Barbara from Independence wants to recognize her grandmother, Clarice Lafreniere, a Rosie the Riveter.

“Like the six million other women who served on the homefront during WWII, Clarice’s work directly supported the sailors and soldiers fighting the war. She was a welder and burner at the Kaiser Shipyards at Swan Island in Portland, where Liberty Ships were produced.”

“My grandmother is now 104 years old and participates in Rosie the Riveter events and gatherings around the country! She and the other Rosies inspire me and others with how they showed up and demonstrated what women could do at a time when women were generally shut out of the trades.”

Barbara adds, “Rosie the Riveters” and “Wendy the Welders” are not veterans but participated meaningfully in the war effort. Their contributions are only recently being acknowledged and honored.

W. Ann Harvey in Medford wants to recognize the service of Norris Lee Bier, Jr., Nicholas Love, and Jacob Johnson.

“These gentleman have shown their patriotism through serving their country as U.S. Marines. They continue to show their dedication of helping others by the way they live their lives in selfless dedication to the needs of their families and the community.

Trudy from Albany is very proud of her family’s military history and service. She shares the stories of family members Walter O. Roberts, Daniel F. Bellem, Clarence Bellem, and Fernando Bellam.

“Walter was a UDT Navy Seal during the Vietnam war, and served his country during the entire conflict, taking on special and dangerous missions to support the U.S. He is also my brother-in-law, married to my sister. Walter later left the service and became a Fireman and later a Safety Engineer, still serving his community. His service made a difference to the US.”

“Daniel is my oldest brother, who served three tours in Vietnam for the U.S. Army. He returned from service, completed his degree and then returned to active duty, eventually retiring after 40 years in the military, serving in Korea, Turkey, and other bases around the country. He retired from service as a Captain and went on to work for the State of California serving in various roles for the State until his retirement.”

“Clarence Bellem was my father, who served in the Army Air Corps during WWII in the Philippines and Guam as well as the Pacific Theater as a pilot. Part of his platoon was lost at Pearl Harbor. He was also there when the Enola Gay was being prepared for the fateful trips to Japan to help end the war. When my father returned, he came home and started a family farm, raised 8 children with my mother, and also served his community and state in various elected and appointed roles. My father passed away in 1989.”

“Fernando Bellem was my grandfather who served in the Army Infantry in Europe and Northern Africa during the first World War. Fernando, a Portugeese immigrant from the Azores voluntarily joined the U.S. forces to fight for his adopted country. He was severely injured on the battlefield and managed to survive two nights and bitter cold before he was rescued. He suffered a lifetime with shrapnel embedded in his back that could not be removed. That did not discourage him or his patriotism to the United States, and he was proud when his son and grandson both served. Due to his service, Fernando was able to become a U.S. citizen when he returned. He was one of the most patriotic people I have ever known, with himself and his wife (my grandmother) serving in the VFD for decades after he left the service.

“Two of these men are now in their late 70’s, (Walter and Daniel) part of a slowly departing generation. Two are already gone, (Clarence and Fernando) having fought in foreign wars for the U.S., in WWII and WWI respectively. Their sense of honor and duty should be remembered and celebrated this Veterans Day.”

The Longstreet family in Canby recognize Eric Longstreet and Jamie Longstreet this Veterans Day.

“Eric proudly served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service bravely guarding our country during the Vietnam War. Jamie proudly served in the Oregon National Guard during the 2002 Winter Olympics guarding the world’s elite athletes in and around Salt Lake City, Utah.”

“Our family is truly proud of their honorable service and grateful for their sacrifices to protect and keep us all safe in this great country.”

Lynette Lockley in North Carolina expresses gratitude for her dad, Joseph (Joe) Brum.

“Joe, my dad, is a Vietnam Veteran. I appreciate the spunk he has at the great age of 92! I appreciate the love he has shown me, displayed what a true gentleman is, that laughter is good for the soul, hard work does pay off, and everyone deserves a level of respect.”

Emily Starr MacKenzie in Eugene thanks Tim Wolfe.

“Tim has been a rock and that friend who is a “sheltering” tree to me and my daughters. Tim has taken on a lot of the responsibilities for my very young grandkids when times were tough.”

Sean Brambora in Scappoose wants to thank his grandfather, Albert “Albie” James Hoppert.

“He served in the Army, stationed in Germany, where he met my grandmother Ingrid. After the Army he became a firefighter and later ran his own auto repair shop on our family property in Portland. He taught our family what steady work and showing up look like. We miss him, and I’m grateful for his service.”

Grace Walker-Stevenson of Multnomah County Health Department expresses gratitude to her colleague, Eric Richardson.

“Eric has held many roles across our county’s Health Department. He is always stepping up to take on new challenges and support teams through staff turnover. When my program needed a temporary manager, he stepped in right away, demonstrating that he is a helper through and through. He even did the dishes after one of our large community meetings, a task that few people on our team look forward to. A compassionate manager and strong public health leader, Eric brings steady care to all aspects of our work– big and small. I am deeply grateful for him.”

Angela DeLeal from North Bend shares about Michael Wesley Hughes.

“This Veterans Day, we proudly recognize Mike, a resilient Vietnam War veteran who continues to inspire everyone around him. Though he is facing some tough health challenges, Mike refuses to let them slow his spirit down. Instead, you can regularly find him onstage playing his guitar and singing in a blues band, bringing soulful music to our community and proving that his passion and heart remain as strong as ever.”

“Mike is a caring, compassionate husband to his wife, Cindy, and a loving father and grandfather.”

Dan Dockery from Gold Beach recognizes his brother, Sam Dockery, in Fallon, Nevada.

“Sam, my younger brother by four years, Vietnam Veteran, US Navy, Signalman, served onboard the USS Fechteler DD-870 with non-other than me, Vietnam Veteran, US Navy, Electronics Technician, USS Fechteler DD-870. One cannot say enough for any Veteran, yet Sam joined, to be with me.”

He adds that when one notices a veteran, especially an old Vietnam Veteran, they find it priceless to be welcomed home.

Philip Ratcliff in Salem is proud of his service in the Navy.

“I served on a Navy ship for 2.5 years, in the legal office. I was an integral part of the machinery which mostly involved discipline problems.”

“My next duty station was working for the staff Judge Advocate at the headquarters of a fleet of service ships. I guess you could say I was a pencil pusher, not a warrior, but I did it to uphold truth, justice and the American way. We office workers had “the right stuff!”

Philip adds that the ship he served on was the first in the Navy with women crew members.