Oregon National Guard Helps Oregon Communities Honor Veterans

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon National Guard members joined veterans, students and community members at Veterans Day events across the state Nov. 10 and 11, 2026, taking part in ceremonies, parades and school programs in Albany, Salem, Echo and Beaverton.

In Albany, Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of Oregon, gave remarks at the 75th Annual Veteran of the Year Banquet on Nov. 10, where Anthony Tangermann, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, was recognized as the 2026 Veteran of the Year. On Veterans Day, Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, fired a howitzer salute during the morning memorial service at the Linn County Veterans Memorial. Gronewold, a color guard and the 234th Army Band then took part in the 75th Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade through downtown Albany.

In Salem, Oregon Air National Guard F-15EX fighter jets from the 142nd Wing flew over the Oregon State Capitol at 11:11 a.m. to open the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day Program. Brig. Gen. Russell W. Gibson, Assistant Adjutant General, Oregon, attended the program.

In Echo, Guard members joined a parade led by students from kindergarten through high school, followed by an afternoon assembly where Maj. Taylor Frye, an Oregon Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook pilot, addressed students and staff. In Beaverton, Maj. Ian Beaty of the Oregon Army National Guard delivered opening remarks and Lt. Col. Heather Bashor of the Oregon Air National Guard spoke at a Veterans Day observance hosted by American Legion Post 124.

Oregon National Guard members serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while maintaining civilian careers. They stand ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires and floods, while also training to defend the nation when called to federal service. Guard members live and work in the same communities they serve, creating a unique connection between military service and local communities.