Hello Friends and Neighbors,
On this Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to honor the men and women who have served our country. To all our service men and women, and their families, who have sacrificed to serve our country, I say: Thank you.
There are more than 325,000 veterans who call Oregon home. They are our friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers. I believe that Oregon has a responsibility to support our service men and women, and their families, especially as they return home and prepare to enter the workforce.
The little things that we take for granted in this society – including our most basic rights – came at a cost. Our veterans, both living and those no longer with us, put their lives on the line every day to make sure we are free and protected. It’s a huge sacrifice, and they did not bear it alone. Many a family and community is affected by the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
As the principal of Marshfield High School in Coos Bay, I watched hundreds of my former students enlist in military service. Many of them came home. Some of them did not. We celebrate those who stepped up and we mourn those who we lost. Be sure to thank a veteran today for the sacrifices they, their families and their loved ones endured so that we all can live in the land of the free.
I encourage everyone to connect with our local VA centers, where there is always a great need for volunteers. There is so much we can do to show our appreciation to our veterans—or just lend a helping hand—right here in Oregon!
Thank you for joining me in honoring our veterans and their service to our country. I look forward to returning to the Capitol in the 2020 Legislative Session to continue fighting for veterans and their families.
Sincerely,
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