Gen. (ret.) James N. Mattis addresses the Vietnam Memorial Fund Gala Event in support of a Vietnam memorial for the Oregon State Capitol grounds.

 

Department of Oregon Legion Family supports Vietnam Memorial event with Gen. (ret.) James N. Mattis

Hillsboro, OR

HILLSBORO, Ore. – On Saturday, May 7, 2022, members of the American Legion Families of Oregon and North Carolina joined together for a special evening supporting the Vietnam War Memorial Gala Event to “honor those who sacrificed everything.” Hosted by the Vietnam War Memorial Fund, the event was held as a fundraising event to further aid financial support for a Vietnam War Memorial being planned for the Oregon State Capitol grounds in Salem.
Members of the American Legion Family from the Department of Oregon as well as the Department of North Carolina were in attendance and sponsored a table to support the cause, further creating a legacy of remembrance for Oregon’s Vietnam veterans.
Fundraising was slowed during the recent pandemic but is now back on course and pressing onward. Event coordinator Dan Mason stated that $80,000 was raised during the evening dinner program, and more donations were still being tallied. In addition to those in attendance at NW events, the program was also livestreamed to support donors who could not attend the event in person.
The keynote address was given by Gen, James N. Mattis, United States Marine Corps (ret.), who also served as the 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense under then-president Donald J. Trump. Mattis’ address focused on the sacrifices made by soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines during the war, which sought to halt the domination of communism in Southeast Asia. In doing so, he also shared how families and loved ones at home were also encumbered with sacrifices, which are often overlooked.


Pictured (l. to r.): Kevin Owens, Bay Area Post 34 (North Bend); Larry Cline, Lincolnton Post 30 (Lincolnton, N.C.); Mary Laudon, Hillsboro Unit 6; Adam Gettmann, Aloha Post 104; Bill Rouse, Aloha Post 104; Catherine Brockmann, Aloha Unit 104; Cory Brockmann, Aloha Post 104; Bev Neubecker, Seaside Unit 99; Lou Neubecker, Seaside Post 99; and Chris Mann, Aloha Post 104. Not pictured: Flynn Phillips, Carl Douglas Post 74 (Estacada).
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