Salem-News.com Military articles

Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Announce Bill Introduced in House of Representatives

"Agent Orange is persistent over time at a high toxicity rate, and it was capable of contaminating individuals who handled equipment that had been exposed." ~Institute of Medicine

(WASHINGTON, DC) - New York Congressman Chris Gibson (NY) reintroduced our bill in the House of Representatives on Friday, Feb 13th, along with 130 original House sponsors. Co-sponsors are continuing to be added to that overwhelming bipartisan support.

On the Senate side, we have Sen. Gillibrand (NY) ready to introduce an identical Senate legislation. However, she is waiting for a Republican Senator to step out with her so there will be an initial bipartisan support.

Wyden Praises Senate Passage of Bill Helping Veterans At Risk of Suicide

Caring for the needs of our American Veterans is a must

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today released the following statement after the Senate unanimously approved the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act:

“I was proud to cosponsor and to vote for this bipartisan bill, which I’m convinced will save lives in Oregon and across the country,” Wyden said.

Army Backs Out of Proposed Free Land Deal with Eastern Oregon`s Economic Development Leaders

As in many cases, the answer may be found when you follow the money...

(SALEM, Ore.) - If the Umatilla Chemical Depot is closed, and all munitions have been safely destroyed, why hasn’t the Army passed the land to Eastern Oregon’s economic development leaders?

According to Don Chance, project manager for the Columbia Development Authority, the United States Army may be backing out of their agreement to gift the land at no charge.

142nd Fighter Wing to Conduct Night Flying

Training flights will be completed each evening before 10:00 p.m.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing will conduct routine F-15 night flying training missions January 26-29.

The night training allows the Citizen-Airmen pilots based at the Portland Air National Guard Base to stay current with mandatory Air Force requirements.

Night flying is conducted almost monthly as it provides essential training for nighttime maneuvers.

Plaque Dedicated to USS Liberty is Specific with Historical Fact

34 U.S. servicemen were killed and 73 wounded by the Israeli military in a horrific attack, with no provocation.

(MANISTEE, Michigan) - The USS Liberty plaque was preliminary dedicated by a small group of veterans at Veterans Memorial Park Manistee, MI on October 10, 2014.
The plaque questions the honesty of the American and Israeli governments and hopes it will inform the public as to what happened the day of the attack.

Especially outstanding is the leadership of the Manistee City council which had the courage to place the plaque in open public display and would not let the wording be softened.

U.S. Navy Preparing Supplement to the Northwest Training and Testing Draft EIS

The Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS is expected in early December 2014.

(SILVERDALE, Wash.) - Following publication of the Draft EIS/OEIS on January 24, 2014, the U.S. Navy determined that updated training requirements would result in changes to the Proposed Action. Therefore, the U.S. Navy is preparing a Supplement to the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS).

The purpose of this Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS is to present these changes and significant new information relevant to environmental concerns.

Oregon National Guard hosts Vietnam delegation visit through State Partnership Program

The week-long visit includes tours of emergency management and Oregon National Guard facilities.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon National Guard is hosting a delegation from Vietnam's National Committee for Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM) this week, Aug. 24-30, as part of the ongoing State Partnership Program.

Vice Admiral Pham Ngoc Minh, Deputy Chief of General Staff of Vietnam People's Army and Vice Standing Chairman of VINASARCOM, leads the delegation, which also includes other VINASARCOM experts in search and rescue, firefighting, explosion and building collapse, finance planning and investment, and foreign relations.

U.S. Continues to Bomb Targets in Iraq to Prevent Genocide

The United States also dropped relief supplies to members of the ancient Yazidi sect, tens of thousands of whom are massed on a desert mountaintop seeking shelter from fighters who had ordered them to convert or die.

(BAGHDAD) - U.S. warplanes bombed Islamist fighters marching on Iraq's Kurdish capital on Friday after President Barack Obama said Washington must act to prevent "genocide".

Islamic State fighters, who have beheaded and crucified captives in their drive to eradicate unbelievers, have advanced to within a half hour's drive of Arbil, capital of Iraq's Kurdish region and a hub for U.S. oil companies.

Oregon State Chaplain Promoted to Colonel

Colonel Scott Delbridge has served in various chaplain roles throughout his time in the military.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Oregon National Guard Lt. Colonel Scott Delbridge, recently appointed as State Chaplain, was promoted to colonel in a ceremony held at Heritage Park in Salem, on Saturday.

The ceremony was attended by family, friends and members of the military, both currently serving and retired.

ODV Seeking Donations to Help Oregon Veterans Programs

In Oregon, between 2008 and 2012, suicide rates among veterans were significantly higher compared to non-veterans.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs is now accepting online donations to support four funds aimed at improving programs and supporting efforts that benefit Oregon veterans.

One of the funds, the Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention Fund, was established in 2013 when the Oregon Legislature passed SB 762 creating a public information campaign to raise awareness and prevent suicide by veterans in Oregon.