Oregon Military Department

Oregon Guardsmen win Region VI Best Warrior Competition

2013-05-20T17:03:00.001-07:00

Spc. Benjamin S. Herrmann, with the Oregon Army National Guard’s 3670th Maintenance Company, emerges from the water after high-crawling approximately 20-yards through the surf while competing in the Region VI Best Warrior Competition, at Camp Rilea, in Warrenton Ore., May 16. Hermann and won the title of Region VI Soldier of the Year, earning the opportunity to compete in the national Best Warrior competition. (Photo by Sgt. Betty Boyce, Oregon Army National Guard)

SALEM, Ore. - The winners of the Region VI Best Warrior Competition were announced at a ceremony, May 16, at Camp Rilea, in Warrenton, Ore. Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Carver, with the Oregon Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, won Non-commissioned Officer of the Year and Spc. Benjamin Herrman, with the Oregon Army National Guard’s 3670th Maintenance Company, won Soldier of the Year.

Thirteen Citizen-Soldiers from eight states participated in the regional competition. Competition events included, but were not limited to; rappelling, rifle marksmanship, physical fitness testing, obstacle course, and Soldier knowledge evaluation boards.

The Region VI Best Warrior Challenge pit Army National Guard Soldiers from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming and Oregon against each other during a grueling four-day event.

Winners of this competition advance to a national competition later this year.

"It's a great day to be in the Oregon National Guard," said Oregon’s State Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Lake. "Every competitor proved their grit during this competition. They truly embody the spirit of the Citizen-Soldier."

Oregon's 2-162 Infantry Battalion Soldiers train at Biak

2013-05-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

130517-A-0876B-003, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Scott Young talks with Capt. Jeffery Flores, commander of Bravo Company, 2-162 Infantry Battalion at Corvallis Municipal Airport, Corvallis, Ore., May 17.

Young briefed the Soldiers before they boarded a CH-47 Chinook which airlifted them to Biak Training Center in Bend, Ore., where they conducted battle drills as part of their weekend training.

Photo by Sgt. Armondo Borboa, 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.

Oregon National Guard celebrates Armed Forces Day at Capitol

2013-05-17T14:06:00.001-07:00

130516-Z-OT568-116, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber recognizes Oregon National Guard Airmen and Soldiers who recently returned from overseas deployments during the Armed Forces Day celebration, May 16, at the Capitol Mall, in Salem, Ore. From left: Tech. Sgt. Alan Baker, Senior Master Sgt. Cody Pemberton, Capt. Scot Berg, and Staff Sgt. Sarah Summers. (Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard celebrated Armed Forces Day to honor all military members in a ceremony at the State Capitol Mall in Salem, Ore., May 16.

The event featured military equipment displays from various units throughout the Oregon National Guard and a Howitzer salute by the Oregon Army National Guard’s 2-218 Field Artillery Battalion. The Oregon Army National Guard’s 234th Army Band and high school Junior ROTC teams from local communities were also featured.

In addition to honoring all military members, the event will also honor Korean War veterans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement.

Armed Forces Day was originally created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in all of the branches of the military, and was designated as an official holiday in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy.

Oregon Air National Guard's Mobile Emergency Operations Center deployed to Prineville first responder exercise

2013-05-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

130515-TK422-2372, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. John McIlvain, (left), Mobile Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) Chief, speaks to Oregon National Guard 102 Civil Support Team (CST) Executive Officer, Maj. Richard Paetz, via video teleconference, during an inter-agency training exercise in Prineville, Ore., May 15.

The event is part of the United States Army North (USARNORTH) evaluation for the Oregon National Guard's 102 Civil Support Team (CST), who are supporting local first responders.

Other agencies who took part in the exercise were Crook County Fire & Rescue, Salem Fire Department’s HAZMAT 13, Prineville Police Department, Crook County Public Works, Crook County Sheriff, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Prineville Community Development.

In addition to evaluating the 102 CST's manning, equipment, training and competency, the event also tested first responders' ability to react to a local civil emergency.

Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

102 Civil Support Team assists Dalai Lama visit to Oregon

2013-05-11T11:38:00.001-07:00

130510-Z-OT568-305, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, poses for a photo with members of the Oregon National Guard’s 102 Civil Support Team at the University of Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena, in Eugene, Ore., May 10. (Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

The U.S. Department of State requested the Oregon National Guard’s 102 Civil Support Team to assist law enforcement with events in Portland and Eugene featuring the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, this week. The 102 CST provided chemical, biological, radiological, and other hazardous material detection capabilities, as well as rapid-response decontamination capabilities to help secure the events and ensure public safety.

