The national coverage of the death of Frank Buckles, America’s last known WWI veteran, who died at age 110 on Feb 27, brings back memories of Tualatin VFW Post member Cpl Howard Ramsey.  When Howard died at age 108 in 2007, he was America’s last WWI “combat”  veteran, and Oregon’s last verified WWI vet. He had similar national coverage.  

I had recruited Howard into Tualatin’s VFW Post after learning about him from the father of one of my son in-laws.  In addition to his veteran status, Howard also was the oldest Mason in Oregon.   

Born in 1898 in Colorado, Howard grew up in Portland and while attending Washington High School, participated in the Oregon Navy Militia.  He drilled weekly on the cruiser  USS Boston, berthed South of the Broadway Bridge. 

He attained the rank of coxswain.  He left the Navy Militia when he moved with his family to  Salt Lake City and worked as a driver and mechanic for a  transportation company. There, he also gained a reputation as an excellent dancer.  

Howard’s efforts to join the Army, after the US entered the war against Germany, were cited in a national speech by Vice  President Dick Cheney, who was honoring the 75 anniversary of the VA. The Vice President said that Howard and a friend were rejected for being underweight. “But he wasn’t the kind of kid who gave up easily. Instead, he went out and stuffed himself with water and bananas, and then showed up to be weighed again. This time the Army took him, and before long he was in Europe fighting for his country.”   

Howard’s driving skills were in high demand and he was assigned to the motor pool transport center at Commercy, France where he chauffeured officers all over the war zone and also took water to the front lines.  After the Armistice in November 1918, he transported war dead from temporary graves at the front to a permanent cemetery. It became the Meuse-Argonne  American Cemetery, with 14,246 American military buried there.  

After returning home, he eventually became a telephone engineer where he worked over 40 years. He spent most of those and his retirement years living near Portland’s Mount  Tabor Park where he enjoying walking.  

He married a telephone operator and they had a daughter, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.  

I had good “quality” time with Howard, appreciating his good humor and positive thinking.  He wasn’t hesitant about expressing his opinion but did it in a thoughtful way that made you think about what he said. He had a lot of colorful stories about historic events and willingly spoke to groups to explain how times have changed the way people think.  I felt honored to know him and become his friend. I became his unofficial PR guy.  

Through that association, I got to know other veteran advocates including Oregon’s only Medal of Honor winner, Bob Maxwell and Ken Buckles, Frank Buckles nephew, who has organized tributes to Veterans in Oregon for the past 14 years.  

Oregonian writer Rick Bella did two columns on Ramsey; the first when he and Howard attended a “Troop Support”  breakfast fundraiser at the Post and the second on the day of Howard’s funeral.  

Bella was very complimentary in his second column. He said “But Ramsey’s story might not have been widely known if not for Tualatin’s Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 3452 and Dale Potts, former Post Commander”  

Following the funeral, I worked with several of Howard’s friends for a memorial at Mount Tabor Park to commemorate the end of a wonderful generation. City Commissioner Randy Leonard joined in this effort but said it was up to the neighborhood. Several groups resisted, saying this was a “War Memorial”.  It took several years but eventually we were able to put up a bench with a marker along his favorite trail.   On my last visit, I saw a mother with a baby stroller sitting on the bench, watching her other two young children playing in the grass.    

Howard didn’t earn a chest full of medals.  He was a simple man who did his duty, raised a family, and helped people all his life. This bench is a wonderful tribute to him and all Americans.

The veteran recently killed by police in Gresham, Sergeant Anthony McDowell, had Tualatin connections.  He was a member of the 671st Army Engineer unit that the city adopted when Operation Iraqi Freedom started in 2003. Under the leadership of Mayor Lou Ogden, Ron Anderson, and me, the City Council voted to adopt the unit, followed by the Chamber of Commerce and many civic groups, churches, and schools. Just about everyone in town got involved.

The 671st was in the desert for 40 days without showers when the war started and suffered the first Oregon casualty of the war, Brandon Tobler.

Collection centers were quickly established at several locations for comfort items not available through Government Issue for the soldiers like baby wipes, personal care items, and entertainment. Barrels were set out at Haggen Grocery, Tualatin Library, Fred Meyer, and the Elks.  Over 2600 pounds were sent to the unit.

The library waived late book return fines for those contributing to the collection barrel.  The Honor Society at the high school canvassed neighborhoods over the Christmas holidays.  Elementary school students sent heart-felt letters.  Blood drives were held.

