2004-69-Minutes for Meeting January 08,2004 Recorded 1/21/2004DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL RECORDS Q 1004'69
NANCY BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERK
COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 0112112004 04;57;10 PM
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210111-69
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DESCHUTES COUNTY CLERK
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Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1130 NW Harriman St., Bend, OR 97701-1947
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 388-4752 - www.deschiggs—.org
MINUTES OF MEETING
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AND
REPRESENTATIVES OF VETERANS' GROUPS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 89 2004
Hearing Room - Administration Building - 1130 NW Harriman St., Bend
Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke, Tom DeWolf and Michael M. Daly.
Also present were Mike Maier, County Administrator; Pat Ross, Veterans'
Services; Tom Blust, Road Department; Anna Johnson, Commissioners' Office;
Gene Whisnant and Tim Knopp, State Representatives; media representatives Rick
Meyers of Z-21 TV and Barney Lerten of bend. com and The Bugle; and
approximately fifty other citizens.
The meeting began at 11:00 a. m.
Representative Gene Whisnant led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dick Tobiason introduced himself at this time. He is a dedicated spokesman for the
various local veterans groups and the person who has spearheaded many efforts to
see more public recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of local veterans.
He indicated that there would have been more veterans in attendance at the
meeting if the weather had been better (noting the foot or two of snow enveloping
all areas of the County).
He then read a statement regarding local veterans' desire to see "We Honor
Veterans signs installed at the various entrances into Deschutes County. He
presented a display board showing a sample sign as used by Klamath County,
along with photos of where signs, plaques and flag might be placed. He pointed
out that the cost to place the signs at entrances to the County should be less than
$1,000.
Minutes of Meeting with Representatives of Veterans Groups
Thursday, January 8, 2004 Page 1 of 5 Pages
Mr. Tobiason brought up the fact that the sign proposal is supported by State
Representatives Tim Knopp and Gene Whisnant; State Senator Ben Westlund; and
most of the members of veterans service groups from Central Oregon (many of
whom had representatives attending the meeting), including:
• Central Oregon Veterans Council (COVC)
• American Legion - Post 44 (Redmond), Post 45 (La Pine) and Post 86 (Sisters)
• Military Officers Association of America, Central Oregon Chapter
• Veterans of Foreign Wars, District 10 - Bend #1643, Redmond #4108 and
La Pine #7242
• Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 14 - La Pine #821 and Bend #820
• Association of Naval Aviation, Oregon High Desert Squadron
• Vietnam Veterans - La Pine #821 and Bend #820
• Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association, High Desert Chapter
• Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 198
• Military Order of Purple Heart
• Bend Elks Lodge #1371
Mr. Tobiason indicated that local membership in the groups, including the
auxiliary members, totals more than 1,100. He and the other attendees at the
meeting stressed that Deschutes County is home to about 14,500 veterans, and
approximately 40% of these veterans reside in Bend.
Mr. Tobiason and others suggested that not only the "We Honor Veterans" signs be
installed, but also recommended that the County Commissioners work with the
cities and the Bend Metro Park & Recreation District to determine additional
appropriate memorials. The veterans suggested that this work be coordinated
through the Central Oregon Veterans Council (COVC).
These recommendations included the following:
• The "Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Memorial Bridge" on South Century Drive,
over the Deschutes River (previously General Patch Bridge). Mr. Maxwell, a
Bend resident, is the only Medal of Honor recipient living in Oregon. The U.S.
Forest Service supports this idea.
Minutes of Meeting with Representatives of Veterans Groups
Thursday, January 8, 2004 Page 2 of 5 Pages
• Signage or plaques in various parks, such as Farewell Bend Park and Drake
Park
• Appropriate signage or plaques at the Fairgrounds
• Flags at public libraries, since the libraries in Bend, Redmond and Sisters do not
have flagpoles at this time. These would cost about $2,000 each.
• Flags along the Bend parade route, similar to what Redmond has in place.
Commissioner Luke pointed out that County Administrator Mike Maier, a former
Marine, has made sure that the courthouse and County facilities fly the American
flag, the State flag, and the POW flag. He added that Mr. Maier was instrumental
in expanding the services provided by the local Veterans Services office.
Commissioner Luke also explained that when the Courthouse is remodeled during
the next year or so, the area in front of the building will become a park that will be
dedicated to area veterans and public safety employees.
Dr. Clarence Carnahan, a psychiatrist who works for the Bend Office of the
Department of Veterans Affairs, explained the importance of recognizing the
sacrifices and contributions of veterans.
