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Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Kelly Fitzpatrick Reflects on Importance of Tradition during Uncertain Times

In these unprecedented times, I have found myself reflecting more and more on the importance of tradition. Our great nation is rooted in many wonderful traditions. They bind us together, they strengthen us. They provide structure to our lives. They give meaning to the sacrifices that have been made to preserve our freedoms and our way of life.

May 22, 2020 2:20 pm
ODVA

ODVA Advisory Committee to hold first meeting in 2020

The first 2020 meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held Wednesday, March 4, at Tillamook Bay Community College, 4301 Third St. in Tillamook. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.

February 26, 2020 3:11 pm
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“Veteran stories are crucial part of our nation’s history” – Veterans Day Message from ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick

I love to study our nation’s history through the lens of our military veterans. Who could fail to be inspired by the brash courage of the United States Marines during the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I? Or by the words of Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams, who, after being repeatedly urged to turn back by retreating French forces, famously said, “Retreat? Hell, we just got here.” Legend has it that it was at this battle that Marines earned the German nickname “Teufelshunde”: “Devil Dogs.” What about the story of Pfc. Dirk J. Vlug, serving in the Philippines during World War II, who refused to back down despite being outnumbered 5-to-1. No, it wasn’t one against five enemy soldiers. It was one soldier against five, heavily armed Japanese tanks.

November 6, 2019 10:52 am