Oregon's Adjutant General recognized with Distinguished Citizen Award by Cascade Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts of America

2013-05-10T10:56:00.001-07:00

Former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, (left), Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, with the Distinguished Citizen Award on behalf of the Cascade Pacific Council of the Boy Scouts of America, during the 2013 Eagle Scout Celebration at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore., May 9.

Kulongoski, a Life Scout and past Meritorious Leadership Award recipient, said the values of the Boy Scouts reflect those of the National Guard, and America.

Rees, a Star Scout, who was the keynote speaker at the event, said the Boy Scouts prepare members to be leaders, mentors and role models.

About 100 Scouts and their family members took part in the event, which also included 10 Scouts who each received a $1,000 scholarship.

Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

Rescued hiker thanks Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers for saving her life

2013-05-09T19:33:00.001-07:00

130509-Z-OT568-038, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Mary Owen (center), 23 of Newberg, Ore., poses for a photo with her rescuers, Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with Charlie Company, 7-158 Aviation, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., May 9, in front of the Blackhawk helicopter that hoisted her off of Mount Hood.

Owen was injured and stranded for six days after suffering an injury while hiking near Mount Hood. The Oregon Army National Guard helicopter crew located and rescued her on March 30.

Owen and her family visited the flight facility to thank the Soldiers for finding her, and ultimately saving her life.

From left: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Devin Wickenhagen, Capt. Nathan Edgecomb, Mary Owen, Sgt. Michael Buchan, and Sgt. Daniel Cleveland.

Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

Posted on May 9, 2013.

Oregonians welcome home Oregon Soldiers from the 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

2013-05-05T20:27:00.001-07:00

130505-Z-XB575-085, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard's 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment salute during the playing of the National Anthem at their demobilization ceremony at West Salem High School, in Salem, Ore., May 5.

The unit recently returned to Oregon following a deployment in Afghanistan.

Photo by Spc. Marilyn Lowry, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Home sweet home

2013-04-25T14:47:00.001-07:00

130423-Z-OT568-053, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Hartman, of the 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, embraces his wife, Andrea, as their daughter, June, looks on at the Portland International Airport, following the unit’s return to Oregon, April 23.

The 115 MPAD completed a deployment to Afghanistan, where they produced more than 700 broadcast products, 75 print stories and more than 600 photos that were downloaded more than 2,500 times and used by news media agencies around the world.

They also embedded more than 80 journalists from various news agencies throughout the world to tell the story of what was happening in Regional Command East, and provided training to the 201st Corps and 203rd Corps Afghan National Army on public affairs operations.

A demobilization ceremony for the unit is scheduled on May 5 in Salem, Ore.

Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

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

Capital Campaign for new Oregon Military Museum continues with gala fundraiser event at Governor Hotel

2013-04-20T22:17:00.001-07:00

130420-A-FS713-232, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Ninety-one year old WWII veteran, Brig. Gen. (Oregon State Defense Force) James B. Thayer, received a standing ovation at the 2013 All-Star Salute to the Oregon Military, held at the Governor Hotel in Portland, Ore., April 20.

The event is part of a two-year, $6.5 million capital campaign fundraiser for the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Ore.

Tommy Thayer, lead guitarist for the rock band KISS, along with local celebrities Patrick Lamb, Linda Hornbuckle, KGW news anchor Brenda Braxton, and former Portland Trailblazer Jerome Kersey, attended the sold-out event to raise funds for the Brig. Gen. (Oregon State Defense Force) James B. Thayer, Oregon Military Museum.

“I’m honored to be a part of this outstanding event to recognize not only my father but all veterans who have sacrificed for our country,” said Tommy Thayer in an interview prior to the event. “The Oregon Military Museum will ensure the legacy of the men and women who have served will not be forgotten.”

The museum will be named in honor of James Thayer, a World War II veteran who helped liberate a concentration camp in the waning days of WWII.

A two-year capital campaign to renovate the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas is currently underway. Of the $6.5 million goal, $2.5 million has secured thus far. The museum will commemorate the military service and sacrifice of all Oregonians who have served in the nation's armed forces.

Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon National Guard 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

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

Former Vietnam War adversaries build bridges of friendship through State Partnership Program

2013-04-19T16:10:00.001-07:00

IMG_3285, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees (right), Adjutant General, Oregon, and Lt. Gen. Tran Quang Khue (second from right), Deputy Chief of General Staff for the Vietnam People's Army, discuss a map of Vietnam, during the State Partnership Program Workshop, in Portland, Ore., April 19.

Dr. D. Blair Craig (far left), Program Manager for Joint Directorate of Military Support, presented the map to Khue and Rees, while Senior Captain Mai Tat Thang, American Desk Officer, Vietnam People's Army helped translate.

The map represents the region in Vietnam where both Khue and Rees fought on opposite sides of the Vietnam War in 1969.

The State Partnership Program workshop, held April 17-19 included regional, national, and international experts in several fields including academics, economics, port and maritime security, humanitarian aid, search and rescue, and renewable energy.

--> “There are three of us here who in 1969 were on opposite sides of very serious circumstances,” said Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Adjutant General, Oregon, at the workshop, referring to himself, Dr. Blair Craig, Program Manager for Joint Directorate of Military Support, and Lt. Gen. Khue.

Earlier in the day, Craig showed Rees and Khue a map of the region in Vietnam where the two generals had been on opposing sides during the Vietnam War in 1969 — Rees as a 24-year old troop commander, and Khue also as a young combat engineer. They both recalled battles in the same areas on the map.

“We see a better way ahead, where people can share understanding and common goals in a peaceful and cooperative way, and perhaps all the sacrifice will have been for good in the long term for both countries,” said Rees, “We have come a long way in 44 years.”

The partnership between the Oregon National Guard and Vietnam was made official in November 2012 as part of the State Partnership Program, which pairs emerging democracies with National Guard states. Oregon currently has both Vietnam and Bangladesh as its state partners.

--> The State Partnership program complements broader U.S. engagement with Vietnam in pursuit of shared priorities such as disaster relief, education, health, trade and the environment. The program directly supports the broad national interests and security cooperation goals of the United States by engaging partner nations via military, socio-political, and economic conduits at the local, state, and national levels.

Posted by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs. Photo by Spc. Matthew Burnett, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Vietnam, Oregon Generals visit Vietnam War Memorial in Portland

2013-04-17T14:23:00.001-07:00

130417-Z-TK422-1452, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

A delegation from Vietnam joins Oregon National Guard leadership for a visit to the Vietnam War Memorial at Washington Park in Portland, Ore., April 17.

From left to right: Senior Captain Mai Tat Thang, American Desk Officer, Vietnam People's Army; Oregon Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Stencel, Assistant Adjutant General (Air); Lt. Gen. Tran Quang Khue, Deputy Chief of General Staff for the Vietnam People's Army; and Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon.

The visit includes a week-long visit to Oregon as part of the State Partnership Program and a workshop April 17-19, which includes experts in several fields including academics, economics, port and maritime security, search and rescue, and humanitarian aid.

Both Khue and Rees are veterans of the Vietnam War.

Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

Vietnam delegation meets with Oregon governor as part of Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program initiative

2013-04-16T12:04:00.001-07:00

130415-Z-TK422-1396, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Lt. Gen. Tran Quang Khue (left head of table), Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, and Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees (right head of table), Adjutant General, Oregon, meet with Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber (center) at the State Capitol in Salem, Ore., April 15.

Khue is leading a delegation which is scheduled to visit several Oregon National Guard facilities before concluding the week with a State Partnership Program workshop in Portland, Ore., April 17-19.

The partnership between the Oregon National Guard and Vietnam was made official in November 2012 as part of the National Guard Bureau-sanctioned program, which pairs emerging democracies with National Guard states.

Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs

Thayer family tours construction site of new Oregon Military Museum named in honor of Brig. Gen. James B. Thayer

2013-04-11T13:53:00.001-07:00

130411-Z-TK422-1155, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

John, Jim and Mike Thayer join their father, Oregon State Defense Force Brig. Gen. James B. Thayer (second from right), at the construction site of the new Oregon Military Museum.

The new facility, named in honor of Brig. Gen. Thayer, is being funded by a two-year capital campaign.

A sold-out gala fundraising event is scheduled for April 20.

The Thayers were joined by Miss Oregon Nichole Meade, former Oregon Governors Ted Kulongoski and Vic Atiyeh, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Director Cameron Smith, and President of Emmert International Terry Emmert.

The group was able to also watch the removal of the old Camp Withycombe guard shack from the premises.

Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

Oregon Army National Guard commemorates ANZAC Day at Camp Withycombe

2013-04-07T16:23:00.001-07:00

20130407-Z-PL993-015, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

The 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard, Color Guard posts the national colors of the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand during the ANZAC Day ceremony held at Camp Withycombe, Clackamas, Ore. April 7.

Traditionally held at dawn, this ceremony marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I and commemorates the battle-forged friendships formed when the 41 Division fought alongside the Australian and New Zealand armed forces in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines in World War II.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

Intel Corporation, ESGR, formalize support of military employees

2013-04-03T19:37:00.001-07:00

20130403-Z-XB575-046, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Intel Corporation CEO, Paul S. Otellini, speaks to a gathering at a Employer Support of the Guard Statement of Support event at the company's Hillsboro campus, April 3.

The agreement publicly states Intel Corporation's support and appreciation for its employees who are members of the uniformed services.

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, the Adjutant General, Oregon, also spoke at the event.

The company employs about 1,200 veterans and military members throughout its worldwide operations.

Photo by Spc. Marilyn Lowry, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Deputy Pacific Command greets Soldiers at Exercise Shanti Prayas

2013-03-27T12:04:00.001-07:00

Deputy Pacific Command greets soldiers at Exercise Shanti Prayas, a photo by GPOI-Global Peace Operations Initiative1 on Flickr.

PANCHKHAL, Nepal (March 26, 2013) -- Lt. Gen. Thomas L. Conant, deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Command shakes hands with a Nepalese Soldier during a visit to Shanti Prayas-2 at Birendra Peace Operations Center yesterday.

The multinational partnership exercise is designed to increase the number of capable military troops and formed police units available for United Nations deployments.

The two-week training exercise led by the Nepalese Army is organized by the United Nations, U.S. State Department and the Global Peace Operations Initiative.

Countries with platoons represented in the FTX are: Nepal (2 platoons), Bangladesh, Cambodia, Japan, Indonesia, Jordan (with Kazak squad embedded), Mongolia, Philippines, Rwanda and Paraguay.

A contingent of Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers has joined other military photographers to cover the event.

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon National Guard 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Oregon Soldiers compete in this year's Best Warrior Competition

2013-03-25T15:48:00.001-07:00

20130322-AH721-Z-088, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Soldiers from various units across the Oregon Army National Guard race through obstacles during the 2013 Best Warrior Competition, an annual physical and mental two-day challenge, held at Camp Rilea, in Warrenton, Ore., March 22.

Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. First Class Jeremy Carver, of Recruiting & Retention Battalion, won the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year category, and Spc. Benjamin Hermann, of 3670 Maint Company, 821 Troop Command Battalion, 82 Troop Command Brigade, won the Soldier of the Year category this past weekend.

Photo by Spc. Erin J. Quirke, 115 Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Oregon Guard's 102 CST joins in multi-agency exercise in Vancouver, Wash.

2013-03-20T18:54:00.001-07:00

130320-Z-TK422-753, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

A group gathers around Clackamas County Sheriff Curt Kessler (seated), as he negotiates a small, portable robot through an adjacent building, which was used as a mock bomb-making laboratory, during a joint-agency exercise held at Camp Bonneville in Vancouver, Wash., March 20.

Robots carrying cameras with live video feed and other sensors are used for reconnaissance in locations deemed too hazardous for humans.

Kessler and his fellow officers were joined by the Oregon National Guard’s 102 Civil Support Team, Portland Police Bureau’s Explosive Disposal Unit, Oregon State Police Explosives Unit, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the FBI.

Photo by Master Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs.

Oregon National Guard infantry unit ‘trains like they fight’ one weekend a month

2013-03-15T09:59:00.001-07:00

130309-A-UK848-024, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr. An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, runs to a firing position, March 9, at Fairview Training Center in Salem, Ore. Infantry units based out of Coos Bay and St. Helens, Ore., met in Salem to conduct a full-scale training exercise simulating battlefield scenarios. (Photo by Spc. James Dilger, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Story by Spc. Erin J. Quirke, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SALEM, Ore. – Nearby trees sway frantically as clouds of red smoke sweep across the empty meadow. The rotors of the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter blur into nebulous dark streaks against the clear, blue sky as it hovers just inches over the rippling grass. Soldiers, nestled into firing positions in the surrounding bushes, brace themselves against the turbulent wind, watching as their buddies move swiftly towards the helicopter to load the wounded for safe transport out of hostile territory.