Commissioner DeWolf indicated that he would not be voting on the sign issue at
this time. In his opinion, this action is not enough. He recommended that
representatives of the various groups appoint a few individuals who will meet with
representatives of the County, cities and other entities to discuss not just
memorials, but also how to obtain better funding for veterans services in general.
He added that the County does not have control over what is placed in the cities
and parks, but would be happy to work with representatives of those entities to
make this happen.
He said a small group, with representatives from different age groups and areas of
the County, would be able to deal more effectively with the requests. He added
that just putting up the signs at the County line and leaving it at that would not
meet the overall needs of local veterans. He stated that what is needed is a
working group that can get something accomplished — a group that can give some
thought to the issues and come up with a process to address and implement
reasonable projects and ways to enhance the lives of local veterans and their
families.
Minutes of Meeting with Representatives of Veterans Groups
Thursday, January 8, 2004 Page 3 of 5 Pages
Commissioner Daly indicated that any projects in this regard should be handled in
an orderly manner, since there are a number of issues to tackle. He suggested that
to be successful, perhaps one issue should be handled at a time in order to keep
things moving. He volunteered to be the representative from the Board. He asked
that the local veterans groups select members for the committee and get back to
him with a plan for discussions.
At this time, Representatives Tim Knopp and Gene Whisnant stated that they
support this effort and hope to find a solution to some of the issues soon.
Commissioner Luke observed that since Mr. Knopp and Mr. Whisnant are
members of the Legislature, perhaps they could work on the larger problem of
getting more funding put back into veterans' services.
Mr. Tobiason then presented an autographed copy of "Vanishing Heroes", a
thoughtful and well-received supplement to the Bulletin newspaper, to
Commissioner Daly.
Commissioner DeWolf added that he hoped everyone at the meeting knows that
the Board takes these suggestions very seriously, and looks forward to working to
find resolutions for the issues.
The audience then thanked the Commissioners for helping them get organized and
pointed in the right direction.
Being no further discussion or items brought before the Board, the meeting
adjourned at approximately 12:00 noon.
DATED this 8th Day of January 2004 for the Deschutes County Board of
Commissioners. /IiZ _ /I
ATTEST:
Recording Secretary
Venms K. Luxe, UornnUsswncr
Tom DeWolf, Co issioner
Minutes of Meeting with Representatives of Veterans Groups
Thursday, January 8, 2004 Page 4 of 5 Pages
Attachments
• A letter dated December 22, 2003 from Dick Tobiason to local Veterans'
groups
• Letters dated November 11, 2003 and December 3, 2003 from Dick
Tobiason to Commissioner Daly
• A letter dated November 19, 2003 from Representative Tim Knopp to the
Board, indicating his support of the signage proposal
• A letter dated December 12, 2003 to Oran Teater, City of Bend Mayor,
regarding various veterans' issues
• A letter dated December 13, 3003 from Representative Gene Whisnant to
the Board, indicating his support of the signage proposal
• A copy of a newspaper article and a note from Senator Ben Westlund,
indicating support for the signage proposal
• A fact sheet regarding the signage proposal
• A list of veterans memorial activities for November 11, 2003 from Mr.
Tobiason
• A proposed resolution, signed by representatives of various local
veterans' groups, regarding the installation of "We Honor Veterans"
signs along public roads at Deschutes County lines
Minutes of Meeting with Representatives of Veterans Groups
Thursday, January 8, 2004 Page 5 of 5 Pages
Dick Tobiason
22325 White Peaks Drive
Bend, OR 97702
388-5591
dtobiason@bendcable.com
December 22, 2003
Fellow Veterans:
We are scheduled to meet with Deschutes County Commissioners at their office (1130 NW
Harriman St, Bend — behind the County Court House) from 11 -12 am on Thursday, January 8.
The meeting is open to the public and media. It is very appropriate to wear your organization's
uniform, hat, jacket, etc. We have use of the meeting room for one hour after the meeting.
The City of Bend and Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District have agreed to participate in the
meeting. About 40% of the County's 14,500 veterans reside in Bend and many of the parks
where memorials could be located are managed by the Parks and Recreation District (BMPRD).
I have spoken and/or met with each of you on this issue and the unique opportunity before us.
Thank you for your encouragement and experience in honoring veterans in many ways. Attached
is a list of the 16 veterans groups involved as of Dec. 22. This letters is sent to all of them.
The objectives of this "kickoff' meeting:
1. Gain Commissioners agreement to install "WE HONOR VETERANS" signs at all
locations of existing county signs on U.S., State, and County roads. See attached Klamath
County type sign that is proposed to replace all existing signs.
