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SALEM, Oregon - Water samples taken on Saturday, June 16, by the City of Salem, show that Salem's water continues to be safe to drink. The City of Salem is scheduled to replace the Oregon National Guard water distribution sites with city equipment at the following locations beginning 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 20 unless otherwise requested.
* Chemeketa Community College, Brown Parking Lot , 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem (access from 45th Avenue NE & Satter Drive NE)
* Former Chevrolet Dealership, 5325 Denver St., Turner
* Woodmansee Park, 4629 Sunnyside Rd. SE, Salem
* Wallace Marine Park, 200 Glen Creek Rd. NW, Salem
The Oregon National Guard provided more than 60,000 gallons of water in support of Marion County and the City of Salem since being activated June 7, and are scheduled to depart at 8:00 p.m. June 19.
"We are proud to have worked together in order to support our local community during this time of need," said Stephen Bomar, Director of Public Affairs, Oregon Military Department.
For the most up to date water advisory information please visit https://www.cityofsalem.net/Pages/water-advisory.aspx
SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon National Guard hosted a Governor’s Ceremonial Signing of House Bill 4035 June 16, at Kingsley Field, Air National Guard Base.
Governor Kate Brown, Oregon Rep. Mike McLane (House Minority Leader, HD 55), Oregon Rep. Gene Whisnant (HD 53), and Maj. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon, were in attendance.
House Bill 4035 authorizes state tuition assistance for service members in the Oregon National Guard. The bill, passed by the Oregon Legislature on March 3, details the requirements that will qualify Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to receive state-funded tuition assistance towards an associate or baccalaureate degree at Oregon public universities and community colleges. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission will administer the grant program, scheduled to begin in the 2018-2019 academic year.
The bill was introduced by Rep. McLane, and received bi-partisan support across the legislature, as well as support from the governor in alignment with her goal to enhance education programs across Oregon.
“I’m proud to sign a bill into law that deepens Oregon’s commitment to our National Guard service members,” said Governor Brown. “Whether they’re fighting on the frontlines, fighting wildfires, or helping prepare our state for the influx of eclipse viewers, our Oregon Guard members are always ready to answer the call to help Oregonians in times of need. Extending tuition assistance to Guard members is one important way to show our appreciation for their service by investing in their education and future.”
In 2017 alone, approximately 15 percent of the Oregon National Guard was called into service for emergencies, disasters, and crisis planning, including wild land firefighting, hurricane relief efforts, search and rescue missions, and traffic assistance during the solar eclipse. Meanwhile, nearly 200 Oregon Guardsmen were deployed overseas last year.
“This new law specifically bridges the federal tuition assistance shortfall and enables our Guard men and women to complete their associate or bachelor degrees,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon. “It aligns with the governor’s education focused agenda and will not only serve as a huge recruitment and retention tool, but it will also provide us with the breadth of knowledge we need to think like leaders and succeed in an increasingly technologically complex world.”
Service members statistically cite money for education as the number one reason they join the military. Those who already have federal education benefits such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill or the Post 9/11 Bill will need to use those benefits prior to using the state tuition assistance funding. Qualified students can use up to 90 credit hours at an Oregon community college and up to 180 credit hours at a public university. To receive the tuition assistance they must be in good standing with their Oregon National Guard commitments and their educational institution.
“We expect the tuition assistance bill’s impact for recruitment and retention within the Oregon National Guard to be substantial,” said Stencel. “Filling the ranks continues to be important not only to provide a capable, ready force for our nation, but to also ensure a robust Oregon National Guard to support Oregonians during disasters here at home.”
