Douglas County, OR. – Official Release: The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation yesterday, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe National Guard Day, in celebration of the National Guard‘s upcoming 388th Birthday on December 13, 2024. Commissioners were honored to recognize the men and women who bravely serve our communities and nation in the Army National Guard.
Before he read the proclamation, Board Chair, Commissioner Boice exclaimed, “This might be the BEST Commissioners meeting ever. Because for the first time, since I have been in office, we have nothing on the agenda other than to honor veterans.” He then read the proclamation on behalf of the Board and acknowledged, “We know that the U.S. National Guard is the oldest military organization in America and its members respond to state and national emergencies, military conflicts, natural disasters and also conduct search and rescue operations. We recognize that the U.S. Army National Guard is a reserve force of men and women who trace their roots back to Colonial America. Founded in 1636 as a citizen force, today the National Guard is a ready reserve group of 450,000 men and women voluntarily serving in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. We are especially proud to honor members of Roseburg’s Charlie Company unit, who represent Oregon National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment for the invaluable work they do.” A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.
In addition to deployments all over the world during war and conflict times, in recent years, the utilization of the National Guard has been unprecedented with members of the Oregon National Guard providing critical support to the state’s COVID-19 response, assisting civilian law enforcement during periods of civil unrest, as well as assisting state and local governments during hazardous weather and wildfire response operations.
Commissioner Tim Freeman presented proclamation certificates to attending Oregon Army National Guard members from Roseburg’s Charlie Company, the Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, SFC Frank Rademacher ORARNG, SSG Bobbie Coolbroth ORARNG, SSG Wayne Niedert ORARNG, Cpt. Casey Coulter (Company Commander for Charlie Troop) ORARNG, Chris Gallager ORARNG, Preston Hash ORARNG, Sean Vary ORARNG, Travis Gregory ORARNG, as well as National Guard Family Readiness Group Coordinators, Carol Hunt (Wings of Love), Valerie West, and Cindy Houston (Wings of Love).
Captain Casey Coulter presented the Commissioners with framed artwork of the Oregon Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment colors and a Battalion challenge coin from the Battalion Commander that states: ‘Custodes Portae Occidentis’ which means ‘Guardians of the Western Gate.’
“My first experience with Charlie Company and the National Guard came in 2009, in my first term with the Oregon Legislature. There was a large deployment, and as Vice Chair of the House Veterans Committee I was honored to represent the Oregon legislature at deployment ceremonies in Salem, Eugene and Medford. One of the things that has stayed with me was the competence of the amazing men and women who were getting ready to go overseas to serve our country. But also, the incredible commitment and dedication the families of these soldiers have when they know that their loved ones are going to be gone and in harm’s way for a period of time. Please take this back to your families: “We thank them also for what they are doing to support you during your deployment as well as their commitment to this country. But we do want you to hear us say, “Thank You!” What you are doing is very important, it is honorable, and it is what makes our country great. Each and everyone of you make that commitment and from the Board of Commissioners we absolutely appreciate that commitment.” – Commissioner Tim Freeman.
The proclamation presented today is a reminder that the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the courageous men and women who have and currently serve our nation in all divisions of our United States Armed Forces, including our reserves. Today and every day, we especially encourage citizens to honor and support the men and women proudly serving our communities in the Army National Guard.
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