2. Gain Commissioners agreement to work with Cities, BMPRD, and veterans to determine
other appropriate memorials. The veterans will coordinate their proposals through the
Central Oregon Veterans Council (COVC).
3. Commissioners, City of Bend, and District designate representatives to work with
veterans groups through COVC on memorials and other issues of common interest.
County Commissioner Tom DeWolf's email to me confirming the meeting supports our common
objectives:
"----the last time the Board of County Commissioners discussed this issue, we thought that a
good approach would be to put together a working group after the first of the year to discuss
appropriate ways to honor local Veterans as well as to discuss other issues important to
Veterans.'
"Dennis (Commissioner Dennis Luke) and I agree that this would be a much better approach to
these important issues, rather than being on our agenda next week when we would be under too
much pressure to move through the agenda rather than giving these issues the time they
deserve. So, we'd like to request that we talk after the holidays and set up an initial meeting
devoted exclusively to setting up a group of folks to work on these issues, rather than being on
the agenda on the -15th. "
Attached are letters to the County Commissioners from Rep. Tim Knopp (represents Bend
residents in Salem) and Rep. Gene Whisnant (represents Deschutes County residents in Salem).
Sen. Ben Westlund (represents Deschutes County residents in Salem) sent the attached letter of
support to me. All of these elected officials support our objective to honor veterans by memorials
in public places.
The COVC is an existing group made up of many veteran service groups. It meets monthly. The
COVC can also address "other issues" mentioned in Commissioner DeWolf's message and of
interest to veterans .
Attached are 2 recent letters I sent to the County Commissioners. Similar letters were sent to the
City and BMPRD. The letters request cooperation by all local governments and include a list of
proposed memorials:
"Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Memorial Bridge" at mile post 8 on S. Century Drive over
Deschutes River. Bend resident Maxwell is the only Medal of Honor recipient living in
Oregon.
Farewell Bend and Drake Parks
Fairground
Roundabouts
Flags/flagpoles at public libraries (Bend, Redmond, and Sisters have none). City and
Library Districts need to be involved. Librarians at Bend, Redmond, and Sisters would
welcome a flagpole.
Flags along Bend Veterans Day (and other occasions) parade routes
Examples of memorials that can be models for Bend, Deschutes County, and BMPRD and
initiated by veterans groups:
Flagpole at LaPine Library
Flags along Redmond and LaPine parade routes. Fact sheet available at the meeting.
VETERANS WAY road signs (replace Sisters Ave.) in Redmond
Numerous flags and flagpoles in cemeteries, Redmond Airport, and Jaqua Sports
Complex.
2
POW/MIA flags
Please let me know by Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004 by email or phone your plans or your
representative's plans to attend the Jan. 8 meeting. One representative from each of the groups
should be sufficient. I will open the meeting, discuss the agenda and introduce all veterans
service group leaders or their representatives and COVC Chairman. Each leader should make a
short statement in support of new veterans' memorials, state number of members in its
organization, and briefly discuss any memorials already sponsored or planned by its
organization.
At the conclusion of the meeting we will give the Commissioners a resolution signed by the
leaders supporting our requests. The resolution and Fact Sheet are also attached.
Please contact me if you have questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Cc: Deschutes Board of County Commissioners, Bend City Council, Bend Metro Parks and
Recreation District, Rep. Knopp. Rep. Whisnant, Sen. Westlund
Dick Tobiason
22325 White Peaks Drive
Bend, OR 97702
388-5591
November 11, 2003
Mike Daly
Commissioner, Deschutes Board of County Commissioners
1130 NW Harriman
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Dear Commissioner Daly:
It was great to see you at the marvelous Veterans Day parade in Bend on Sunday. I enjoyed the
subsequent discussion with you on installing veteran memorials within the County. Today is
Veterans Day and a good time to discuss honoring the many veterans among us.
There are presently no memorials to veterans in Deschutes County on public land. The Rex T.
Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge is the latest veterans memorial established in Oregon. The
memorial signs at the bridge were installed by ODOT by direction of the State Legislature and
the Governor. The memorial is located on both State Parks (kiosk) and ODOT properties and
within Jefferson County. Thank you Mike for attending the August 9 bridge dedication. Crook
and Klamath Counties have established numerous memorials to veterans in public places while
Deschutes County has none to its credit yet.
