Veterans News Briefs
Happy Valley Veteran’s Memorial Sculpture: “The Eagle Has Landed”
By James Kenneth Presley, For Pamplin Media
On a cold, damp Tuesday afternoon in May, Happy Valley Mayor Tom Ellis alongside community stakeholders dedicated a long-awaited sculpture at Veteran’s Park. The sculpture, meant to honor those who have served our country, takes the form of a bronze eagle, standing over 10-feet-tall with a wingspan of over 12-feet-tall. And while the weather was of inconvenience, it did not stop a crowd of about 100 guests and invitees from attending its grand reveal.
“As a Coast Guard veteran I couldn’t be more thrilled than to have this in our city,” said Mayor Ellis, addressing a crowd made up of local veterans, members of the Parks Advisory Committee, Public Art Committee members, and others. “This is a testament to Happy Valley. We are honored to unveil this to all the men and women who have served our country.”
Ellis credits former Happy Valley Mayor and congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer for the Veterans Park’s initial progress years ago and, with a recent grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department in 2022, the city has finally be able to complete the memorial with a sculpture that represents the honor, strength, and integrity of those who risked their lives for our freedom.
The sculpture itself is made up of many recognizable features of war, from artillery to machine guns to Navy tools to helmets. There’s even sand from Iwo Jima in the sculpture’s base. In fact, the sculpture’s artist, Travis Pond, was even able to include his grandfather’s shovel from World War II.
“I am overjoyed to be a permanent part of this city,” Pond said. “I am honored to have won this opportunity to make a sculpture to embody and pay tribute to all American Veterans. It has been a lifelong standing dream of mine.”
The community stood in awe as the sculpture was revealed, stripping away its black curtain to reveal a magnificent piece of art that is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking, almost giving those present a moment of unasked silence to reflect on all the sacrifices these wonderful veterans have made, hearing nothing but the sound of rain hitting their umbrellas.
“Happy Valley has done a great job setting up this park here,” says Chris Markesino, a Lieutenant Colonel for the Oregon National Guard. “I encourage anyone from the community or even outside to come take a walk here at the Veteran’s Park and see what good work has been done over these last few years.”
From the flags to the benches to this brand-new sculpture, all are encouraged to visit the park — now with an ADA-accessible ramp — to come to pay reverence and take in this beautiful sculpture that will likely have you taking some time to marinate in all of its detailed intricacies.
“Here you’ll see some parts of a machine gun as well as some pulleys from lifting equipment,” says Pond. “The whole thing is tied down like you would see on a military boat. They all have pick-and-pull points. You can even spot a canteen cup on the neck of the eagle. The process altogether took about nine months.”
Pond credits the assistance in acquiring these parts from the Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the National Guard, as well as his collection and donations from others.
A fitting poignant metaphor came from former Lake Oswego Mayor Jack Hoffman, who offered the following.
“What Travis (Pond) did is took individual pieces and melded them together into an operational unit that’s recognized and respected,” says Hoffman. “That’s what the military does. A group of thousands of individuals that serve in different units but meld together to accomplish a singular purpose.”
Veterans Park is located at Happy Valley City Hall and open from dawn to dusk each day.
Local Veterans, including members of the HV Veterans Group, toured the not-yet-open-to-the-public Oregon Military Museum located at Camp Withycombe. The Oregon Military Museum Project is leading efforts to raise funds for OMMs future opening and operations.
For more information visit www.oregonmilitarymuseumproject.org
Mayor Ellis spoke of his Coast Guard service along with introducing attendees to Happy Valley at the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Oregon. EANGOR President last month. RET Command Sergeant Major Travis Parker presented Mayor Ellis with a plaque for his support of military service members and Veterans.
Did you KNOW? National Military Appreciation Month, also known as Military Appreciation Month, is a month-long observance in the United States, dedicated to people who are currently serving in the United States military. Each year, the observance runs from May 1 to May 31.
Oregon Army National Guard “Boss Lift” offers meaningful insight
Assistant City Manager gets a glimpse into employees’ military service during special event.
