Yesterday my father-in-law (above) rolled into Washington DC as part of the Run for the Wall, a motorcycle pilgrimage of 350,000 proud veterans aimed at raising awareness of unaccounted-for U.S. military personnel from all wars and aimed at providing a friendly welcome to Vietnam War veterans.
I'm pleased to report that he and his travellling compainion Robbie have received a hero's welcome each mile of the way.
So on this Memorial Day, to my father-in-law who served proudly in the infantry in Vietnam; to my Uncle Tom who fought in the Battle of the Bluge; to my Dad, a World War II B-17 tailgunner; to my Great Aunt Gert's husband who died in a mental institution after World War I suffering from what they then called "shell shock"; to Sgt Benjamin Heir who I've come to know through his work with the Oregon National Guard Reintegration and Service Member Support team and our work in developing the Portland State University Veterans Center; to all the members of the reintegration team and the state Military Department and Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs whose budgets I have overseen; to Commander Leneld E. Brown and his colleagues with the Oregon National Association for Black Veterans, who we're assisting in receiving Oregon Veterans Service Organization certification; to Gold Star Famlies for Peace and the many veterans working to bring the Iraq War to a conclusion; and to all the veterans in House District 43 and throughout Oregon, we salute you and offer our deepest appreciation for your sacrifices and the sacrifices of your family.
I pledge to do all I can to end this war in Iraq. And I pledge to do all I can to ensure our returning service men and women in the armed services, national guard and reserves receive the gratitude, help and support they so richly deserve as they make the difficult transition back to stateside life.
If you are active military or a veteran who needs help receiving the benefits to which you are entitled, please don't hesitate to contact me at 503-231-2564 and we'll do all we can to advocate on your behalf. |