As discussed in my several unanswered letters to and public meetings with the Board of
Commissioners, Bend City Council, and Bend Metro Parks and Recreation District, it has been
my hope that Deschutes County because of its larger veterans population count (14,500 +)
would take the lead in establishing memorials at several locations:
8 "WE HONOR VETERANS" signs at county lines on State and County roads (total
cost: $ 600 — based on Klamath County sign design, $ 250 — simple banner added below
existing "ENTERING DESCHUTES COUNTY" signs). The signs can be approved by
the Bend ODOT office per OAR 734-057-0010, "City/County Entrance Program" as was
done in Klamath County 2 years ago. An appropriate ceremony should be held to install
the signs. Photos of the Deschutes and Klamath signs on existing sign poles are attached.
These are the signs I discussed with Board on Aug. 11, 2003 and appeared in the Aug.
12, 2003 Bulletin article which quotes you "I can't imagine it'd be too big a problem to
do that" (installing the signs).
Flag poles at Drake Park, all County libraries, and on Bend streets during the Veterans
Day parade. The City of Redmond installs scores of American flags on the parade route.
Memorial plaques/structures at Drake and Farewell Bend Parks where residents and
visitors will have an opportunity to view them and other memorials (public service,
lumber mills, et al) in a serene setting. A future roundabout should be considered also.
While the Commissioners are planning to install plaques at the County Court House as Klamath
County has done, it would be far more preferable to locate them in public parks where far more
members of the public and veterans will have an opportunity to view them and contemplate
their service to the nation. Klamath County installed 10 "WE HONOR VETERANS" signs at
its county lines as well as the plaques at their Court House you mentioned Sunday. The
Klamath signs are a distinct contrast to the Deschutes County line signs immediately opposite
on both US 97 and US 31. Klamath County has also named its airfield "Kingsley Field" to
honor WW II Medal of Honor recipient and Portland native David Kingsley.
Deschutes County is the only Oregon county with a projected expanding veterans population.
Only 6 of the 36 Oregon counties are home to more veterans than Deschutes County.
Deschutes County is home to 73 % of the 19,900 veterans living in the 3 counties of Central
Oregon. Today, one of every 8 men, women, and children in our County is a veteran. Almost
half of the Counties veterans reside within the City of Bend. This plus the fact that the City and
District parks are located within the City of Bend should motivate the City and District to want
to be partners in this most worthwhile endeavor.
I hope you will take the lead on this very honorable enterprise and cause the County, City, and
District to work together. I will be very pleased to help and bring other veteran groups to the
task.
Other veterans are also contributing to the County's well being including organizing the annual
Veterans Day parade. I am just one of many interested in honoring veterans.
With your leadership, the City and District will have an opportunity to contribute to memorials
in public places. Perhaps other surrounding Counties might be motivated to add WE HONOR
VETERANS signs following Klamath County's inspirational lead. You may want to discuss
Klamath County's sign program with Commissioner M. Steven West who I am told was
instrumental in adopting the WE HONOR VETERANS signs.
2
For convenience, I have attached my previous letters to the Board, City, and District. Don
Horton simply refers me to the City and County without any commitment by the District. Sadly,
the letters remain unanswered.
A list of my activities relating to veterans memorials is also attached.
Please let me know if I can help Mike. I can enlist an "army" of veterans to help.
Sincerel
cc: Sen. Ben Westlund, Representatives Knopp and Whisnant, Bend Mayor Oran Teater, Bend
Parks and Recs Director Don Horton, Klamath County Commissioner M. Steven West
91
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Dick Tobiason
LTC US Army Retired
22325 White Peaks Drive
Bend, OR 97702
388-5591
December 3, 2003
Mike Daly
Commissioner,
Deschutes Board of County Commissioners
1130 NW Harriman
Bend, OR 97701-1947
Dear Commissioner Daly:
In my 11/11/03 Veterans Day letter to you discussing veterans memorials, I
mentioned that I was communicating with the County Road Department on the
"General Patch" bridge on County road 42 (Milepost 8, S. Century Drive). Tom
Blust promptly responded to my letter and stated that the "Patch" bridge is the old
wood bridge since replaced by a new concrete bridge just to the south on S.
Century Drive, a County road (CR 42). Tom indicated the old bridge was given to
the U.S. Forest Service as the road approaching the old bridge was realigned to
access the new bridge.
I have visited and photographed both bridges and found both are unnamed. It
would be well to add signs at the old bridge with the name "General Patch" as
listed in the Oregon Geographic Names document. The USFS would probably
handle this.
General Alexander M. Patch lead the "Oregon Maneuver" in Central Oregon
training 100,000 troops during WW II. Camp Abbot nearby the bridges was the
headquarters for this training. There are several bulletin boards near both ends of
the old bridge and in the USFS Big River campground that would be a fine place to
show information on General Patch and the Oregon Maneuver. I have enclosed a
biography of General Patch and a summary of the maneuver that covered most of
Central Oregon during the fall of 1943.
