Wasco County, OR. — Visitors and residents will soon be greeted by newly refreshed “Welcome to Wasco County” signs proudly featuring the byline “We Honor Veterans,” the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced today. The project, a collaboration between ODOT and Wasco County Veteran Services, brings enhanced signage to seven of the county’s nine gateway locations, underscoring the community’s commitment to honoring those who served.
“These signs are more than markers, they’re a heartfelt acknowledgment of the veterans who shape our county’s spirit,” said Chelsea Perritt, Wasco County Veteran Service Officer. “They remind us of the sacrifices made, the bonds that unite us, and the legacies that outlive us all.”
The project was built through a deeply collaborative design and fabrication process led by ODOT Region 4 sign crew coordinator Dave Leppert, with support from District 9 crew members Dan Marcott and Jeff Heldstab, District 10’s Dax Roth, and the Salem sign shop team including lead Shawn McKnight and sign technicians Bruce Nelson, Randy Kleinschmit, and Jason Arredondo. What began as a technical undertaking quickly evolved into a meaningful “labor of love,” driven by a team with direct personal ties to military service.
“This collaboration highlights the best of public service: creativity, camaraderie, and community impact,” Leppert said. “We’re proud to help create lasting tributes that stand as beacons of honor across Wasco County.”
The new signs will soon be installed at key entry points, reinforcing the county’s identity while expressing year-round appreciation for veterans. For more information on Wasco County Veteran Services or upcoming community events, visit:
https://www.co.wasco.or.us/departments/veterans_services/index.php
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