Sgt. McDonald’s mother was the family support coordinator for the unit.  We helped with the first newsletter of troop activities sent to 671st family members.  Many of them had no word from their loved ones for the first part of the war.  We paid the postage for the first mailings.  We did many things to help the families, including tax preparation at the VFW hall.

One family in a rural area on a tight budget ran out of fuel and we arranged for their tank to be filled to cover the winter.  When hot water heaters went out, we were there.

We bought warm winter coats for kids and helped with the holidays. One soldier wrote us, saying it helped him concentrate on his duties in Iraq, knowing that we were helping at home.

They were in Iraq for over a year. On their return, we had a huge welcome parade followed by a catered picnic in Tualatin City Park. This citywide program brought national attention to our city.

McDowell had escorted Brandon Tobler’s body back home and maintained contact with his mother.  Later, after the unit returned home, he was instrumental in having a building in the 671st compound named after Tobler. Our Tualatin Post paid for the food at the reception when the building was dedicated.

McDowell joined the Tualatin VFW Post and was active in fundraisers. He helped distribute Poppies at Fred Meyer on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Independently, he established the Sergeant McDowell’s Military Relief so he “could dedicate his life to continuing the NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) responsibility of taking care of my fellow comrades, and Veterans in need.”

I still maintain contact with the 671st, coordinating the activities of a volunteer Santa team that visits local military units and low-income housing facilities.

Last year, McDowell transferred to the Gresham VFW Post and was becoming active there, arranging for fundraisers and a Veteran’s Day parade.

As this article is being written, we do not know all the details about his death. But I can’t help but wonder if he could have been helped by the ELF Seminar scheduled on February 23 at 7 pm at the Tigard American Legion. The presenter says the success rate is 80%. 

In my last column, I indicated that I wanted to initially focus on the Veteran’s Administration and give primary attention to one of its primary functions; healing veterans physically or mentally injured while in military service.  It is common knowledge that in previous wars, those signing up for the military were assured by their recruiters that the government would take care of them if they were injured.  That is a very difficult and expensive task. 

But I first want to provide background on this issue.  This benefits system for our country goes back to 1636, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth County were fighting the Peguot Indians. The Pilgrims passed a law providing support for disabled soldiers. 

Then the 1776 Continental Congress provided pensions for soldiers disabled during the Revolutionary War. Direct medical and hospital care was given to veterans in the early days of the Republic by many states and communities. 

In 1811, the federal government provided the first veterans domiciliary and medical facility. Then in the 19th century, care was expanded to include benefits and pensions for widows and dependents. 

After the Civil War, more care was provided.  When the US entered World War I in 1917, Congress passed more comprehensive veterans benefits.  These were administered by several different federal agencies.  The Veteran’s Administration was established in 1930, under Brigadier General Frank T. Hines.   

The responsibilities and benefits programs of the VA grew enormously during the following six decades. World War II resulted in not only a vast increase in veterans population, but in the large number of new benefits enacted by Congress. This included the GI bill – which is said to have had more impact on the American way of life than any law since the Homestead Act. Further education assistance acts were passed for the benefit of veterans of the Korean conflict, the Vietnam Era, Persian Gulf War, and the All-Volunteer Force.   

The Department of Veteran Affairs reached Cabinet-level position on March 15, 1989.  President Bush hailed the creation of the new Department saying “There is only one place for the veterans of America, in the Cabinet Room, at the table with the President of the United States of America.” Thus, our country has the most comprehensive veteran’s assistance program in the world. 

Tualatin has more than 2,000 military veterans.  All who served in war zones were affected in one way or another.  I will be discussing some of those issues in my next columns.  

Fifteen community minded businessmen met on April 15 to form the Tualatin VFW Men’s Auxiliary. There are 30 members so far.  Everyone who joins by May 15 will be a charter member. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month, at 6:30 pm at Cpl Matthew Lembke Hall, 18820 SW Boones Ferry Rd.

Members include the Mayor, a City Councilman, the father of the Marine that the VFW hall is named after, the Sherwood father of a Marine killed in action in Iraq in 2005, military service members not eligible for VFW Post because they did not serve overseas in a war, and men who want to honor a family member who did serve in a war. All have joined to promote patriotism and support troops, veterans and their families.