Photo Captions:
180616-Z-NV612-0009 - Oregon Rep. Mike McLain, House Minority Leader, speaks during a ceremony to mark the signing of House Bill 4035 June 16, 2018 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. House Bill 4035 authorizes state tuition assistance for service members in the Oregon National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)
180616-Z-NV612-0019 - Oregon Governor Kate Brown presents the signed copies of House Bill 4035 during a ceremony June 16, 2018 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. House Bill 4035 authorizes state tuition assistance for service members in the Oregon National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)
180616-Z-NV612-0031 - Oregon Governor Kate Brown speaks during a ceremony to mark the signing of House Bill 4035 June 16, 2018 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. House Bill 4035 authorizes state tuition assistance for service members in the Oregon National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)
180616-Z-NV612-0014 - Oregon Governor Kate Brown ceremoniously signs House Bill 4035 June 16, 2018 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. House Bill 4035 authorizes state tuition assistance for service members in the Oregon National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar)
SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon National Guard is scheduled to host a Governor’s Ceremonial Signing of House Bill 4035 at 3:45 p.m.on Saturday, June 16, in Hangar 219, at Kingsley Field, Air National Guard base, located at 211 Arnold Avenue, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97603.
Governor Kate Brown, Oregon Rep. Mike McLane (House Minority Leader, HD 55), Oregon Rep. Gene Whisnant (HD 53), and Maj. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon, are among those scheduled to attend.
House Bill 4035 authorizes state tuition assistance for service members in the Oregon National Guard. The bill, passed by the Oregon Legislature on March 3, details the requirements that will qualify Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to receive state-funded tuition assistance towards an associate or baccalaureate degree at Oregon public universities and community colleges. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission will administer the grant program, scheduled to begin in the 2018-2019 academic year.
The bill was introduced by Rep. McLane, and received bi-partisan support across the legislature, as well as support from the governor in alignment with her goal to enhance education programs across Oregon.
“I’m proud to sign a bill into law that deepens Oregon’s commitment to our National Guard service members,” said Governor Brown. “Whether they’re fighting on the frontlines, fighting wildfires, or helping prepare our state for the influx of eclipse viewers, our Oregon Guard members are always ready to answer the call to help Oregonians in times of need. Extending tuition assistance to Guard members is one important way to show our appreciation for their service by investing in their education and future.”
In 2017 alone, approximately 15 percent of the Oregon National Guard was called into service for emergencies, disasters, and crisis planning, including wild land firefighting, hurricane relief efforts, search and rescue missions, and traffic assistance during the solar eclipse. Meanwhile, nearly 200 Oregon Guardsmen were deployed overseas last year.
“This new law specifically bridges the federal tuition assistance shortfall and enables our Guard men and women to complete their associate or bachelor degrees,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon. “It aligns with the governor’s education focused agenda and will not only serve as a huge recruitment and retention tool, but it will also provide us with the breadth of knowledge we need to think like leaders and succeed in an increasingly technologically complex world.”
Service members statistically cite money for education as the number one reason they join the military. Those who already have federal education benefits such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill or the Post 9/11 Bill will need to use those benefits prior to using the state tuition assistance funding. Qualified students can use up to 90 credit hours at an Oregon community college and up to 180 credit hours at a public university. To receive the tuition assistance they must be in good standing with their Oregon National Guard commitments and their educational institution.
“We expect the tuition assistance bill’s impact for recruitment and retention within the Oregon National Guard to be substantial,” said Stencel. “Filling the ranks continues to be important not only to provide a capable, ready force for our nation, but to also ensure a robust Oregon National Guard to support Oregonians during disasters here at home.”
PORTLAND, Oregon– The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing will conduct an active shooter exercise June 7, 2018. This Air Force required exercise is command directed and will take place at the Portland Air National Guard Base this Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The exercise will assess the wing’s ability to respond to an active shooter event on base. Participation from other agencies will include the Port of Portland Police and Fire, and the Portland Police Bureau.
About the 142nd Fighter Wing:
The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,500 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Fighter Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border, on 24-hour Aerospace Control Alert as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.
SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Eric C. Bush was promoted to the rank of major general in a ceremony, June 2, 2018, at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon.