Indeed, it would be a grand honor to name the newer and unnamed County bridge
for Robert D. "Bob" Maxwell, the only Medal of Honor recipient now living in
Oregon. Bob and wife Bea have been Oregonians for 54 years and reside in Bend.
I understand you met Bob at last year's Veterans Day parade in Bend. Bob often
fishes on the Deschutes River near the bridges and I have his approval to request
naming the new bridge.
It would be well to follow the lead of the "Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial
Bridge" in Jefferson County and name the bridge "Robert D. Maxwell Veterans
Memorial Bridge". A plaque displaying a Medal of Honor replica could be
displayed there along with the citation (perhaps on the same bulletin boards
displaying the Oregon Maneuver).
I believe the bulletin boards are on USFS property. My proposal here is to simply
name the County bridge. Later I will discuss displaying the other historical
information with the USFS and the County. By copy of this letter to the USFS, I
am requesting its support to installing/reinstalling signs for the "General Patch"
Bridge.
The irony here is Lt. General Patch, then 7th US Army Commanding General was
instrumental in Bob's receiving the Medal of Honor. General Patch recommended
award of the Medal of Honor to Bob about a year after the Oregon Maneuver was
completed. Bob Maxwell and General Patch were then less than 300 miles apart in
France when Bob Maxwell in Besancon, on Sept. 7, 1944 displayed heroism
above and beyond the call of duty resulting in the MOH award. Their memories
will finally be preserved 60 years later by honored bridge names only 500 feet
apart and in full public view and in a serene setting. This would be the first
veterans' memorial on County owned property and sponsored by the County.
The bridges are located on the popular "Tour Route" to Mt. Bachelor. They span
the Deschutes River, designated "National Wild and Scenic Rivers System" and
are surrounded by public recreation sites- 2 USFS campgrounds, a boat ramp
between the bridges, and paved hiking/biking paths. They are a contrast in design
and construction -old wooden bridge and newer concrete bridge and they can be
viewed from one another as seen in the attached photos. The old bridge is located
on the original -road now bypassed and closed to all travel except bikes and foot
traffic.
Attached are photographs of the bridges, Bob Maxwell's Medal of Honor citation,
and the Bulletin's 11/11/03 "Vanishing HEROES" magazine featuring 11 local
WW II veterans including Bob Maxwell. With County and USFS support, I hope
we can honor General Alexander M. Patch, Robert D. Maxwell, and veterans by
these simple, permanent, and inexpensive symbols of honor.
2
Perhaps the USFS and County Road Department have an agreement on the Patch
bridge or can develop a working relationship supporting the above proposals.
It is my honor to have known Bob Maxwell and many other County veterans and
offer this proposal.
May I have the Commissioners' thoughts on this proposal. I am available to help
in any way.
Sincerely,
Cc: Bob Maxwell, Tom Blust, Pat Kliewer, USFS/Peggy Fisher, Rep. Tim Knopp,
Rep. Gene Whisnant
3
�N 'IT
REPRESENTATIVE TIM KNOPP
HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
DISTRICT 54
November 19, 2003
Commissioner Mike Daly
Commissioner Tom DeWolf
Commissioner Dennis Luke
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1130 NW Harriman
Bend, OR 97701
Dear Commissioners Daly, DeWolf, and Luke:
Last week, Dick Tobiason wrote to Commissioner Daly to express his support for having a
variety of veterans memorials established in Deschutes County. I strongly support Dick's efforts
to honor our veterans and that is why I am writing to you today.
In his letter, Dick mentioned that he would like to have eight "We Honor Veterans" signs posted
at the county lines on state and county roads. He also mentioned that he would like to have flag
poles posted at Drake Park, the county libraries and on various streets each year during the
Veterans' Day Parade. In addition, he', -mentioned that he would like to have various memorial
plaques established at Drake. and Farewell Bend Parks which would pay tribute to the men and
women who have sacrificed so much to defend our country.
I believe that it is extremely important that we do all that we can to honor our veterans. They
have done so much to protect our freedom and they certainly deserve to be recognized. That is
why I am hoping you will work closely with Dick to find a variety of different ways to pay tribute
to the courageous men and women who have served our country in the Armed Forces.
Thank you for your assistance with this matter. I look forward to working with you to honor our
veterans.
