Melanie Mesaros – Oregon Lottery External Communications Program Manager
Native Americans have a long and distinguished history of military service, demonstrating exceptional bravery and making profound sacrifices. Despite a long, painful history of challenges with the United States government, Native Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces at some of the highest rates per capita of any ethnic group. In Oregon, Native Americans account for about one-and-a-half percent of the state’s approximately 266,000 veterans.
This Native American Heritage Month, Oregon Lottery is honoring the contributions of Native and indigenous peoples who are also veterans. In 2016, voters directed Lottery dollars to help fund veteran services. Each year, approximately 1.5% of all Oregon Lottery funds support veterans with essential services such as healthcare, job placement, education and home loans.
“American Indian and Alaska Native people serve in the U.S. military at the highest rate per capita than any other race or ethnicity — roughly five times the national average,” Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels said. “Ensuring they are seen, supported and honored in ways that reflect their service is the very least that we can do. Tribal Veterans Service Officers play an essential role in that mission — bringing spiritual connection, cultural understanding, trust and credibility to the work of serving their own communities. ODVA is proud to partner with Oregon’s Tribes and Oregon Lottery to strengthen this network of support to ensure every Tribal veteran can access the care and resources they have earned.”
To learn more about how Lottery funds support Tribal veterans in accessing essential services, watch this video featuring the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
“I’m grateful for the way Oregonians, through the Oregon Lottery, help make a difference in the lives of our veterans. It’s an honor to know our work contributes to the support and recognition they have earned,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells.
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