FALL 2014  NEWSLETTER

The Historical Outreach Foundation honors the men and women who have served each state and the nation in our armed forces, and provides a comprehensive educational resource for preserving and sharing our rich military history. 
INSIDE THIS ISSUE













 









 
EVENTS eVENTS

 

ALL STAR SALUTE TO THE OREGON MILITARY

Rick & Erika Miller Residence ~ Lake Oswego's Jantzen Island

Sept 14

 


 

AUSA GENERAL MEETING & EXCOM 

Volcanoes Baseball Keizer Stadium.

Salem, OR

Nov 13

 


 

Veteran's Day Open House 

Camp Withycombe, OR

Nov 8

 


 

veteran's daY event

Stoller Family Estates 
Nov 9



QUICK LINKS


 





HOF
MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

 

Your Foundation Membership will help us complete a successful $6.5 million capital campaign and renovation. The Brigadier General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum is poised to become a world-class museum and leading regional attraction.


 

Your support will contribute to the preservation of Oregon's military history through its nationally significant $6+ million collection of artifacts and archives dating back to the 1860s. These 14,000+ artifacts range from rare weapons and prisoner-of-war relics to tracked vehicles and ribbon-laden uniforms.


 

The Brigadier General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum honors all service branches and will celebrate and commemorate Oregon's military heritage: past, present, and future. A visit to the future Museum will instill renewed respect for our neighbors and co-workers who defend our freedom.


 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

 
HOF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Raymond C Byrne Jr.
  • Dr. Larry McClure
  • Bob Tom
  • Zach Davidson
  • COL. Mark Rathburn
  • Don Bond
  • Jim Thayer
  • Tom Milligan
  • Scott Thompson
  • Vicki Fisher
  • Jerry Lorang
  • Laura Gonzales
  • Suzanne Lam
OREGON MILITARY MUSEUMMUSEUM


 

Oregon Military Museum Mission

 

Tell the story of Oregon's military heritage, with a focus on the Oregon National Guard and the state's militia.

 

Collect and ensure access to historical artifacts and archives.

 

Preserve the items entrusted to its care.

 

Educate and inspire visitors through exhibits, living history, and interpretive programs.

 

 

HISTORICAL OUTREACH FOUNDATIONHistorical_Outreach2

BY Alisha Hamel


The Historical Outreach Foundation was created in 2009 to continue the Lewis and Clark school presentations that were created by the Oregon National Guard for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial.  The Historical Outreach Foundation also created other school presentations including Oregon's Role in WWII and Civil War in Oregon with a new presentation available, One Woman's Story of Desert Storm.  The Historical Outreach Foundation included in its mission to support the Oregon Military Museum, created the Veteran's Legacy Database and in June will accept the mission of the Oregon WWII Memorial Foundation's education.

 

The Historical Outreach Foundation as part of its education mission also created a documentary "Jungleers in Battle".  The Columbia Chapter of AUSA was a strong supporter of the documentary and is acknowledged as a presenting sponsor for the documentary which had premiers throughout Oregon honoring those WWII veterans who were interviewed.  This documentary was entered in the GI Film Festival and has been shown on the Pentagon Channel and on Oregon Public Broadcasting.  The documentary has been purchased by the 41st Infantry Brigade and used as a training tool for 41st Soldiers.

The Historical Outreach Foundation is also spearheading the fundraising for the Oregon Military Museum which will tell Oregon's military history from the times of the tribes through what Oregon industry is doing for our future.

To become a member of the Oregon Military Museum, to support the Oregon Military Museum, to schedule a showing of the documentary or to schedule a history presentation, please contact the Historical Outreach Foundation at

or call 503-683-6161.   To save your veteran story go to

 

 

 

PNDC Annual Meeting
THE MONUMENT

 

 It stands in stony silence

In testament to those

Who served this state in World War II

To save us from our foes.

 

The citizens of Oregon,

Forever in their debt,

Have built this solemn monument

That we shall not forget

 

The sacrifice of those who served,

Wherever it may be

In factory or the battlefield,

On land, in air, at sea.