Providing high-quality services to the community starts with a great workforce. To that end, the City of Happy Valley strives to be a model employer. One particular area the City has long focused on is being a supportive workplace for individuals (and their families) serving in the military. The City has accomplished this by signing the “Community Pledge and Covenant” to recognize the sacrifice and commitment of soldiers and their families, showcasing veteran stories in the HV News, and constructing a formal Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to City Hall.
Recently, Assistant City Manager, Ben Bryant, was nominated to participate in the Oregon Army National Guard’s Boss Lift event, an occasion that serves to recognize employers that support employees in the military. Specifically, Bryant was nominated by Lieutenant Colonel Chris Markesino of the Oregon Army National Guard, husband to the City’s Human Resources Director, Ivy Markesino. In addition to his current role, LTC Markesino has served several tours overseas.
Also attending the Boss Lift were several other public and private sector employers. The event began at the Salem Army Aviation Facility where participants heard from The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, State Director for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and several other military members about the various roles of the National Guard. The remarks emphasized the significance and necessity of the National Guard while also acknowledging the crucial role employers play in supporting military personnel to excel both in their military duties and in their workplace responsibilities.
In symbolic fashion, the event then segued to a literal “lift” of bosses in Oregon who have demonstrated consistent support for employees in the military. Participants received a safety briefing from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team about the HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters which are often used for medical evacuation, search and rescue, and wildland fire suppression missions. From Salem, the group boarded the helicopters and flew over the Cascades to the Biak Training Center near Redmond, Oregon. At Biak, participants were able to observe training drills, a simulated training scenario briefing, and get a ground tour of the training site led by Colonel Peter Helzer, the commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
While a once in a lifetime experience for the participants, regular training drills are nothing new to members of the National Guard. In addition to regular deployments, members of the National Guard are required to attend training exercises once a month over the course of a long weekend. “While most of us get to relax, take up hobbies, and spend time with our families on the weekend,” began Bryant, “our employees who also serve in the military don’t always get those restful breaks. They might be sleeping outside in 20-degree weather at night and training all day for multiple days straight. As a dad with young kids, I was not only struck by their rigorous training schedule and efforts, but also the sacrifice it takes for their family members to have them away so regularly, all so that we can be safer.”
Participating in the event provided Bryant with an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various components involved in military service. More significantly, it reiterated the City’s dedication to our community’s veterans, active military personnel, and City employees who either serve directly or support military members within their families.
To all those in our community who serve, thank you for your unwavering sacrifice. Please visit our designated veteran’s webpage at www.happyvalleyor.gov/veterans to learn more about how the City recognizes and honors our local heroes.
On Nov. 10, 2021, Councilors Sherman and Emami joined Jim Gersbach from the Oregon Department of Foresty to plant a new tree next to the Veteran’s Park Memorial. Its roots date back well over 75 years halfway across the world. A ginkgo seedling, this tree was grown from seeds collected in Hiroshima, Japan and is a descendant of a tree that survived the atomic bombing of the Japanese city in 1945. The tree serves as a sign of hope – that even amid unexpected devastation and loss of life, there can be optimism for recovery and a brighter future.
Similar seedlings have also been planted in parks throughout Oregon, all with the purpose of marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and to encourage peace. So many of these trees have been planted that Oregon now has one of the largest collections of Hiroshima peace trees of any state or nation outside Japan.
The City would like to thank One Sunny Day Initiative, Green Legacy Hiroshima, and the Oregon Department of Forestry for making this tree available and bringing lasting peace.
To learn more about this program and the significance of these seedlings, visit https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/Pages/hiroshima-peace-trees.aspx
Councilor Sherman (far left) and Councilor Emami (center) join Jim Gersbach from the Oregon Department of Forestry to commemorate the planting of the City’s ginkgo seedling. The seedling, which has a special history, was derived from trees that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.
The City of Happy Valley was recognized at a special ceremony on March 16, 2020 at the Oregon Air National Guard Base in Portland, Oregon. The 142nd Fighter Wing unit honored the City of Happy Valley and unveiled a personalized logo adorned on the nose of an F-15 fighter jet.
