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

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

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!

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.

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!

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