Officers elected include: President – Don Comstock; Vice Pres – Dale Lembke; Secretary – Daniel Payne; and Treasurer – Ben Tripp.  Interestingly, five of the eight winners at the April 22 CelebrateTualatin put on by the Tualatin Chamber of Commerce are Men’s Aux members.

Men’s Auxiliary members have full membership privileges. Eligibility requires having a grandparent, parent, spouse, sibling, child or grandchild who served in US military in a foreign war. The cost is $30. Application forms are on VFW website tualatinvfwaux.org, click on “join”.  

Give a Donation for Buddy Poppy

VFW members will be distributing Buddy Poppies at five area grocery stores over Memorial Day weekend; on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30.  In Tualatin, you will see them at Haggens and Fred Meyers.  They will also be at Wilsonville’s Lamb’s Thriftway, King City Safeway and Tigard Fred Meyers.

Medical Wellness Talks set for Second Wednesday each Month

The public is invited to join in medical wellness talks for veterans at 6:30 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at the VFW. These are conducted by naturopathic physician Dr. Anya Chang, ND, LMT. The first is on May 12. 

Naturopathic philosophy is to find and treat the cause, not just the symptom, by using science and evidence-based medicine combined with traditional healthcare methods that have been used for centuries.

Topics to be covered include allergies; healthy aging; acupuncture for pain, stress, and anxiety; and heart health.

Come early and enjoy pub grub at reasonable prices at the VFW canteen.

Honor Deceased Military Family Members at Memorial Day Event

Retired Marine Lt. Colonel Norb Murray will be the featured speaker at Tualatin’s Memorial Day Service. This event is held annually at Tualatin’s Pioneer Cemetery at 11 am.  This year, Memorial Day is on Monday, May 31.

A Vietnam helicopter pilot, Murray went to serve as President Reagan’s personal helo pilot. Other highlights include an F-15 jet flyover, Tualatin Police honor guard, flag ceremony, and ends with a bugler playing taps.

The event takes about a half hour on this holiday. It is a great way for families to honor their deceased military members and to promote patriotism for their children.

41st IBCT Returning from Iraq, Local Homecoming ON Sept 11

Most of the 2,700 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team members of the Oregon National Guard who deployed to Iraq have returned home.  They flew into McCord Air Force Field in April and some are still out-processed through Fort Lewis. Many participated in demobilization ceremonies around the state and now have 90 days without military duties to adjust back to civilian life. They do not receive military pay again until they return to their Guard unit. An estimated 30% are hunting for jobs.

Locally, the Tigard American Legion and Tualatin VFW are planning a Home-Again parade and family-fair on Sept 11 for the IBCT Headquarters Company which drills at Tigard Armory.  The parade route starts at Tigard City Hall, goes South on Hall Blvd, turns right at Durham Rd and then winds down to Cook Park. The parade route is over two miles long. Water bottle stations and rest areas will be positioned throughout the route.

Local groups are encouraged to participate in the parade and/or sponsor a booth at the family fair. Bands, Civic, neighborhood, school, church, and business groups are invited to participate in this patriotic event. Youth groups can walk, cycle or ride in wagons, trailers or vehicles. The parade theme is “Welcome Home”. Home-Again Committee Chair Tim Harless says entry forms will be available soon.  Anyone interested in helping put this event together should contact him at (503) 224-1456 or TimHarless@live.com

Parade, Family Fair being Planned, Community Members invited to Help

Community members are invited to join local veterans groups in welcoming home the Headquarters Company of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (HHC, 41-IBCT).  Located at the Tigard Armory facility, the Headquarters Company was part of the largest call-up of Oregon military since World War II.  

Among their accomplishments, according to the Brigade Commander, Colonel Dan Hokanson,  “The Brigade operated out of different locations in Southern, Western and Central Iraq. 3,300 soldiers drove over 8 million miles, enduring numerous IED devices, small arms and indirect fire attacks, all while escorting over 7,000 logistical convoys and played a key role in the withdrawal of responsible forces in Iraq.”

Plans are being made for a parade from Tigard City Hall and then a family fair at Cook Park on the second weekend in September for the 200 members who deployed and their families. Community groups are encouraged to join in the parade and help put on the family event.

The parade route will follow Hall Blvd to Tigard High, turn right on Durham, and then turn left to Cook Park.  A similar homecoming, on August 4, 2007, after HHC, 41-IBCT returned from Afghanistan, started from Hwy 99.  Tigard American Legion Post 158 and Tualatin VFW Post 3452 have over 20 local members deployed with the brigade.