 

Some gave their time, it's all they had,

Some gave with blood and pain,

And many gave the ultimate

That freedom would remain.

 

This monument should be a place

Where all can come and rest,

And while they're here reflect upon

What makes this state the best.

 

T. C. Lyster 

Bend Band of Brothers

 

 

 

ALL STAR SALUTE TO The OREGON MILITARYall_star

 

Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 5PM

Rick & Erika Miller Residence 

Lake Oswego's Jantzen Island

 

Help us honor our Vietnam War Veterans and raise $1 million in one evening to benefit the Brigadier General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum Capital Campaign. Our guests of honor, the legendary rock group KISS, will perform an intimate concert for just 200 attendees. The KISS appearance is contingent on meeting our $1 million goal, guaranteed upfront by lead donors and attendees.

 

A celebration of Oregon's proud military heritage to benefit the Capital Campaign of the Brigadier General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum.

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Historical Outreach Foundation offers EDUCATIONAL Programshof_program

The Historical Outreach Foundation is pleased to continue its school outreach programs this school year with programs to teach Lewis and Clark, Civil War in Oregon and Oregon's Role in WWII.  These presentations are completely flexible in reference to size of audience with presentations done in  classrooms and to assemblies.

 

 

These presentations bring an experienced presenter to the classroom with a box of touchable artifacts for the students to touch and experience that era in our history.  The presenter also incorporates an interactive Power point presentation asking for participation from the students to insure comprehension of the history being taught.  The students are all given a comprehensive map after the presentation to reinforce the lessons learned during the presentation.

 

"I appreciate the educational component that the Historical Outreach Foundation has to offer teachers like the Lewis and Clark Presentation!!  Thank you to Alisha and the Historical Outreach for coming out to the school where I teach and bring history to life for students!"  Andrew Demko, Social Studies Teacher, Rainier, OR, ex-officio (President-2010-2011), Oregon Council for the Social Studies Board Member, National Council for the Social Studies.

 

"The Historical Outreach Foundation has been making presentations at Estacada Junior High for over a decade.  Their dynamic and interactive presentations have captured the attention of my students with  engaging stories and hands-on artifacts." Zachary Davidson, TOSA Vice Principal, Social Studies Teacher.

 

The Historical Outreach Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to teach history to all so there is no cost for these presentations.  A donation is always welcome.  The usual donation is $150, but certainly less or no donation is still fine.

 

To schedule a history presentation, please contact the Historical Outreach Foundation at [email protected] or call 503-705-5965.

VET_PROJECTVeterans' Legacies Project will carry History into the Future

 Online database captures stories and images of our rich military history, so we never forget.

 

The Historical Outreach Foundation (HOF) is launching the next initiative in the Veterans Legacies Project with the online database, www.veteranslegacies.com.  The database is designed to collect, preserve and share the history of our veterans in an accessible online format.

 

Alisha Hamel is the executive director of the Historical Outreach Foundation, located at Camp Withycombe.  "Currently there is no other organization effectively preserving and sharing these incredible histories," said Hamel.  "The Veterans' Legacies database is the solution. "

 

The Veterans' Legacies database is accessible to all, and there are various ways to participate.  Whether you are a veteran sharing your story; a student looking for information; or a family member researching the history of a loved one, the site is set up to allow visitors to explore the history of those who served our country.  Visitors may also create biographical profiles for deceased veterans to be sure their stories are kept alive.

       

 "Each veteran has a story; one unique to their own experience and perspective," she said.  "But we are losing the opportunity to capture those stories every day." Hamel feels a shared sense of urgency as the last of the remaining WWII veterans, and Korean War veterans will soon be gone.

 

As part of the mission of the Historical Outreach, Hamel and others in her organization have interviewed and recorded dozens of veterans, including many WWII vets who served in the Oregon-based 41st division.  

The videos, photographs and written accounts will be posted to database, accessible to all.  The vision for the Veterans' Legacies database is to insure that future generations never forget "those who risked their lives to preserve our way of life for the future," said Hamel.   She believes her step-father, a Vietnam Veteran, said it best.