Sincerely,
IIS
Representative Tim Knopp
House Majority Leader
District 54
Office: 900 Court St NE H-295, Salem, OR 97301 — Phone: (503) 986-1400
FAX (503) 986-1347 – Email: rep.timknopp@state.or.us
Dov N t4l-sAz Copp
Dick T biason
LTC US A y Retired
22325 White Peaks Drive
Bend, O 97702
388-5591
Mayor Oran Teater
City of Bend
710 NW Wall St.
Bend, OR 97701
Dear Mayor Teater:
December 12, 2003
I thought the Bend City Council would be interested in my proposal to the Deschutes County
Commissioners to name a County bridge on S. Century Drive for Bend resident Robert D.
Maxwell, the only Medal of Honor recipient living in Oregon.
Attached is my December 3, 2003 letter to Commissioner Mike Daly requesting the name -
"Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Memorial Bridge". The letter also requests the U.S. Forest Service
to reinstall the "General Patch" bridge signs on the older bridge also over the Deschutes River
and 500 feet downstream of the Maxwell veterans' memorial bridge. The fascinating relationship
between Patch and Maxwell during WW lI and the adjacent bridges is discussed in my letter. I
hope the City Council will support the proposal. If so, I would appreciate a copy of any
communication.
You and I have discussed proclaiming September 7, 2004 `BOB MAXWELL DAY". This
would honor the 60th anniversary of Bob Maxwell's heroism in France that lead to the award of
the Medal of Honor. Bob Maxwell was also featured in the magnificent "Vanishing HEROES"
published by the Bulletin on Veterans Day, 2003. I had the unique honor of being Bob's
chauffer in the Veterans Day parade in Bend when he was the Grand Marshall.
I would be honored to help prepare the proclamation and arrange appropriate ceremony.
May I have your thoughts?
Sincerely,
A Veteran
Cc: Deschutes County Commissioners, Rep. Tim Knopp
Q
D EC 17 2003
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ADMINISTRATION
GENE WHISNANT
State Representative
DISTRICT 53
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
900 COURT ST NE
SALEM, OREGON 97301
December 13, 2003
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC)
Commissioner Mike Daly
Commissioner Tom De Wolf
Commissioner Dennis Luke
1130 NW Harriman
Bend, Oregon 97701
Dear Commissioners Daly, DeWolf, and Luke:
I appreciate and applaud your action to meet with local veterans on January S, 2004 to
discuss and develop a local plan to honor military veterans.
Dick Tobiason has briefed me on his proposed projects to honor veterans. He has some
great ideas for honoring our veterans and I have pledged him my support and time to help
implement as many as possible of his projects to honor military veterans.
I recommend that the BOCC approve Mr. Tobiason's suggestion that the County install
signs stating our County "honors veterans". Also, I concur with his project to name the
bridge on CR 42. for Medal of Honor recipient Robert D. Maxwell. Finally, I suggest that
a military veteran's group assist -the BOCC decide on the appropriate recognition for
military veterans at the new County Building.
I believe General George Washington was correct and -gave us our public policy when he
told the Continental Congress, "The willingness with which our young people are likely
to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they
perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
These projects are a small way we" can honor those who have served our nation.
Sincerely
ZZ
Gene Whisnant
State Representative
Office: 900 Court St NE H-281, Salem, OR 97301 — Phone: 503-986-1453 — rep.genewhisnant®state.or.us
District: P.O. Box 3565, Sunriver, OR 97707 — Phone: 541-598-7560 — www.leg.state.or.us/whisnant/home
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OREGON STATE SENATE
s)00 COURT Si' NE
SALEM, OR 97301
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BEN WESTLUND
STATE SENA'T'OR
DISTRICT?7
Veteran fights to add
We Honor Veterans'. i
to sate, county signs
By Chris Barker
The Bulletin
Dick Tobiason, a Vietnam vet-
eran who fought to name a High-
way 97 bridge over the Crooked
River after World War II pilot
Rex Barber, knows how to take
on state bureaucracy and win.
Now Tobiason, a Bend resi-
dent, has opened up another
front.
He wants to add "We Honor
Veterans" signs to state and
county welcome signs across
Oregon.
This town has a lot of veter-
ans who have done grand
things that nobody knows
about," said Tobiason, 68, ad-
dressing his recent efforts to get
the city of Bend and Deschutes
County on board. "They are
among us."
Tobiason said he has sent let-
ters to Gov. Ted Kulongoski, the
Oregon Department of, Trans-
portation (ODOT), Deschutes,
Jefferson and Crook counties
and the city of Bend regarding
the idea. He said Klamath
County approved the idea.
He spoke to the Deschutes
County Commission at a board
work session on Monday. No
vote was taken on the issue.
"I can't imagine it'd be too big
a problem to do that," said Coun-
ty Commissioner Mike Daly.