This is how Soldiers with the Oregon Army National Guard’s Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, spend their drill-weekend. The infantry company conducted a large-scale training exercise simulating battlefield scenarios, March 9-10, at the Fairview Training Center in Salem, Ore.

Bravo Company’s headquarters is based in Coos Bay, Ore., and the unit’s Detachment 1, is located in St. Helens, Ore. The Fairview Training Center provided a central location where the two units could meet and train together.

“We mesh incredibly well considering we are stationed in two different places,” said Sgt. Justin Gray, with Bravo Company headquarters in Coos Bay, Ore. “Today was all about being able to adapt, overcome and succeed in what we do together, and we did just that.”

The goal of the exercise was to provide realistic training for any given situation. Noise simulators provided grenade explosions. Blank ammunition simulated an attack from the opposing force and triggered a fire-fight. Canisters of thick, red smoke billowed out a smoke-screen to reduce visibility.

“This is the best training we’ve had so far,” said Spc. William Ashley, based in Coos Bay, Ore. “It’s beneficial for us to be able to practice our situational awareness of any obstacles we may encounter in order to prepare us for the real thing.”

The training exercise hit on key infantry skills, such as moving tactically in rough terrain, communications, obstacles, treating and evacuating the wounded, and being able to resolve any unexpected problems along the way.

“This training was great,” said Cpl. Andrew J. Miller, also based out of Coos Bay, Ore. “Our commanding officer is working hard to make sure we have effective and useful training at all times.”

Capt. Mark Timmons, commander of Bravo Company, said his desire is to create challenging training to produce well-trained and motivated Soldiers for the state and nation.

“Seeking out new training areas improves the esprit de corps of the unit and challenges Soldiers with new situations and circumstances,” he said.

Bravo Company took advantage of every minute during their drill-weekend to ‘train like they fight’ by combining urban operations training with medical evacuation training using aviation assets from the Oregon National Guard’s Charlie Company, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment. They also incorporated casualty role-players who wore medical simulators which bled like real wounds until medics applied the bandages and tourniquets properly.

“The best thing about the drill this weekend with my Bravo Company was the all-out Oregon Guard effort to make it happen,” said Timmons. “There were 80 Soldiers who got more out of that weekend then they have seen in a long time.”

“(The combined efforts) brought a comprehensive combat view and feel to our operations that motivated my Soldiers all day and into the night,” he added.

With the motivation of the Soldiers and dedication of their commander to provide new training opportunities, the unit is poised to rise-up to any challenge, emanating the ‘Always Ready, Always There’ motto of the Oregon National Guard.

Oregon National Guard’s first female general honored by Oregon House of Representatives

2013-03-06T16:50:00.001-08:00

Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario, District 60) reads House Concurrent Resolution 11, honoring Brig. Gen. Julie A. Bentz (right) for being the first female brigadier general in the Oregon Army National Guard, to the 77th Oregon Legislative Assembly at the State Capitol, March 6. (Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Brigadier General Julie A. Bentz was honored by the 77th Oregon Legislative Assembly at the State Capitol, March 6, with the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 11. The House measure recognized her for being the first female brigadier general in the Oregon Army National Guard.

Her promotion to brigadier general in 2011 came with her assignment as the Director of Strategic Capabilities Policy on the National Security Staff in the Executive Office of the President. She is responsible for writing presidential policy, coordinating interagency dialogue, informing presidential budgetary decisions and building consensus on interagency initiatives in programs that develop United States strategic capabilities to meet 21st century requirements.

Bentz has served in a variety of active, reserve and National Guard assignments revolving around nuclear defense, homeland security, health physics, environmental sciences and traditional nuclear, biological and chemical officer assignments.

In the Oregon Army National Guard, Brig. Gen. Bentz assisted with the initial stand-up of the 102 Civil Support Team in 1999 and served as the executive officer of the unit in 2003. She also served as the operations officer for 82 Troop Command Brigade from 2003-2004.

She then went on to serve in various positions in the Pentagon, developing a national nuclear response framework and shaping the Department of Defense’s leading role in this effort. She served on the Homeland Security Council from 2004-2006 and the National Security Staff from 2009-2011, advising senior-level decision makers on nuclear defense policy.

Measure HCR 11 was carried by Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario, District 60), Brig. Gen. Bentz’s cousin. Representative Bentz read a list of her accomplishments to the assembly, including the Legion of Merit award, Oregon Stater Award and induction into the Oregon State University Academy of Distinguished Engineers.