 

'When you die, you die twice; the first time you die a physical death, the second time is when the last person that remembers you dies.'

 

The Veterans Legacies Database is an initiative of the Historical Outreach Foundation (HOF). Established in 2009, the HOF is committed to collecting, preserving and sharing our rich military history. HOF is a 501(c) (3) with educational initiatives including the Oregon Military Museum, the Oregon WWII Memorial in Salem, and various outreach programs throughout the region. To get involved, volunteer, and find out how you can help keep history alive for generations to come, please visit www.historicaloutreach.com.

 Recently Honored 41ster Leonard DeWitt Speaks at 41st IDA Reuniondewitt

 He's flanked by the two people most responsible for his recent honors; his wife Joanne, (leftmost) and Lt. Col. Alisha Hamel, Command Historian for the Oregon National Guard (on the right).  Leonard DeWitt, I-162, LTC (ret.) knew as a teenager he wanted to be a soldier, and made a career in the US Army, most of it outside the 41st Infantry Division. But it was his track record with the 41st that laid the foundation.

 

    The action that earned him a  Medal of Honor nomination that was downgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross has been detailed in previous issues since it came to light in 2011.  It might have gone unnoticed were it not for an effort to compile a list of DSCs-to include the action for which it was awarded-to honor veterans as part of the Dedication of the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, OR that year.  Hargis Westerfield's thorough research in Jungleers II provided the information for all but one-Leonard's.  The incomplete list was sent to Oregon with an apology.  Alisha took up the challenge and found Leonard in one place we hadn't looked-the White Pages. 

 

    It came as no surprise to us that Alisha wasted no time in setting up an interview with Leonard.  Her efforts in making video interviews of 41sters has spanned many years-we first met her in St. Louis in 2007 when she arrived with her camera, tripod, notebook and winning smile.  It was the culmination of her many interviews that resulted in a fine documentary "The Jungleers in Battle", which is still available as a DVD from the Historical Outreach Foundation, PO Box 1822, Clackamas, OR 97015 for $25.  We honored Alisha last year with a 41st IDA Legacy Award for production of this significant film tribute to the 41st.

 

          But it was during her interview of Leonard that she was shown his scrapbook, which contained his Medal of Honor nomination, and thus was born the joint quest to have a Medal of Honor granted to the 41st for an action in WWII.  The last time the 41st received a MOH was the Spanish American War.  From the beginning, Leonard insisted any medal belonged to the Division and would hang in the new museum.  But after a lot of effort, the upgrade did not go through; they still need one more piece of evidence placing Leonard on Scout Track Ridge on July 28, 1943.  But that was not the end of the story or the glory. 

 

     Leonard has continued to gain recognition for the 41st as Alisha continued to promote him in official circles.  In 2011, he was inducted into the Hall of Honor of the 2nd Battalion of the 162nd Infantry, for which he also received a medal.  He was one of the first three chosen for the Oregon Military Museum's new Hall of Valor.  Last year when he was invited to Honor Day at the State Capitol in Salem, he met the Oregon State Representative who spearheaded the bill to re-nominate Leonard for the MOH and send it to Congress.

Leonard at 93 suffers from macular degeneration, and cannot see well enough to read or drive, so his wife Joanne, also his biggest fan, makes all the arrangements and keeps track of his speaking engagements and itinerary.  She proudly forwarded pictures on his most recent honors.  

     Leonard was awarded The Order of Saint Maurice in April 2014.  It is awarded by the National Infantry Association, and the certificate is signed by the Chief of Infantry of the US Army.  It is named after Saint Maurice, leader of the Roman Theban Legion in the 3rd century.  A nominee for the Order of Saint Maurice must have served the Infantry community with distinction; must have demonstrated a significant contribution in support of the Infantry; and must represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence, and dedication to duty.  His  medal (at right) is Primicerius - the highest level.

