Do you support the Oregon National Guard? Why?
By Lt. Col. Alisha Hamel, Oregon National Guard
My name is Lt. Col. Alisha Hamel, and I joined the Oregon National Guard after I finished ROTC at Portland State University.
Can you imagine going to PSU during the 1980s and having to wear your uniform on campus on Tuesdays? I solved that problem by not scheduling any classes except ROTC on Tuesdays.
Things are much different now. I deployed shortly after getting commissioned as a second lieutenant as part of the 206th Air Terminal Movement Control Detachment. We were the first Oregon Army Guardsmen to be deployed as a unit in 49 years since WWII.
After I returned from my deployment to Saudi Arabia, my step-father, a door gunner during Vietnam, thanked me and my fellow soldiers because for the first time he was getting some respect for his own service because of our work. I think our return to the United States was much more positive because previous generations made sure we were treated better after our deployments were over.
The Oregon National Guard is now sending close to 3,000 soldiers to Iraq. This is the largest deployment of soldiers from the Oregon National Guard since the 41st Infantry Division was activated in September 1940. These soldiers go because they volunteered to serve their country. I hope that Oregonians support them as well as they did when the 41st Infantry went during WWII, and when I went during Desert Storm.
The thing that I love most about being in the Oregon National Guard is that we are truly a cross section of Oregonians. We are conservative, liberal, good and the not so good. We are the best and brightest, and the ones who need a little extra help to make it through this life.
We are all brothers and sisters. We are your brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, mothers, fathers, neighbors. We are Oregonians, and we are so proud of that. Ask anyone wherever we go, we are bragging about being from this wonderful state of Oregon. We are the best ambassadors for Oregon that we can be.
Lets talk, I want to know your thoughts. Who do you know in the National Guard? What part do you see the Oregon National Guard playing in Oregon’s future?
We have been here since before Oregon became a state. What will we be doing when Oregon turns 200 years old? Will we continue to have our dual mission of supporting Oregonians during crisis and supporting federal missions overseas? Will the National Guard become streamlined? Will we have the most up-to-date equipment?
Photo Caption: Lt. Col. Hamel in Saudi Arabia
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Alisha,
For some reason I did not picture you in camoflage with a gun. I love your photo and I am very impressed that you are in the military. Thank you for your service to this country. I hope the National Guard remains strong in Oregon and I support Oregon soldiers representing our country and state in the world. Good job- be strong! Susan Corbett
1April 23rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Alisha,
Thanks for sharing your story! Having worked with the National Guard in my role at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affair, I greatly admire the sacrifices our citizen soldiers make. Thank you for your service and your continued commitment to state and country!
Tom Mann
2April 23rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
mom you are awesome at writing stories and you should do it more often
3April 23rd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Mom
your service in the National Guard has been educational when you are teaching about the past and loyal when you are in action wielding a gun. I hope you can provide more deeds for Oregon in the future, BRAVO!
Ian
4April 23rd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Alisha,
It was such a pleasure working with you and the Oregon National Guard as we prepared for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. Prior to the bicentennial I knew very little about the Guard. During our years of working with Destination: The Pacific I became highly impressed with the quality of men and women serving in the Oregon National Guard and truly value your contributions to this state and our Nation.
I love that you are sharing your Oregon story.
Thank you for your service!
Cyndi Mudge
5April 23rd, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Wow! Look at our Track Coach, she looks serious…run those laps and don’t complain! We have it good here in the United States!
Thanks to all of our Soldiers past and present. The article makes it clear to us that our Soldiers are real people with deep loyalty,compassion,honor and intelligence.
Thanks Coach for all your efforts everywhere!
6The Jarrett Family
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Alisha,
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m very proud to know you and Erin Bagley. You are both very dedicated to our country and to us. I wish you well as you continue to serve in the Oregon National Guard.
Patsy Rinella
7April 23rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Alisha
Having retired from the Oregon National Guard several years ago, and served in many countries throughout the world, I have great respect for you as a citizen soldier. Having served with soldiers from many countries, I continue to see our Oregon citizen soldiers standing out as one of the best soldiers in the world.
Thanks so much for your continued service to our country and state. I applaud you for this dedicated commitment. And a special thanks for telling your story.