The artwork, which is a nod to the Happy Valley landscape, serves to showcase the City’s support of the Oregon Air National Guard and reflects encouragement for the local men and women who serve. Known as the Cities of Honor program, the 142nd Fighter Wing began honoring cities in 2007 to highlight the outstanding support the Oregon National Guard receives from local communities.
Historically, nose art was used to personalize combat aircraft and boost unit morale. World War II was an era when artwork was in high demand and extravagant creations highlighted pride. Today, the Air Force allows for specialized artwork for fighter aircraft that is distinctive, symbolic and reflects positive aspects of community.
The 142nd Fighter Wing uses the F-15 jets to guard the Pacific Northwest. It protects areas from northern California to the Canadian border.
The USS Oregon (SSN-793) is a nuclear-powered attack submarine stationed with the United States Navy that serves in Oregon’s honor. To place the USS Oregon into active service, many entities rallied together to support its commissioning. The City of Happy Valley was one of several cities in the State to help make the commissioning possible and on August 10, 2022 Mayor Tom Ellis accepted a special plaque on behalf of our community to commemorate the event’s significance.
USS Oregon Commissioning Committee members, Scott Guptill and Steven Daniels spoke with Mayor Ellis in the Veterans Memorial Park about the historic occasion. The plaque names Happy Valley as an Honorary Plank Owner of the vessel. This recognition is typically reserved for members of a vessel’s inaugural crew but has been extended to the City as a token of the Commission’s appreciation of the City’s support in ensuring naval traditions endure. Support from the City of Happy Valley not only helped bring the formal commissioning of the vessel to fruition, but additional funds raised will be able to benefit the crew throughout the ship’s lifespan.
In October 2023, Air National Guardsman and Happy Valley resident, Grant Roper, celebrated his retirement at a formal ceremony at the 142nd Wing, Portland Air National Guard Base. In attendance were Mayor Tom Ellis and Council President David Emami. Roper served 23 years in the Oregon Air National Guard where he ultimately was the Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) for the 142nd Operations Support Squadron and 123rd Fighter Squadron. As an SEL, Roper advised commanding officers on readiness, training, health, morale, welfare and quality of life for the two squadrons. His work additionally included various deployments overseas and within the United States where he managed the overall security requirements and compliance for deployed aircraft.
In Happy Valley, Roper is a family man and a familiar face around town, often volunteering when he isn’t hanging out with his wife and two daughters. His support for the City extends to positions as the Chairman of the Traffic and Public Safety Committee and member of the Budget Committee where his input is highly regarded and appreciated.
The City of Happy Valley would like to extend its gratitude to Grant for his commitment to service and this community. We wish you all the best in your retirement.
In 2011, the City of Happy Valley showed its support for our military troops through sponsorship of the Patriot Run which was held on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. Happy Valley’s sponsorship of the Patriot Run holds profound significance as it demonstrated community solidarity and remembrance. By supporting a run that specifically honors and supports troops, while paying tribute to the solemn memory of 9/11, Happy Valley hoped to engage residents in a collective act of patriotism and empathy. The event was a tangible illustration of the community’s commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by both the armed forces and those affected by the tragic events of 9/11. It served as a platform for fostering unity, resilience, and a shared sense of responsibility to those who defend the nation.
The City and Camp Withycombe have a long-standing community partnership that focuses on the importance of supporting veterans and active military. Throughout the year, Camp Withycombe provides support of such City efforts as the 4th of July Family Festival, National Night Out, and a variety of other endeavors that help highlight the brave men and women who so selfishly serve our county. In exchange, the City has made a point to host Camp Withycombe’s annual family picnic, a special event aimed at honoring our local heros.
On September 10, 2011, City Council made a formal community covenant in support of local military. This community pledge and covenant in support of local troops play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of unity and gratitude within the community. By collectively committing to support and honor the brave men and women serving in the military, residents of Happy Valley demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices made by these individuals to protect our freedoms. The pledge not only serves as a symbol of solidarity but also encourages community members to actively engage in initiatives that provide tangible support to local troops, whether through events or other forms of outreach. Happy Valley’s community pledge embodies the spirit of patriotism and empathy, reflecting a collective dedication to honoring and standing by the courageous members of the armed forces who call the community home.