Bush is currently assigned as the Deputy Combined Rear Area Coordinator, United States Forces Korea (USFK) at the 2nd Operational Command Headquarters, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, Daegu, Republic of Korea. He assumed this current assignment on February 1, 2018. In this role, Bush is the senior U.S. military representative of the USFK Commander, to the 2nd ROK Army and serves as the Joint Security Officer for USFK.
PHOTOS:
180602-Z-OT568-004: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Eric C. Bush is pinned with his new rank by his wife, Kim (right), and mother, Marla (left), during a promotion ceremony, June 2, 2018, at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon. Bush is currently assigned as the Deputy Combined Rear Area Coordinator, United States Forces Korea (USFK) at the 2nd Operational Command Headquarters, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, Daegu, Republic of Korea. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
180602-Z-OT568-006: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Eric C. Bush (right) takes the oath of office, administered by Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon, alongside his wife, Kim, during a promotion ceremony, June 2, 2018, at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon. Bush is currently assigned as the Deputy Combined Rear Area Coordinator, United States Forces Korea (USFK) at the 2nd Operational Command Headquarters, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, Daegu, Republic of Korea. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
180602-Z-OT568-007: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Eric C. Bush speaks to an audience of family, friends, coworkers and military members during his promotion ceremony, June 2, 2018, at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon. Bush is currently assigned as the Deputy Combined Rear Area Coordinator, United States Forces Korea (USFK) at the 2nd Operational Command Headquarters, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, Daegu, Republic of Korea. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Eric C. Bush is scheduled to be promoted to the rank of major general in a ceremony, June 2, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center, located at 15300 SE Minuteman Way, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon.
Bush is currently assigned as the Deputy Combined Rear Area Coordinator, United States Forces Korea (USFK) at the 2nd Operational Command Headquarters, Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, Daegu, Republic of Korea. He assumed this current assignment on February 1, 2018. In this role, Bush is the senior U.S. military representative of the USFK Commander, to the 2nd ROK Army and serves as the Joint Security Officer for USFK.
Bush holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and Communications from Corban University, a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College and has completed numerous graduate level courses at Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
He first joined the Oregon Army National Guard in 1984 as a cavalry scout and was commissioned in 1988 through the Officer Candidate School at the Oregon Military Academy. He has served in a variety of command and staff positions in armor, cavalry and infantry units. He deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as the deputy commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT).
Throughout his career in the Oregon Army National Guard, he has served as infantry platoon leader, company executive officer, company commander, cavalry troop commander, squadron intelligence officer, squadron logistics officer, and squadron operations officer. He commanded the 821st Troop Command Battalion; 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment; the 82nd Rear Operations Center, Theater Support Command; the 41st IBCT, and the 82nd Brigade (Troop Command). He also served as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army and the Land Component Commander for Joint Force Headquarters, Oregon National Guard.
Prior to his current assignment, Bush was the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff J3, USFK, and Mobilization Assistant to the Director for Logistics, Engineering and Security Cooperation, United States Pacific Command.
Bush owns and operates a family ranch in Central Oregon where he raises cattle and Arabian horses. He is a retired Chief of Police for the city of Prineville, Oregon.
Media Advisory:
The Oregon Military Department is scheduled to hold a press conference, today, May 31, at 2:30 p.m. at the Anderson Readiness Center, located at 3225 State St. Salem, OR 97301.
The purpose of the press conference is to inform the public of the Oregon National Guard water delivery plan, in coordination with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management and multiple agencies, to assist Marion county, following the drinking water contamination advisory.
