More Than 600 soldiers to Attend Soldier Enhancement Day in Medford, Oregon

Soldier Enhancement Day will take place from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the Medford Armory located at 1701 S. Pacific Hwy.

Oregon Guard soldier during a pre-mission briefing in Afghanistan last December. Photo by: Tim King

(MEDFORD, Ore.) - The Oregon National Guard Reintegration Team expects more than 600 soldiers to attend the Soldier Enhancement Day at the Medford Armory on Sunday, September 23rd.

Organizers say the event will bring together more than 25 employers, local colleges and universities, experts on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs, and more than 25 veteran service organizations to address many of the diverse issues soldiers and their families face as they return to civilian life.

"This will be an outstanding opportunity for soldiers to see what kind of careers and resources are available to them and their families," said Sgt. 1st Class Vinni Jacques, Reintegration Area Manager for the Oregon National Guard Reintegration Team. "Our goal is to help soldiers help themselves."

The National Guard Bureau recently recognized the Oregon National Guard Team as one of the top two reintegration teams in the nation. Since its inception in 2004, the team has focused on helping soldiers with everything from employment to referrals for counseling and consulting to help get them back on their feet after their combat tours.

"I think this has been the best thing we have done for our soldiers of anything in the National Guard in 35 years," said Col. Scott McCrae, Director of the Oregon National Guard Reintegration Team. "If I didn't believe in it, I wouldn't be doing it."

Soldier Enhancement Day will take place from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the Medford Armory located at 1701 S. Pacific Highway.

The Coalition of Troop Support will provide lunch for attendees. BG Raymond Byrne, Assistant Adjutant General of the Oregon Army National Guard will speak. Soldiers, families, and prospective families are welcome to attend.