old at-risk youth. Program graduates receive instruction in values, self-discipline, education, and life skills necessary to succeed as productive citizens, in addition to earning a G.E.D. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment).

Oregon's CERFP unit showcases capabilites for Governor

2011-12-13T16:00:00.001-08:00

111212-F-TK422-055, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Michael Gremaud, (lower left), and Tech. Sgt. Mike Brown, (top left), Airmen with the Oregon National Guard’s CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP), discuss their unit’s overall mission to Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber and Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon, during a 375th Anniversary of the National Guard celebration held at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Ore., Dec. 13. The unit will respond at the call of the governor to augment local jurisdictions and other emergency responders during state, regional and national emergencies. The unit is comprised of approximately 170 Citizen-Airmen and Citizen-Soldiers who provide support to first responders upon request. (Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Salem welcomes home the 1249th Engineer Battalion

2011-12-12T17:49:00.001-08:00

111212-A-6497H-004, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Peter Fritsch, of the 1249 Engineer Battalion, is welcomed home by his wife Dori, shortly after his unit’s return to the Salem Municipal Airport, in Salem, Ore., Dec. 12. Fritsch, of Camas, Wash., and approximately 125 of his fellow Soldiers were part of the second group to arrive on a direct flight to the Salem airport. The first group of 51 Soldiers arrived in Salem on Dec. 8. The unit's primary role during their 400-day deployment to Afghanistan was command and control, while providing support for Task Force Gridley. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Holden, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment).

Sunset in the morning at Withycombe

2011-12-12T12:33:00.001-08:00

121209-A-PL993-001, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

A gentle morning fog covers the infinity pool in front of the 41 Infantry Division Memorial, in front of the 41 Armed Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Ore. Dec. 9. The pool and memorial honors service members who served their country during World War II. The 250,000 square foot facility was officially dedicated in November, 2011. (Photo by Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department)

Oregon's Adjutant General speaks to City Club of Portland

2011-12-09T18:26:00.001-08:00

Rees-City Club of Portland-2, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon, speaks to a gathering at the City Club of Portland, Dec. 9, at the Governor Hotel in Portland, Ore. Seated to his right is Melody Rose, President of the City Club of Portland and Vice Provost for Academic Programs & Instruction at Portland State University, and Cameron Smith, Senior Policy Advisor to Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. Rees and Smith spoke about the value of the National Guard to Oregon, and issues facing returning Oregon National Guard veterans. The event included a question and answer session. To hear the forum in its entirety, visit the City Club link at: pdxcityclub.org/content/coming-home-veterans-oregon

Oregon's 1249 Engineers receive warm welcome home

2011-12-09T11:35:00.001-08:00

Chitwood2, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Sgt. Edward D. Chitwood, of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 1249 Engineer Battalion, hugs his son Adryn, as his wife Selisha looks on, following his unit’s return to the Salem Municipal Airport in Salem, Ore., Dec. 8. Chitwood returned to Oregon with approximately 51 Soldiers, following a 400-day mobilization to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit's primary role was command and control, while providing support for Task Force Gridley. Another group of the unit’s Soldiers is scheduled to return to Oregon on or around Dec. 12. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paul D. Rushing, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

Personnel from Oregon's Counterdrug Support Program recognized by Portland Police Bureau

2011-12-06T14:14:00.001-08:00

111206-F-TK422-036, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Eric A. Hendricks, Assistant Chief of Police, Investigations Branch, of the Portland Police Bureau presents commendation letters to three individuals with the Oregon National Guard’s Counterdrug Support Program, during a ceremony held in Salem, Ore., Dec. 6. Three analysts from the Counterdrug Support Program provided case support throughout a multi-agency investigation dubbed “Operation Trick or Treat,” which resulted in multiple arrests, seizure of several vehicles, weapons and approximately 1,000 Oxycontin pills across several states including New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Portland and Vancouver, Wash. Authorities also identified about $200,000 in proceeds in various banks accounts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