A key ODOT official has a
different perspective, according
to a letter addressed to Tobia-
son and dated May 7.
"With due respect to you and
all veterans, The Department of
Transporta-
tion cannot
" support your
request,"
wrote Bruce
Warner, di-
rector of
ODOT.
Authoriz-
ing state
Dick Tobiason highway fund '
dollars to be _J
used for the
signs would be a violation of the
state constitution, Warner
wrote. In addition, adding the ` 1
veterans' signs could open up .
state highway right of ways oth-
er groups, "and all groups are
not as honorable as veterans, as
we both know," Warner wrote.
Oregon's constitution restricts
the use of state highway funds to
"the primary facilitation of mo-
tor vehicle travel", said Patrick
Cooney, an ODOT spokesman.
In addition, court precedents
have shown that sanctioning
signage can open up the door
for other groups to demand sim-
filar access, Cooney said.
"There are a lot s of other
groups out there w' o would 4
like to have signs on,, e high-
way," Cooney said..
Tobiason, who said he retired
in 1979 as a lieutenant colonel in I
the Army after service that in11
-
cluded two tours of duty in Viet-
nam, said the number of veter-
ans who live in Oregon ands
what thev have accomplished
should be taken into account.
)ffice: x)00 C�iurt St NGS- 11. Salem. OR 97301 —Phone: 503-�)Rl,- 17�', - i ;IV 03-�)8h- 101 I -- sen.henwestiuc."r.us
District:20590ArrowheadDrive.:'3end.()IZ97701 Phunc:541-383-1141—Fax::��1-383-1�;a5
FACTSHEET
"WE HONOR VETERANS" SIGNS ON ROADS AT DESC1 UTES COUNTY LINES
Klamath County installed 10 signs 2 years ago on roads crossing its county lines to honor
veterans. The sign program was initiated by a veterans group and approved by County
Commissioners. Two of the signs are across the road from Deschutes County signs on US
97 and SR 31. The Klamath County signs read:
WELCOME TO
KLAMATH COUNTY
WE HONOR VETERANS
The signs replace traditional county line signs and are mounted on existing signposts on
U.S. and State roads. The signs are only slightly larger than the original signs and retain
the same colors and graphic style. They were fabricated in the Klamath County sign shop
and installed for $75 each. The signs were approved locally by the ODOT office in Bend.
Deschutes County displays at least 8 signs on County, State, and U.S. roads at County
lines common to Klamath, Crook, Lake, Jefferson, and Linn Counties. The locations are
listed on the next page. The existing Deschutes County signs read:
ENTERING
DESCHUTES
COUNTY
Photos of the Klamath and Deschutes County signs are attached.
Deschutes County is home to 14,500 living veterans — about 40% live in the City of Bend
Deschutes County is the 6th largest county in Oregon in terms of veteran population. It is
the only county in Oregon with a forecast of increasing veterans' population. All 35 other
Oregon counties are forecasted for continued declines in veterans' population.
Deschutes County, City of Bend, and Bend Metro Park & Recreation District, unlike
Crook, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties (and some of their cities) has not caused display
of any permanent memorials to veterans in public places. The excellent veterans'
memorials, in the Deschutes Memorial and Redmond cemeteries are on private land and
thus not in full public view.
The estimated cost for Deschutes County to install the Klamath County type veterans' sign
at every location where there might be a County line sign and on existing signposts is less
than $ 1,000.
LOCATIONS OF DESCHUTES COUNTY LINES AT U.S., STATE, AND COUNTY
ROADS
ROUTE/ROAD
*US 20
*US 97
*SR 31
SR 242
SR 126
O'NEIL HWY
*POWELL BUTTE HWY
ALFALFA MKT RD
*JOHNSON RANCH RD.
MILLICAN RD
*CASCADE LAKES HWY
TOTAL
* Known location of Deschutes County signs
ADJACENT COUNTY
LAKE, LINN
KLAMATH, JEFFERSON
KLAMATH
LINN
CROOK
CROOK
CROOK
CROOK
CROOK
CROOK
KLAMATH
13
Veterans' statistics from U.S. Dept. Veterans Affairs web site. Klamath County information from
Klamath County Public Works Dept.
4
DICK TOBIASON'S VETERANS MEMORIAL ACTIVITIES
11/11/03
Communicating with Senator Westlund and Representatives Knopp and Whisnant to
establish "WE HONOR VETERANS" signs throughout Oregon, "OREGON HONORS
VETERANS" signs at state lines, and revise the DMV license plate program.