Support our troops, and never let our flag fall.
With respect and best wishes
8MSG (Ret) Funk
April 23rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Alisha:
The military is made up of people that are willing to sacrifice for a cause, and that is rare anymore, when that cause could mean death. I wonder, though, how many National Guard feel the same way as a full-time military soldier? I read too often that someone who needed money for school is now going to fight a war they never felt they’d be called up to do.
I also wish the military could get past the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell stuff so they could really include all Americans who want to serve. At a time like this, we need everyone who wants to volunteer to be able to.
Thanks for your essay and it has made me ponder what the future of the National Guard will be. Only time will tell if it returns to more state-side duties…
9April 23rd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I believe that the Oregon National Guard is not only part of Oregon’s history, but will remain a viable institution within our state. During emergencies the Oregon National Guard is a force that is prepared to lend assistance to fellow Oregonians. I spent 28 years in the Oregon National Guard until I retired and I would do it again. I do not believe that there would have been another organization I could have joined that afforded the opportunities given to me by the Oregon National Guard. I am proud of those who have been deployed and those going on deployment. It is a sacrifice and we have great Oregonians who continue to answer the call.
10April 23rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Dear Alisha,
11I have the utmost respect for the National Guard and for the sacrifices you and they make in the name of service. Thank YOU!!!!! IN regard to your question, “Will we continue to have our dual mission of supporting Oregonians during crisis and supporting federal missions overseas?” I believe that the National Guard should not serve dual missions, I think that they should stay here in Oregon and leave the international missions to the regular service. I’m curious what you think of that same question.
-Shauna
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 pm
My father was on his honeymoon when the Korean War broke out. He was in the National Guard and called back to active duty having already fought in one war (WWII) at the age of 17. He then served as a commander in Vietnam. Having fought three wars in his life time and dedicated 38 years to the military,I am grateful to my father and to all who served and continue to serve. While I wish for peace, I am thankful for the (Oregon) National Guard as they will deploy at a moments notice, leaving their families, friends, jobs and comforts of home, sacrificing their lives for our freedom. They are the citizen’s solider.
12April 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Alisha,
It is great to hear from you. During my visit to Oregon to witness your National Guard Heritage Outreach Program I was also able to see firsthand the breathtaking beauty of Oregon and the riches that it offers to its citizens and visitors. I was impressed by the friendly people and the range of environments. From the snowcapped mountains to the plains to the majesty of the Columbia River Gorge, I was jealous of those blessed to call Oregon home. Being here in Kabul, Afghanistan right now, I think a lot of my home in Illinois and memorable places I visited, like Oregon. Best of luck to you, your family, and the Oregon National Guard.
LTC Mark Whitlock
13Combined Joint Task Force - Phoenix
Kabul, Afghanistan
April 24th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Alisha -
I’m so glad you submitted this story about you and your life in the Oregon Nation Guard. We’ve worked together quite a bit on the portion of your job that lets you share Oregon’s history with Oregon citizens - from school kids, to civic groups, to visitors at special events. That alone is a tremendous impact on the pride citizens can have in this state - learning about our history…who we are and where we came from.
What you wrote helps us all remember that not only are Oregon National Guard members working in our state everyday to make it better - but you are also committed to protecting our state and country. Always be proud of that uniform - is speaks volumes about who you are and what you have volunteered to tackle on our behalf.
It is always great to find opportunities to partner with you and the ONG. Sharing the Army values and all the good things about Oregon makes this a great year to be here!
Sincerely
Melissa Rinehart
14U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
April 24th, 2009 at 9:41 am
This story reminds us that volunteer citzen soldiers and airmen stand ready to serve our state and defend our country when and wherever they’re called.
Few know that Alisha was one of a small group of female soldiers who were some of the first to deploy and serve in Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91. Then-2nd Lt Hamel was a member of the 206th Transportion Copmpany (30+ soldiers) that was moblized and deployed in 1990.
Under the command of then-Major George Lanning, the 206th was the first Oregon Guard unit activated to serve in a potential war zone since WW II. Since then, LTC Hamel has served with distinction in various positions of leadership within the Oregon Army Guard.