Vietnam Vet recognized for gallantry 42 years after action

2011-11-29T11:57:00.001-08:00

Herrera1-rev, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Al Herrera, (second from right), former member of Charlie Co., 1-16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Div., is awarded the Silver Star during a ceremony in the Governor’s ceremonial office in Salem, Ore., Nov. 28. Herrera, an active member of the “Bandido Charlie” Association, was recognized for “Gallantry in Action” on Aug. 12, 1969 during a firefight in Vietnam, where in spite of his own wounds, he helped evacuate other wounded Soldiers. From left to right: Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber; Oregon Air Guard Brig. Gen. Bruce Prunk, Assistant Adjutant General (Air); CSM (Ret.) Herrera; Jim Willis, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Director.

Oregon National Guard Engineering unit assists with Detroit Lake construction project

2011-11-16T09:49:00.001-08:00

111116-F-1639C-397, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Soldier Engineers with the Oregon Army National Guard’s 224 Engineer Company operate heavy equipment during a construction project at the Detroit Lake Recreation Area, near Detroit Lake, Ore., Nov. 16. Engineers with the unit plan to dredge approximately 40,000 cubic yards of earth in order to open a boat access channel across Detroit Flats to the Detroit Marina, said Lt. Duffy Cavanaugh, unit Executive Officer. The unit had just completed another construction project to mitigate beach erosion, adjacent to the Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Ore., the week before. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Oregon National Guard participates in Albany Veterans Day Parade

2011-11-11T16:41:00.001-08:00

111111-F-1639C-276, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Army National Guard State Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley waves to participants passing the reviewing stand at the Veterans Day Parade in Albany, Ore., Nov. 11. Members of the Oregon National Guard took part in Veterans Day ceremonies around the state, including the Albany Veterans Day Parade, which is touted by organizers as the largest event of its kind west of the Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Oregon Soldiers get their 'game' face on for community event

2011-11-09T10:21:00.001-08:00

111107-A-9578-004, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Joseph Jardine interacts with fans of the video game “Modern Warfare 3”, while holding an M4 rifle with a grenade launcher during an interactive event conducted by the Oregon National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, at the GameStop store in Bend’s Old Mill District, Nov. 7. Soldiers from Bend simulated the delivery of the game and interacted with more than 400 people who purchased the game that night. Some customers waited for nearly ten hours for their copy of the game. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan, J9 Public Affairs)

Brig. Gen. Charles Yriarte retires from the Oregon National Guard, ends 40 year career in the military

2011-11-04T16:52:00.001-07:00

1111104-F-1639C-030, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Air National Guard Commander, Brig. Gen. Steven Gregg (left), bestows the Air Force Commendation Medal on Oregon Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Charles L. Yriarte, during his retirement ceremony held at the Oregon Military Department in Salem, Ore., Nov. 4. Yriarte, who has been in the military for more than 40 years, served as the Assistant Adjutant General (Army), and Commander of Joint Task Force Oregon. Yriarte was born in Burns Ore., and graduated from Burns-Union High School. He plans to return to Burns, Ore. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).

Oregon Airmen bid farewell to the BDU

2011-10-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

Oregon Air National Guard members wear their Battle Dress Uniform on the last authorized day to wear the BDU, in front of the Oregon Military Department, Oct. 31. From left to right: Capt. Dawn Choy, Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Master Sgt. Sheryl Derrick, Chief Master Sgt. David Gardner. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Betty Boyce, Human Resources Benefits Assistant).

For anyone in the Air Force, Air National Guard or Reserve, today marks a milestone in the service’s history. For those who have been Airmen for more than a few years, today is especially significant.

It is the day the Air Force officially says goodbye to the Battle Dress Uniform, or BDU.

A number of Oregon Air National Guard members who work at the Oregon Military Department agreed to wear their BDU on the last day the Air Force authorized its use—October 31.

