Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Senator David Brock Smith and Team Secure Funding for Oregon’s Third Veterans’ Home to be Built in Roseburg
SALEM – SB 5701 has included in Section 500 the State of Oregon’s match of $35 million dollars to fulfill ORS 408.385 that states in part: (1) The Director of Veterans’ Affairs shall establish the Roseburg Oregon Veterans’ Home. (2) The director may seek federal grant funds from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of establishing the Roseburg Oregon Veterans’ Home. This statute was updated by HB 2578 in the 2011 Legislative Session and was Chief Sponsored by then Representative Freeman, Co-Speakers Hanna and Roblan, Senators Kruse, Prozanski, and the late Senator Joanne Verger.
“I am incredibly grateful for all the efforts and advocacy by so many of our veterans and residents to bring this funding proposal to fruition to support our Oregon Veterans who have given so much to our country for our freedoms,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). “My father Frank W. Smith served 27 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander, Mustang. His service included 3 tours in Vietnam, mostly on aircraft in combat as an air crewman. He is an incredible husband, father, friend, and community leader who suffers from the terrible debilitating disease, dementia. The completion of this Veterans’ Home in Roseburg will benefit not only him, but 154 of our Southern Oregon Veterans like him.”
"I am proud to be part of the team that helped facilitate this investment in our veteran’s community,” said Representative Osborne (R-Roseburg) “Our men and women who have answered the call to serve our country deserve the very best in care back home. They have selflessly and tirelessly protected our freedoms in the world, and this will be giant step in repaying them for their service. From the very bottom of my heart, I thank them for everything they have done for this country."
Senator Brock Smith has been advocating for this important investment for many years. He recently wrote a letter to Governor Kotek on January 22nd asking for her support to fund the needed state match of $35 million dollars to begin the process to build the third Oregon Veterans’ Home in Roseburg. On February 12th, Governor Kotek wrote a letter to Oregon Legislators and the Ways & Means Co-Chairs. She said in part, “you have my administration’s attention and support to move the construction of Oregon’s third Veteran’s Home forward.”
“This is an important and amazing investment for the purpose of serving Southern Oregon Veterans,” said former State Representative and current Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman. “This has been a long-time, very much needed, sought after facility. This project will help continue the history of serving and honoring veterans in Douglas County. Senator David Brock Smith should be applauded for his tireless work to secure this funding. Veterans have earned these important services, and we look forward to the completion of this facility.”
“This project has been a work in progress for many years. I am so glad to see this historic investment make Oregon’s third Veterans’ Home a reality in Southern Oregon, where our veterans are often forgotten,” said State Representative Christine Goodwin (R-Canyonville).
“Led by State Senator David Brock Smith and Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman, this has been over a decade of determination and heart-felt commitment,” said State Representative Court Boice (R-Gold Beach). “In all my years, I’ve never witnessed a more impressive team effort. The focus has always been to bring this project home to give back and serve our Veterans Community. This is a great day for Oregon Veterans, a great day for Douglas County, and a great day for Roseburg.”
“The allocation of state funding for the construction of a third Oregon Veterans' Home in Roseburg is a significant milestone representing a culmination of dedicated efforts since 2011 from long-time advocates, including County Commissioners, Oregon legislators, and Governor Tina Kotek, whose unwavering support has propelled this project forward,” said ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels. “Oregon Veterans' Homes play a crucial role in providing essential long-term skilled nursing, memory and rehabilitative care for our aging veterans and families. The required state funding for a Veterans’ Home in Roseburg marks a pivotal and necessary step forward in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs funding process to ensure that all veterans receive the care and support they deserve in the “place where honor lives.””
Senator Brock Smith also secured a letter of support from Oregon Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, and Congresswoman Val Hoyle. Additionally, he secured a letter of support from the members of the House Committee On Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, who held an informational hearing for an update on the Roseburg Veterans Home in January. Senator Brock Smith also was able to have the Oregon Legislative Veteran’s Caucus sign on to his letter of support to Governor Kotek.
“Thank you to Governor Kotek, Ways & Means Co-Chairs Steiner and Sanchez, President Wagner, Leader Knopp, Leader Lieber, Speaker Rayfield, Leader Helfrich, Leader Fahey, the members of the Legislative Veteran’s Caucus and the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government and Veterans for your support. Thank you to U.S. Senators Wyden and Merkley, Congresswoman Hoyle, and my legislative colleagues for your support, and a special thank you to our new ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels for her incredible leadership and support. The members of the 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly wish to show our unwavering support for Oregon Veterans for their service and sacrifice. We will continue to be forever grateful to you and honor the same with this historic investment to fulfill ORS 408.385 and begin the process of building the third Oregon Veterans’ Home in Roseburg,” concluded Senator David Brock Smith.
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Senator David Brock Smith represents Senate District 1, which includes Curry, Coos, and Douglas Counties, Southwest Oregon’s Fish, Farm & Forestry District. This press release and an archive of previous press releases issued by Senator David Brock Smith’s office are available on the web at: www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
Yours Truly,
 Senator David Brock Smith
Together, We Will Build a Better Oregon
 Senate District 1
Curry, Coos, and Douglas Counties
Southwest Oregon’s Fish, Farm, and Forestry District.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1701
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-316, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd
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