Continuing as Co -Chairman of the Rex T. Barber Veterans Memorial Bridge Committee
to make permanent the temporary kiosk displayed at the August 9, 2003 dedication
ceremony,
Expanding the military displays at 4 Central Oregon museums,
Working with Bend Mayor Oran Teater to establish Sept. 7, 2004 as "Bob Maxwell Day"
to commemorate Bend resident Maxwell's 60th anniversary of heroic actions during WW
II that lead to award of the Medal of Honor. Bob is the only living MOH recipient
residing in Oregon. I hope to promote a memorial to Bob Maxwell and fellow MOH
recipient and Bend resident Stanley T. Adams (deceased).
Communicating with United Veterans Groups of Oregon to gain local support for veteran
memorials throughout Oregon (letter attached),
Communicating with Chairperson Norma Paulus to expand the planned Medal of Honor
Memorial at the State Capitol to include 13 additional MOH recipients who have made
Oregon their home (letter attached),
Working with the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs to establish memorials
throughout the State and include a representative from east of the Cascades on the ODVA
Veterans Advisory Committee,
Compiling information on military activities in Central Oregon during WW II for a book,
Lecturing on Central Oregon military history to veterans groups and the public. You are
invited to the Nov. 19 lecture at the Deschutes Historical Center (4:30 pm). Bob Maxwell
(WW II Medal of Honor) and Bob Jeffery (USAF pilot and POW in Hanoi for 7 years)
will attend and we will discuss their military contributions,
A volunteer driver of the DAV van which transports Central Oregon veterans to the
Portland VA Medical Center daily, and
2
Teaching astronomy to Jr ROTC cadets at the Bend High School.
Communicating with the Oregon Department of Education and veterans groups to expand
Oregon participation in the VETERNS HISTORY PROJECT administered by the Library
of Congress. (letter attached)
Communicating with Deschutes Road Dept. to reinstall the Patch bridge sign to honor
General Alexander M. Patch who conducted the "Oregon Maneuver" of 100,000 infantry
troops in Central Oregon during WW II.
RESOLUTION TO INSTALL "WE HONOR VETERANS" SIGNS ON PUBLIC ROADS
AT
DESCHUTES COUNTY LINES
January 8, 2004
WHEREAS:
1. Klamath County Commissioners have chosen to honor veterans by installing 10 permanent signs
at roads on Klamath County lines that state:
WELCOME TO
KLAMATH COUNTY
WE HONOR VETERANS
2. Deschutes Board of County Commissioners has not established such signs or other permanent
memorials to honor deceased, living, and future veterans in public places,
3. The City of Bend and Bend Metro Parks & Recreation District have likewise not installed
veterans memorials in public places,
4. Deschutes County has the 6t" highest population of veterans in Oregon,
5. Deschutes County is the only Oregon county with a forecast of increasing veterans' population
and,
6. Deschutes County is home to WW II Veteran Robert D. Maxwell, the only Medal of Honor
recipient living in Oregon
THEREFORE WE THE UNDERSIGNED RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE DESCHUTES BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO:
1. Replace all existing County signs at road crossings with Klamath County type road signs before
Memorial Day, 2004. Any future qualifying road would be signed also.
2. Work with the City of Bend, City of Redmond, City of Sisters, Bend Metro Parks & Recreation
District, and veterans groups through the Central Oregon Veterans Council to establish other
appropriate veterans' memorials in public places to include parks, public libraries, County
Fairground, roads, parade routes, bridges, and roundabouts.
3. Designate a Commissioner to act as "Veterans Liaison" with local veterans groups.
4. Name the unnamed County bridge over the Deschutes River at milepost 8, S. Century Drive and
500 feet upstream of the "General Patch" bridge the "Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Memorial
Bridge" to honor veterans and Robert Maxwell, the only Medal of Honor recipient living in
Oregon.
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American Legion
Post 45, LaPine
American Legion
Post 44, Redmond
American Legion
Post 86, Sisters
Association of Naval Aviation
Oregon High Desert Squadron
Central Oregon Veterans Council
Disabled American Veterans
Chapter 14
Fleet Reserve Association
Branch 198
Military Officers Association of America /
Central Oregon Chapter
Military Order of Purple He G— � ,
Otry ah MiIi kuseuwt Kapow(m.4io-+
07on Veterans atorcycle Association
High Desert Chapter
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 1643, Bend
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 7242, LaPine
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 4108, Redmond
Viet Nam Veterans of America
Chapter 820, Bend
Viet Nam Veterans of America
Chapter 821, LaPine
Cc: Bend Mayor, City of Bend; Executive Director, Bend Metro Parks & Recreation District