The BDU has been in active use by the United States military since September 1981. Its’ distinctive woodland camouflage pattern is based on Vietnam-era jungle fatigues, which found their roots in specialty uniforms used by U.S. paratroopers during WWII.

The pattern, which uses shades of green, brown, tan and black, is primarily based on the woodland colors of Northern Europe. It was initially printed on a cotton-nylon blend twill cloth, but was updated in 1989 to a lightweight fabric printed on 100-percent rip-stop poplin cloth.

The BDU replaced all early camouflage patterned uniforms for wooded, jungle and tropical environments, and by 1989, had completely replaced the standard olive drab uniforms used since 1952.

The U.S. Army adopted the BDU on Oct. 1, 1981 as their field and garrison uniform, and wore it proudly until early 2005, before instituting the Army Combat Uniform, or ACU.

The BDU pattern didn’t just help military members blend into forests during the day. All BDU’s were printed on a special fabric which allowed the wearer to go undetected by infrared image converters, making them nearly invisible at night.

However, the tradition of starching the uniform for a more formal appearance increased the infrared signature. It was said that once a BDU was starched it should never be worn in combat.

The Air Force replaced it with the Airman Battle Uniform, or ABU which was issued to Air Force personnel as part of Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) 7 and 8 in early 2007. It was also issued to basic trainees, and became available to the rest of the force in June 2008.

The ABU incorporates medium to light gray color based on a distinctive Vietnam-era “tigerstripe” pattern, and is made with a 50-50 nylon-cotton blend in the same material used by the Army Combat Uniform, or ACU.

Chief Master Sgt. David Gardner, Management Analyst for the Oregon Military Department, said he likes the new uniform with its wash and wear feature.

“The ABU is much easier to care for,” he said. “There was a lot of upkeep with the BDU.”

Indeed, as a sheet metal mechanic earlier in his military career, Gardner went through quite a few BDUs over the years.

“I must have gone through at least 40 or 50 sets, and a pair of boots every six months to a year,” Gardner said.

Capt. Dawn Choy, Supervisory Human Resources Specialist at JFHQ, said she likes the new style of the ABU, as well as the extra pockets, durability and ease of wear, but wasn’t completely sold on the sage green suede boots.

“The uniform color and sage green boots are cool, just harder to keep nice and clean,” she said.

One feature which won’t carry over from the BDU to the ABU is the unit patches, leaving many with mixed feelings.

“It was interesting to see where everyone was from when we traveled with other military members,” Choy said. “Many military used to trade and/or collect them throughout their careers.”

Gardner had a different take.

“I do miss the unit patches, they give each unit their own identity,” he said. “But I think we are moving toward all services in one uniform and the one team concept so the patches would not work with that mind set.”

Just like opinions on the ABU versus the BDU, so too are the range of ideas on what to do with the old uniform.

“Hunting clothes,” replied Gardner.

Capt. Choy has a list of plans for hers.

“I plan to keep one uniform intact for history sake,” she said. “One pair of pants I will make into shorts, and one set will turn into a tote bag, with the already made pockets and all. The rest I will probably donate to the Oregon Civil Air Patrol.”

Master Sgt. Sheryl Derrick, who works in the Human Resources Office at the Oregon Military Department said the last day to wear her old BDU on Halloween isn’t much of a coincidence.

“In fact, I’m surprised the last day (to wear it) wasn’t April Fool’s day,” she said with a laugh.

Derrick said she has never been fond of the unit patches, but she realizes they might come in handy someday for her shadowbox.

“Unless they become collector’s items,” she added. “Then I’ll sell them!”

While Derrick plans to keep her BDUs, she said she might someday donate them to a museum.

Unfortunately it appears someone already got the jump on Derrick’s idea.

