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News Release

Contact:    Robin Maxey                                                                  March 21, 2011

                   (503) 986-1605   

                   robin.maxey@state.or.us                                                             

Senate Approves Measure to Rename National Guard

Aviation Facility after Former Governor Kulongoski

(SALEM) -- A measure naming the Salem Army National Guard Aviation Facility after former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski won approval from the full Senate Monday.

Senate Bill 601 recognizes Kulongoski’s eight years as commander and chief of the Oregon National Guard and his commitment to Oregon troops serving both at home and in wars around the globe.

“Governor Kulongoski was a partner to the Oregon Military Department. He championed improvements to Guard facilities and was an unwavering advocate for the men and women of the Oregon National Guard,” said Senate President Peter Courtney, sponsor of the bill.

Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn) pointed out that Kulongoski, a former Marine, attended more than 120 funerals and memorial services for Oregon servicemen and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also traveled three times to visit in person with Oregon troops serving on the front lines in Iraq and made two trips to support troops in Afghanistan.

“He took his responsibility as the commander and chief of the Oregon National Guard seriously and the deaths of our troops affected him personally,” Courtney said. “Renaming the Salem Army National Guard Aviation Facility after Ted Kulongoski is just one small thing that we can do to honor both the Governor and the soldiers that have given so much.”

Passing the Senate on a 30-0 vote, SB 601 now goes to the House for consideration.