     Then in May, the Daughters of the American Revolution did their best to make up for what our Congress has thus far failed to do-award Leonard a Medal of Honor.  The DAR's highest award is made to an outstanding American citizen who has served his country and his community with distinction. The Oregon Chapter presented the award shown at left:  "We commend him for his leadership, trustworthiness and patriotism, and salute him for his outstanding service to the United States. We are privileged to honor Leonard with our highest award, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor."

 

     As honors mounted, so did invitations.  As Joanne noted "Word got around. The more we go, the more we get invited".  On 4th of July, he was Grande Marshall in the St. Paul Rodeo.  The next day he was flown by helicopter to the outfield of the (minor league) Volcano Baseball Stadium, where he threw out the first ball after a video of him was shown on the big screen:          

              

     However, none of this was in his banquet program remarks.  Were it not for his fan club, we might not know of his celebrity.  Leonard spoke off-the-cuff about his experiences in the New Guinea jungle fighting alongside Australian soldiers, and the comradeship that resulted as he followed William Johnson's remarks.  He did make a brief account of his DSC action as we had asked, but this officer and gentleman found it inappropriate to brag on himself, so we're doing it for him.  Thanks, Leonard (and Alisha and Joanne), for honoring the 41st.

WWII

65th Annual REUNION HONORS 17 WWII VETERANS 

The 41st Infantry Division Association had its reunion in Longbeach, California this year.  Next year, the 41st Infantry Division will have its reunion at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas to commemorate 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII at the Spirit of '45 Day on August 15, 2015 at the opening of the historic park at the Oregon Military Museum.

REYNOLDS HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN THE STARLIGHT PARADEreynolds
Reynolds JROTC Cadets performing a Color Guard routine for the Portland, Starlight Parade, featuring all of the Military Flags.
May 31st 2014 many people participated in Portland, Oregon's Starlight Parade, downtown. Many people come to watch the beautiful colorful floats, listen to music and enjoy the fun filled night with family and friends. But for the people in the parade it is not just a time to enjoy and put smiles on people's faces. It is also a competition. It is known, Reynolds High School did not  place in the parade last year. So they decided that if they will be joining the parade again, they will come full of excitement and go all out. Reynolds high school had a diverse group of kids come and represent what they do. The RHS band played a mix of top Pop songs, such as: Nirvana's - Smells like teen spirit and Lady Gaga's - Applause. The dance team did a fantastic job at showing off their moves. The cheer team and Mr. Anderson's Leadership Class brought the party with them, chanting and cheering, showing off their school spirit. Reynolds newer JROTC program marched showing off their cadets in uniform and their color guard showcasing the flags of all the branches of the military. Reynolds will either go big or go home. They went big and got 1st place in this year's 2014 Starlight Parade.

 

In other news from the RHS JROTC Cadets, they recently participated in the annual Comcast Cares day in which they dedicate one day to a clean-up project of their choice, and in turn, making the community as a whole, a much better place. The Reynolds JROTC Cadets teamed up with the RHS Leadership class and Comcast to help clean up the local Imagination Station and its neighboring wooded areas. They worked diligently throughout the day and successfully widened  the paths, removed much of the overlaying foliage and debris, picked up trash, removed graffiti, and much more. The Senior Vice President of Comcast flew into congratulate a job well done, with plans to continue to do this for years to come. For photos from the Comcast Cares project go to: (http://tinyurl.com/2014ComcastCaresTroutdale)

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHTVOLUNTEER
 

Andy Demko, History teacher from Rainier Jr. Sr. High School volunteered to teach Lewis and Clark History for the Historical Outreach Foundation at the Oregon National Guard Children Camp (Camp Summer Star) this summer.  Andy also taught the campers how to create their own sextant.  Thanks Andy!  You are a great volunteer.


HOF AT STREET OF DREAMSSTREET
 

Last month, the Historical Outreach Foundation had a booth at the Street of Dreams in Happy Valley, Oregon.  

 

 

Thank you for all who attended and volunteered at this event.  

To view photos of this event, please click here.