We serve by choice and to be part of America’s volunteer Total Force. We’re proud of our state and nation and if called upon, many retirees would return to serve again if needed.
As an USAF veteran (4 years) and Oregon Air National Guard retiree (21 years), I am very proud to have worn the uniform and served my state, my country, and to have served with soldiers like LTC Hamel, plus 150 bloggers COL Janssen and MSG Funk.
Mike Allegre, Maj (ret.), ORANG
15142nd Fighter Wing
April 24th, 2009 at 10:25 am
I just want to express my gratitude for your service! It’s hard to imagine what our state or our country would be, without the selfless men and women that have volunteered to serve in the National Guard.
16Most people forget that today our guard and armed forces is comprised of VOLUNTEERS. When I was a newly wed, my husband had the “option” of being drafted or enlisting.
When I see any of the guard in uniform around town, I feel a sense of pride and thankfulness.
My Highest Regards,
Brandy Hill
April 24th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Great blog, Alisha,
You and your fellow soldiers do an incredible job. You should be very proud. You are the closest person I know to the Oregon Guard, and I’m honored to know you. To one of your questions above, I do support you having the latest equipment, and hope that those in power make that happen.
Dan
17April 24th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Alisha - WOW Congrats on the promotion and to think I knew you when you were just a Major. Well done. You and the Guard and Camp Rilea stepped up to the plate numerous times to make the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial the success that is become. Thanks to your leadership and tenacity at home proves that the proper training of our military carries over into the civilian needs. I am proud to know you and the many women and men in our Oregon National Guard. Thank you for your dedicated service to Oregon and the United States of America. lrm
18April 24th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Dear Alisha,
My last picture of you was taken in Feb., with you dressed in an 1859 period costume and wearing your hair in ringlets! What a contrast to see you the soldier that you are! You make me proud for all women, as you have shown that we are very capable in many roles. You are the first National Guard soldier that I’ve ever known and I support you and the Oregon National Guard wholeheartedly. I will look forward to your safe return and I thank you for what you have done for me and for our country.
All the Best,
19Lindy Gravelle
Native Oregonian
April 25th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Alisha-
Thanks so much for sharing your story and for your years of service! I share the hopes already expressed by others that in the future our National Guard troops will utilize their talents and skills at home where the need is great. Nevertheless, I’m appreciative of all that you and your colleagues have sacrificed here and abroad.
Nicky
20April 26th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Look at you girl!!! We have only known you a short time but continue to be in awe of who you are and the things you have done. You are a very strong, loyal, caring woman, and we are so happy we have met you! Thank you for your commitment to our country — without people like you where would we be??? The Vanoudenhaegen’s
PS- Thank you for being our track coach — the picture is crystal clear as to why you are a good coach!!
21April 26th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Hi Alisha,
22we are deeply impressed. Since we are from Germany, we even did not know that you have the Oregon National Guard.In Germany we have only one army despite we have also 15 states. We hope that the stage in IRAQ will be a real peace keeping affair. We know that it is a dangerous operation and we hope that oregonian people return home healthy and that you will find and make friends in IRAQ.
Good luck
Bine and Ingo Ambrosius
April 27th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Alisha–
23I enjoyed working with you at the Gov’s ball. Your training in the Guard was very evident because you were able to work with all the people who came in the door.
Even though I am very much against war and conflict, I feel that the Oregon National Guard is a wonderful and useful organization. Many of my students who have very little guidance in their lives have found it in the Guard. In time of natural disaster, the Guard is always on duty. Since Oregon does not have much in way of military bases, the Guard is our military example and contribution to the world.
April 27th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Ma’am:
Thank you for telling your story, it makes it easier to tell people why working for you has been an absolute pleasure. Your background, your attitude, your professionalism has been inspiring, you have given me much to consider and guided many of my choices. The Oregon National Guard is lucky to have leaders like you who can influence the next generations of those who will serve this country and this state. It’s because of leaders like you that Oregon does indeed have the best and brightest. Thank you for all that you do and the many ways you give of yourself for me and the rest of our brothers, sisters and extended family in this great organization.
God Bless!