180528-Z-PL933-0105: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, based out of McMinnville, Oregon, perform a Howitzer salute during the annual Memorial Day observance, May 28, 2018, at the Veterans Memorial Park in Beaverton, Oregon. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
180528-Z-PL933-0066: Oregon Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Mark Crosby, commander of the Joint Domestic Operations Command, addresses attendees at the annual Memorial Day observance, May 28, 2018, at the Veterans Memorial Park in Beaverton, Oregon. Crosby spoke on the importance of serving fellow citizens, the history of the Oregon Air National Guard and current missions being undertaken by units in the Oregon National Guard. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
F-15 Flyover: Two Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagles assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, fly over the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial during the 2018 Memorial Day ceremony, May 28, 2018, in Portland, Oregon. The Oregon Air National Guard's 173rd Fighter Wing conducted flyovers at various locations throughout Oregon as part of Memorial Day observations around the state. The 173rd Fighter Wing, is home to the nation's premier F-15 pilot training school. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
Vietnam Memorial: Vietnam War re-enactors stand at parade rest as the Oregon City High School JROTC honor guard presents the colors at the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial during the 2018 Memorial Day ceremony, May 28, 2018, in Portland, Oregon. The eight-acre outdoor war memorial is dedicated to Oregonians who served in the Vietnam War and displays the names of 803 Oregonians that either died in Vietnam or are missing in action. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
Joint Honor Guard: Members of the Oregon Army and Air National Guard joint Honor Guard team advance the colors for posting during the Memorial Day program held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, May 28, 2018. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
Howitzers_WNC: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers of A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, fire their M119 Howitzers as part of the Memorial Day program at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, May 28, 2018. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)
More photos from Memorial Day events are available on our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/oregonmildep/with/27549298417/
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The 173rd Fighter Wing will conduct night flying operations for two weeks beginning Tuesday, May 29 and continue through Thursday, May 31. Night flying will continue the following week, Tuesday June 5 and continue through Thursday, June 7. Operations will take place approximately 4:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m.
Night flying is one part of the course curriculum for F-15C student pilots at Kingsley Field, the premiere F-15C schoolhouse for the United States Air Force.
“Night flying is an essential skill our F-15 student pilots need to learn,” said Col. Jeff Smith, commander of the173rd FW. “We are grateful for the exceptional support the 173rd Fighter Wing receives from the local community and try our best to minimize the noise impact.”
The majority of the training will occur in the military operating airspace to the east of Lakeview where the pilots can fly without lights. However, the local community will most likely hear the jets during take-offs and approaches to and from Kingsley Field. Take-offs will occur after sundown and the jets will return approximately an hour-and-a-half later.
“Whether defending the homeland or deployed in contingency operations, F-15 pilots must be proficient at night flying,” said Col. Jeff Edwards, 173rd FW Vice Commander. “Night flying training includes the full spectrum of skills needed to be a combat-ready F-15 pilot.”
Community members may contact the wing’s public affairs office at 541-885-6677 to express any concerns they have during this time.
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Photo Caption:
171026-Z-NJ935-0047
A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle taxis to the runway during night flying operations at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Night flying is an essential skill for student pilots to exercise during their training course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jefferson Thompson)
KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. – The 173rd Fighter Wing out of Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore. will conduct Memorial Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon.
F-15 Eagle fighter jets are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the following community locations at, or around, the designated times on Monday, May 28.
10:45 a.m. Independence State Airport, Independence, Ore.
11:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, Beaverton, Ore.
11:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, Klamath Falls, Ore.
11:10 a.m. Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Portland, Ore.
11:15 a.m. Mt View Cemetery, Oregon City, Ore.
11:15 a.m. Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, Ore.
11:25 a.m. Roseburg National Cemetery, Roseburg, Ore.
11:30 a.m. City View Cemetery, Salem, Ore.
11:40 a.m. Brookings Harbor Port, Brookings, Ore.
12:00 p.m. Woodville Cemetery, Rogue River, Ore.
12:15 p.m. Boatnik at Riverside Park, Grants Pass, Ore.
12:20 p.m. Hillcrest Memorial Park, Medford, Ore.
12:25 p.m. Memory Gardens, Medford, Ore.
All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.
The Oregon Air National Guard has been an integral part of the nation's air defense since 1941. The 173rd FW is home to the premier F-15C pilot training facility for the United States Air Force.
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Photo Caption
A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle from the 173rd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, takes off down the ramp at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The 173rd FW is home to the sole F-15 Eagle training schoolhouse for the United States Air Force. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason van Mourik)