Cameron Smith

Veterans Day is one day to honor the service and sacrifice of all who have raised their right hand, worn the uniform, defended our freedom and stood guard over our peace.

Across our 70-year history, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has witnessed generations of service members returning home and then using their hard-earned leadership skills and experience to significantly contribute to our communities.

What many citizens may not know is that one out of every 12 Oregonians is a veteran. While our veterans gain great strength from their service, it is not surprising that many can face challenges as they reintegrate home. For those impacted by their service, we must understand their tenacious spirit and resiliency. They deserve nothing less than the best in care, resources and support.

There is never a doubt, though, that our learned resilience, idealistic pride and unwavering dedication to our families, community and each other is stronger because we served in uniform.

Take the recent examples of young returning veterans from Oregon like Alek Skarlatos and Chris Mintz. Skarlatos captured international headlines for thwarting a terrorist attack while traveling in France after his deployment in Afghanistan with the Oregon Army National Guard. Similarly, Mintz, an Army veteran, also chose to run toward chaos on the Umpqua Community College campus to help protect fellow students. He was shot multiple times and, thankfully, continues to recover for his young family and community.

These stories have made the national news, but our local veterans communities are filled with everyday examples of inspiring continued service. Bill Griffith is a former Navy Corpsman who served in Vietnam and is continuing to serve his fellow veterans as an award-winning volunteer Long Term Care Ombudsman. He was recently recognized for his advocacy for our aging veterans at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles and other skilled nursing facilities, receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Award in October.

A recent appointment to ODVA’s Advisory Committee, Kim Douthit, is a Coast Guard veteran and continues to serve student veterans in her role as a veterans’ coordinator at Portland Community College. She is a leader for both our fastest growing demographic, women veterans, and for all veterans across Oregon.

While our focus is on our veterans, we also must remember the service and sacrifice of our military and veteran families. Judi Van Cleave of Portland was elected as the National President of Gold Star Wives of America. Her late husband was a disabled Korean War veteran. Judi’s significant service for two decades with Gold Star Wives of America continues to honor our fallen and their families.

Across our team at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, many of us are veterans and family members of veterans, and we continue to be inspired by our current service members, veterans and their families. We are honored and privileged to serve them — not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year. It is their individual stories that make up the incredible fabric of our community.

No matter the branch of service, no matter the era, no matter who we are, or where we live, we stand proudly together. We are Oregon veterans.

Cameron Smith served three tours in Iraq as a U.S. Marine captain and is the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.