Sgt. Cherie Cavallaro
24April 27th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Sincere thanks to you and your comrades in the ONG. My own military career has its roots in the ONG. My father was Company Commander or Silverton ‘I’ Company in 1935. I joined the Silverton Hq company in 1953 and retired from active duty in 1981. Two of my brothers were also ONG members. Our family tradition of past service to country forms our heartfelt pride in the service you and other ONG members contribute today. Well Done brothers in arms.
25Ray Riches, Capt USN Ret
April 27th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Alisha,
The Oregon Army National Guard put on a wonderful ball for Oregon’s 150th birthday and we had a blast talking with re-enactors from Oregon’s past.
You’ve also played a huge role in the Portland Rose Festival’s first annual Danner Memorial Day March and Commemorative Ceremony, from providing key players to helping us get the word out. We are so excited to be be able to provide an event at the Waterfront Village to give Portland a place to be patriotic and inspire the American spirit. The Oregon Army National Guard’s outreach to the people has been noticed!
26April 27th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Responding to Myra’s and Shauna’s comments
In regards to the “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” policy. I know that the U.S. military is just abiding by the law of the land in regards to that policy. Congress passed that law so we have to abide by it. If Congress passed a law making it fair for all people to join the military, we would abide by it. I assume there might be individuals that might oppose it and certainly individuals that would support it, but the bottom line is that we have to follow the rules of the land as passed by Congress.
In regards to signing up for college benefits and then having to go war. Every Oregon National Guardsman who signs up signs a contract that states that there is a chance of being deployed. When a nation is at war, that chance is, of course, much higher. I always say. “I have already deployed so if I have a choice, I don’t want to go, but I know it is my duty, and if they need me to deploy, I will.”
In regards to international service for National Guardsmen. I know that we would prefer to stay and work only in Oregon, but there are times that the regular Army can’t handle the mission without our help. Also just an aside, we wouldn’t get to go to so many interesting places for training if we only stayed in Oregon. I have been to Egypt and Japan and all over the United States. How cool is that? I have had the chance to really expand my world and be part of something bigger than myself, and being an Oregon National Guardsman, I don’t have to move all over the world to do that. My family gets to stay in the same house because I always come back here.
27April 29th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Alisha:
Cool cool cool…I am psyched to hear of how much you get to travel with the guard. That can only help expand our views of other cultures and our understanding of how best we can help in international situations.
Rock on! Keep doing such a great job!
28May 4th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Alisha, what a wonderful example you are for both Oregonians and Americans! Like father, like daughter. Thanks for sharing the personal side of service, as well as putting it in historical perspective, which is always helpful. Your respect for history is well known, and when it comes to *any* uniform (camo or period dress and ringlets), you wear it well!
The Oregon Army Nat’l Guard has a place in today’s world and in its future. It exemplifies pride and service, two things that will never go out of style. When our troops are needed, they will serve. Where they are needed, they will go. And wherever they go and serve, they carry the name ‘Oregon’ with them!
Thanks for all you do, including your help with making the Rose Festival’s Memorial Day celebration the best it can be. It’s been a delight working with you.
Great blog entry!
Marilyn
29May 6th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
First of all thanks for your sevice, I really mean this from the bottom of my heart. I am a mom who will be amongst those waitng for the safe return of the 41st brigade infantry 1-186. My soldier is coming out of St Helens. This all new to us. He just became an infantryman on Feb. 20th, 2009. Now he is on his way to Iraq. I am praying for his and every soldiers’ safe return. You will have many people in Beaverton, Oregon, as well as the whole state and nation praying for you all. Again, thanks for you service and your story. You are a very brave soldier. GO OREGON NATIONAL GUARD!!!! RETURN HOME SAFE!
30May 11th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
LTC Hamel,
Thank you so much for service to this great country and more specifically the State of Oregon. I have personally witnessed your dedication to the Oregon National Guard during its continuing support for the Lewis and Clark bicentennial, the WWII program and now the Oregon 150 Sesquicentennial. You and your staff were always there when the call went out for help here in Columbia County, thank you for that also.
I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be associated with the ONG, and at many different locations throughout the State, over these last ten or so years.
Keep up the good work and remember that my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your brothers and sisters in their service to America during these trying times.
RJ
31