For the general’s official biography, visit this link: http://www.ng.mil/ngbGomo/library/bio/2/2397.htm

Citizen-Airmen promoted to brigadier general in the Oregon Air National Guard

2013-02-12T15:22:00.001-08:00

20130208-Z-PL993-033, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Nicole and Nathan Stencel pin their newly promoted father during a ceremony at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Ore. Col. Michael Stencel received his promotion to brigadier general and moved into his new position as the Assistant Adjutant General (Air) for the Oregon National Guard. Prior to this position he was the commander of the 142nd Fighter Wing, based in Portland, Ore. Stencel has been with the Oregon Air National Guard since his enlistment in 1984 and has served in various strategic positions throughout his career. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Afffairs)

Herschel Walker visits Camp Withycombe

2013-02-07T21:50:00.001-08:00

130206-Z-OT568-036, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr. (Photo by Staff Sgt. April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Herschel Walker, Heisman trophy winner and former National Football League player, signs an autograph for Oregon Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Terrence Hoover at the 41 Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Ore., Feb. 6.

Walker spoke to service members, veterans, and their families about his personal experiences with mental illness and the importance of seeking treatment.

Walker is known for his talent on the football field. He was also an Olympian and recently won two professional mixed martial arts matches with technical knockouts. He now visits military installations throughout the nation to share his personal experiences with mental illness.

The event at Camp Withycombe was sponsored by the Patriot Support Program to reduce stigma among service members for seeking help with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

AFSOC commander makes special trip to honor Oregon Airmen

2013-01-23T18:42:00.001-08:00

130123-Z-CH590-036, a photo by oregonmildep on Flickr.

Members of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 125th Special Tactics Squadron salute the honor guard during the posting of colors at a ceremony held at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore., Jan. 23.

The ceremony was to honor the group with five Bronze Star Medals and one Purple Heart medal. The Airmen earned the medals during recent deployments to the Middle East.

From left to right are; Staff Sgt. David A. Albright, Senior Airman Chadwick J. Boles, Master Sgt. Scott A. Geisser, Tech. Sgt. Jeffery A. Dolezal, Staff Sgt. Jacob M. Guffy and Tech. Sgt. Douglas J. Matthews.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric E. Feil, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, flew in from his headquarters at Hulburt Field, Fla., for the ceremony.

(Oregon Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs/Released)

Governor Kitzhaber announces Brig. Gen. Daniel Hokanson to lead the Oregon National Guard

2013-01-23T15:02:00.001-08:00

Col. Dan Hokanson, now brigadier general and director of strategic plans and policy for the National Guard Bureau, pauses for a photo at Camp Adder in Iraq where he was commander of the 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard, during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2010. Hokanson led more than 3,000 Soldiers, and the brigade received a Meritorious Unit Citation for their performance during the deployment. Hokanson will succeed Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees as the Adjutant General, Oregon, in the summer of 2013.

Governor Kitzhaber announces Brig. Gen. Daniel Hokanson to lead the Oregon National Guard

Governor Kitzhaber today announced the appointment of Brigadier General Daniel R. Hokanson, former Keizer, Ore. resident, to succeed Major General Raymond F. Rees as the Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard. He will transition to the position in the summer of 2013.
General Hokanson graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1986 and served on active duty in Air Cavalry, Attack Helicopter and Aircraft Test organizations prior to joining the Oregon National Guard. He has commanded at company, battalion and brigade combat team levels, as well as an Army Aviation Support Facility. General Hokanson commanded the 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Iraq and served as Chief of Staff for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix in Afghanistan.

Hokanson founded the National Guard's first Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic and the Military Air Rescue Team program where he commanded approximately 100 air rescue and fire-fighting missions throughout the Pacific Northwest.

"I'm pleased that General Hokanson has agreed to lead the Oregon National Guard," said Governor Kitzhaber. "He brings a keen understanding of the Guard's dual mission to respond to emergencies here at home and serve the nation when called to active duty. I thank General Rees for his longstanding leadership of the Oregon National Guard and know that General Hokanson will continue to be a strong advocate for our Guardsmen and their families."

Currently, General Hokanson serves as the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy (J-5) at the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C. He holds graduate degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and the United States Naval War College, and is a graduate of fellowship programs at Harvard University and National Defense University.

Official Biography: http://www.ng.mil/ngbGomo/library/bio/2295.htm