A set of BDUs worn by Gen. Colin Powell during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm now sits in the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

Posted by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy,

Oregon Military Department Social Media Manager

Counterdrug Support Program observes Red Ribbon Week

2011-10-24T13:47:00.001-07:00

111024-F-1639C-323, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Ryan Palmer, a member of Oregon’s Counterdrug Support Program, shows students of Estacada Junior High School during the kick off of Red Ribbon Week, in Estacada, Ore., Oct. 25. Palmer and the rest of the Counterdrug Support Team are scheduled to travel to elementary and middle schools throughout Oregon to educate students and school administrators on drug awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

Oregon's 3-116 CAV demobilizes in LaGrande ceremony

2011-10-08T19:12:00.001-07:00

DSC_0346, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Lt. Col. Philip Appleton, former commander of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 3 Battalion, 116 Cavalry, presents to Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, the Oregon State flag, which was flown in Iraq during the unit’s one-year deployment to Iraq. The unit held its demobilization ceremony at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Ore., Oct. 8. From left to right: Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon, Governor Kitzhaber, Appleton, and unit Command Sgt. Maj. William Wyllie. During the ceremony, the unit also conducted a change of command, where Appleton relinquished command to Maj. Jason Lambert. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

Oregon Guard's 102 CST trains with U.S. Coast Guard during multi-agency exercise

2011-10-03T11:47:00.001-07:00

110930-C-1234L-682, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

A member of the 102 Civil Support Team is winched from the deck M/V IUKA to a U.S.C.G. helicopter on the Columbia River during Exercise Columbia Crest, Sept. 29.

The exercise is designed to test various agencies' ability to respond to potential Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) threats. (U.S.C.G photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn).

Miss Oregon 2011 visits Oregon Soldiers set to deploy

2011-10-03T11:00:00.001-07:00

111002-A-9075V-006, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Caroline McGowan, Miss Oregon 2011, sings the National Anthem at a mobilization ceremony honoring the 1186 Military Police Detachment in Salem, Ore, Oct. 2.

Approximately 180 Citizen-Soldiers from throughout the state are scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan with the 1186 MP Company under the authority of Maj. William Gillentine and 1st Sgt. Robert Stemple in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Photo by Sgt. Anita Vandermolen, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Oregon Army National Guard.

Oregon National Guard meets with Bangladesh counterparts to prepare for natural emergencies

2011-09-29T11:34:00.001-07:00

BGD_DREE_2, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Micah Goettl, of the Oregon National Guard, discusses disaster preparedness with his Bangladesh counterparts during the second annual Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise & Exchange (DREE) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The five day event, which was held 25-29 Sep 2011 and led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil-Military Emergency Preparedness (CMEP) program, fostered security cooperation and best practices in responding to and recovering from a catastrophic earthquake. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Poto Leifi).

Oregon's 1186 Military Police Co., continues with training in Hermiston

2011-09-19T13:24:00.001-07:00

457800, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Spc. Michael Brown, counter-improvised explosive device trainer with the Pre-Mobilization Training Assistance Element, shows Soldiers from the 1186th Military Police Company, Oregon Army National Guard, how an anti-personnel mine works during their pre-mobilization training at Umatilla Chemical Depot in Hermiston, Ore. Sept. 15.

The 1186th Military Police Company is training for their deployment to Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kirby Rider, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Oregon Army National Guard.)

Oregon Guard Family Resource Group Coordinator recognized with national award

2011-09-17T13:11:00.001-07:00

110917-F-1639C-561, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

CLACKAMAS, Ore.--The Chief of the National Guard Bureau, U.S. Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, recognized an Oregon Army National Guard Family Resources Group Coordinator with a national-level award, during the Oregon Guard's Senior Leadership Conference, held at the new 41 Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Ore., Sept. 17.

Jennifer A. Patzner, the Family Resources Group Coordinator for the Oregon Army National Guard's 141 Brigade Support Battalion, received the National Guard Bureau Regional Family Coordinator of the Year Award during the opening ceremonies of Oregon's annual leadership conference.

Patzner is credited with volunteering over 30 hours per week, organizing care packages for deployed Soldiers of the unit, and assisting family members of deployed personnel.

The recognition comes as a surprise, and is a humbling experience, Patzner said before the ceremony.