If everything goes as planned, the entire Brigade is expected to begin returning to Fort Lewis, WA for out-processing in the second week of April. Out-processing is expected to take six days and will begin as groups arrive. This includes medical and mental evaluations and completion of paperwork to move these national guard members back to civilian life after more than a year of active duty status.

There will be major ceremonies in Portland, Bend, Medford, and Eugene/Springfield areas as the troops initially return to Oregon. The guard members will each have 90 days to reintegrate back into civilian life (with their families, job, and/or school and their communities) before resuming Guard duties but will have the option to resume drilling with their unit earlier, whenever ready.

We want the troops to know that we really appreciate their sacrifices. One of the best ways to communicate that thought is to say “thank you for your service” when you greet a veteran.  They will know you mean it from your heart. If interested in participating in the parade, providing donations, or helping at this event, call either Norm Clark at 503 539-6210 or Tim Harless at 503 892-2683.  More details will be shared in this column as they become available.

Photos courtesy of ©Daniel Payne Photography.

A Men’s Auxiliary organizing meeting is being held at the Cpl Matthew Lembke Hall at 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 18.   Post Commander Ron Holland explained that there are many community members who want to assist veterans and troops but eligibility requirements for VFW restrict membership to US veterans who served in a foreign war, the Tualatin VFW is starting a Men’s Auxiliary.

Eligibility for the Men’s Auxiliary is a much broader category. It is open to family members of US military who served in foreign wars. This includes grandsons, sons, siblings, spouses, fathers, or grandfathers. This membership includes club privileges.  

Holland said that females who have similar family relationships are eligible to join the Women’s Auxiliary which has an active support program underway. 

The Tualatin VFW Post is located at 18820 SW Boones Ferry Rd. The website is
https://vfw3452.org. Contact Dale Potts at 503 692-1832 for more information.

VFW Speech Contest Entry Wins State Title

Tualatin VFW’s Voice of Democracy (VOD) entry won the state finals at Hood River on Nov 16th.  Jane Whitmore, a junior at Tigard High, defeated 15 other finalists to win a $2,000 check for college and now is competing nationally for scholarships worth up to $30,000.

This is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12, that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. Additionally, she won an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC, March 6-10, and another trip to Valley Forge in June where she will join with state winners.

She represents Tualatin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary 3452.  She shared honors with Tualatin High Senior Ashley Thiesen in the Tualatin VOD competition; each received a $150 check for college. The theme was “Does America Still Have Hero’s”.

Jane then won at the District level – collecting $200 college money and becoming a finalist for state honors.

Tualatin Eighth grader Anika Girardi won the annual Patriot’s Pen contest conducted by Tualatin VFW Post 3452. She receives a $100 Savings Bond for college.  This patriotic essay contest was open to all Junior High students in this area. Also pictured are program coordinator Dale Potts and Post Commander Ron Holland.  Photo by Tony Rizzutto.

Tualatin High Senior Ashley Thiesen and Tigard Junior Jane Whitmore shared honors in the high school patriotic speech contest – each received a $150 check for college. Their topic was “Does America still have hero’s”.  Both entries were forwarded in competition at VFW’s District 16.  Jane won there and is now entered in the state finals. The state finalist wins a week long trip to tour Washington, DC along with other state winners and a chance to win $40,000 in college scholarship money.

VFW Starting Local Men’s Auxiliary

Eligibility requirements of having served in US military in a foreign war severely limits membership in Tualatin’s VFW.  However, there are a lot of community members who would like to actively support helping our military members and their families, as well as patriotism. A Men’s Auxiliary is being formed to broaden participation in these activities. This is in addition to the established Women’s Auxiliary group. Auxiliary membership requires a family connection to a military person who served in a foreign war – who was either a grandchild, child, sibling, spouse, parent,  or grandparent. For more information, contact Bill Wilson at  bwilson@prunw.com

Military Family Group Changes Meeting Day

The Friends and Family of Military members group has changed their meeting day to the last Wednesday of the month.  Their membership includes anyone who has a friend or family member serving in the military. They previously met on the Last Monday of the month at WineStyles in Tualatin.  They now are meeting at Tualatin VFW, 18820 SW Boones Ferry Rd. 

According to co-founders, Amy Anderson and Liz Peterson, the group has changed its name to Wednesday Warriors. Anyone interested in more information should contact: im_amya@Verizon.net