During the Vietnam War he flew fighter jets over the battle field keeping an eye on his fellow soldiers on the ground. On this week’s edition of War Stories, we learn more about Marine Corp. veteran Richard Harnack. Hits: 163 The post War Stories: Richard Harnack first appeared on Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Blog ..read more

An 83-year-old Vietnam veteran is at long last getting his due. President Joe Biden on Friday will award the Medal of Honor to retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat. (March 2)        Hits: 58 The post Black veteran to get Medal of Honor after 60-year wait first appeared on Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Blog ..read more

One local Army veteran, Michael Waliser, thinks it’s great to have a place to go nearby to ask questions and get help. “We have a few veterans, … Hits: 120 The post Milton-Freewater Veterans Services Office reopens after COVID closure – NBC Right Now first appeared on Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Blog ..read more

Creating a will is an important step in preparing for the future. Everyone needs a will, no matter your age, background or health. When you create a will, you decide what happens to your assets when your time comes. Beyond that, you also make a plan for your dependents, children and pets. Jump ahead to these sections: Legal Services, Lawyers, or Programs That Offer Free Wills for Veterans Online Will Makers or Services That Offer Hits: 345 The post 13 places that offer free wills or trusts for Veterans first appeared on Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Blog ..read more

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) recognizes the sacrifices made by Oregon’s more than 108,000 Vietnam veterans and all that you have endured before, during and after your service.  While we can’t change how the nation welcomed Vietnam Veterans home, we can honor and serve you today. We offer not only our sincere gratitude for your service and sacrifice, but we also offer our advocacy and action.  ODVA is committed to honoring your legacy of service through our advocacy. However, we do not want to simply honor your sacrifice on just this day; we want to honor your s ..read more

Exposure to contaminants or environmental hazards poses a major health concern for Veterans of all eras. If you served in Iraq, Afghanistan or other areas and believe you were exposed to hazardous materials – including particulate matter, burn pits and others – disability compensation and other VA benefits for related illnesses or conditions may be available for you. The post Disability compensation available for Veterans exposed to hazardous materials appeared first on VAntage Point. Hits: 242 The post Disability compensation available for Veterans exposed to hazardous materials first appear ..read more

Black men and women have fought and served in every war and conflict in United States history, from the Revolutionary War to the post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ninety African American service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest and most prestigious military decoration. Yet, throughout most of American history, Black service members were segregated, forced to serve in separate units from their White counterparts. Desegregation didn’t occur until Jan. 26, 1948, when President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 directing the integration of the Un ..read more

Growing up on a ranch, Chad James never thought he’d participate in one of the most pivotal moments of the Vietnam War. In this week’s edition of War Stories, the Navy veteran recalls the events leading up to the Gulf of Tonkin incident.   Hits: 185 The post War Stories: Chad James first appeared on Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Blog ..read more

Clackamas County’s only Medal of Honor recipient, and just one of 13 from Oregon in U.S. history, is receiving another honor in the form of a memorial highway. Hits: 187 The post Highway to be named after Vietnam-era Clackamas County soldier first appeared on Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Blog ..read more

Were you exposed to hazardous materials while serving in the military, such as from Agent Orange or burn pits? Did you serve in Vietnam, Thailand or Southwest Asia? If so, you may be eligible to file for service-connected benefits based on presumptive exposure. The post Are you eligible to file for benefits based on presumptive exposure? appeared first on VAntage Point. Hits: 243 The post Are you eligible to file for benefits based on presumptive exposure? first appeared on Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs Blog ..read more