"I'm extremely humbled by this recognition," Patzner said. "But I'm getting this award on behalf of the entire team."

Patzner said the coordinators' jobs are challenging at times because National Guard families are extremely proud, and typically don't ask for help when they need it most.

"But it's also important because when we do support the families of deployed Soldiers, then the Soldiers can focus on their mission (during deployments), and return home safely."

In her three-year tenure as the FRG Coordinator, Patzner has earned 15 certificates in courses such as suicide prevention, leadership, volunteer assessment programs and others, and attended two state workshops and the FRG National Conference in Michigan.

Patzner, who holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Oregon State University, also volunteers her time with the Girl Scouts, South Salem High School Dance Team, the American Red Cross, the Boosters, and the Oregon Partnership Against Drugs.

She encouraged families of deployed Oregon National Guard members to keep them in mind, even when there is no pressing need for services.

"We're here for you," Patzner said of the FRG coordinators. "When your Soldier is gone, we want you to rely on us. We all have the same goal--to make sure your Soldier makes it home safe."

Just two guys, reminiscing old times

2011-09-16T22:01:00.001-07:00

110916-A-4787S-009, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

It's not news that former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski is a former Marine and veteran.

Nor is it any surprise that the former Commander in Chief of the Oregon National Guard would attend one of the biggest events for the organization--the dedication of the new 41 Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas today.

But when I saw this submission from one of our photographers, I just had to share it.

After all the pomp and circumstance... after all the glitter is swept up... after all the ties are removed and titles put away, what we're left with are two veterans trading old war stories.

Here, Harold R. Lowe, formerly with Charlie Company, 162 Engineers, 41st Infantry Division and WWII veteran, took a quiet moment following the ceremony to "talk shop" with our former governor.

Would have been interesting to be a fly on a wall for that conversation, don't you think?

Thanks to Pvt. 1st Class Philip Steiner of the Oregon Army National Guard's 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment for this great photo.

Posted by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Social Media Manager, Oregon Military Department

Gen. Craig McKinley helps dedicate new Oregon National Guard facility

2011-09-16T19:44:00.001-07:00

110916-F-1639C-376, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Craig McKinley, speaks to more than 1,000 attendees at a dedication ceremony for the 41 Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas Ore., Sept. 16. The official party included McKinley; former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski; Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon; Brig. Gen.. Barry McManus, Military Attache and Assistant Defence Attache, Embassy of Australia; Brig. Gen. Alton Berry, Deputy Commanding General, 88th Regional Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve; and Colonel Yoshihiro Iseri, Military Attache, Embassy of Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs).

Chief of the National Guard Bureau thanks Port of Portland for 60 years of partnership

2011-09-16T19:12:00.001-07:00

110916-F-CH590-071, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau visited with Port of Portland officials during a visit to Oregon, Sept. 16. The visit was to show appreciation for 60 years of partnership between the Port of Portland and the Portland Air National Guard, and to attend the dedication ceremony for the 41 Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas Ore., later in the day. (From left to right) McKinley, Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon; Steven H. Schreiber, Director of Aviation, Portland International Airport; and Paul Rosenbaum, Port of Portland Commissioner. Schreiber gave McKinley a guided tour of the Port offices during his visit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing, Public Affairs) (Released)

Oregon Guard leadership attends Pendleton Roundup!

2011-09-15T22:41:00.001-07:00

110915-F-1639C-053, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Carl Culham, Director of the Pendleton Roundup Association, (left center), introduces U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Garry C. Dean, former commander, 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, and newly-appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations, Joint Forces Command in Naples, Italy (center), and Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon, (right), to members of the Pendleton Roundup Association at the event in Pendleton, Ore., Sept. 15. Dean and Rees, along with other members of the Oregon National Guard leadership, met in a town hall style meeting with Oregon Citizen-Soldiers and their family members earlier that day at the Blue Mountain Community College to discuss redeployment, training, and the Wounded Warrior Program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Office).