Oregon National Guard Helps Oregon Communities Honor Veterans (Photo) - 11/11/26

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.

Released Photos:

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Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Taylor Frye, a CH-47 Chinook pilot assigned to AASF in Pendleton, Oregon, addresses the Veterans Day assembly at the Echo School Gym on Nov. 11, 2026. Over the past 15 years, students and staff have dedicated Veterans Day to in-class activities that highlight military service and honor veterans in the community. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

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Members of the Oregon National Guard took part in Veterans Day activities in Echo, Oregon, including a parade led by students from Kindergarten through High School, followed by an afternoon assembly on Nov. 11, 2026. Over the past 15 years, students and staff have dedicated Veterans Day to in-class activities that highlight military service and honor veterans in the community. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

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Members of the Oregon National Guard took part in Veterans Day activities in Echo, Oregon, including a parade led by students from Kindergarten through High School, followed by an afternoon assembly on Nov. 11, 2026. Over the past 15 years, students and staff have dedicated Veterans Day to in-class activities that highlight military service and honor veterans in the community. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

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Members of the Oregon National Guard took part in Veterans Day activities in Echo, Oregon, including a parade led by students from Kindergarten through High School, followed by an afternoon assembly on Nov. 11, 2026. Over the past 15 years, students and staff have dedicated Veterans Day to in-class activities that highlight military service and honor veterans in the community. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

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Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon gives remarks during the 75th Annual Veteran of the Year Banquet held at the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA, November 10, 2026, in Albany, Oregon. Anthony Tangermann, a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran and Treasurer of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 585 was recognized as the 2026 Veteran of the Year at the banquet. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department)

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Lebanon High School JROTC leadership, Lt. Col. Thomas Clifford (L) and Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Christian Watts (R), stand alongside Col. (Ret.) Kevin Dial ahead of the start of the 2026 Veteran of the Year Banquet, held at the Mid-Valley Family YMCA, in Albany, Oregon, on November 10, 2026. Lt. Col. Clifford was a nominee for this year's Veteran of the Year. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department)

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Governor Tina Kotek speaks with Brig. Gen. Russ Gibson and his spouse Cindy Gibson ahead of the start of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day Program at the Oregon State Capitol, November 11, 2026, in Salem, Oregon.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department)

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Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, Director, Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, stands alongside Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon and his spouse, Rebecca Gronewold, as a wreath honoring POW/MIA service members is laid by Robert Gore at the 75th Annual Veteran of the Year Banquet held at the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA, November 10, 2026, in Albany, Oregon. Both Dr. Daniels and Brig. Gen. Gronewold gave remarks during the banquet honoring military service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department)

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American Legion Post 124 hosted a Veterans Day observance at SW Bible Church in Beaverton, Oregon, Nov. 11, 2026. Guest speakers included Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, a U.S. Army veteran; Ashley Taylor, commander of VFW Post 4362, a U.S. Army veteran; and Lt. Col. Heather Bashor of the Oregon Air National Guard. Maj. Ian Beaty, Oregon Army National Guard, delivered the opening remarks and also spoke on behalf of a local WW2 U.S. Marine Corp Veteran, John Samuelson, who was unable to participate in the ceremony. (Oregon National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs) 

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Oregon Air National Guard F-15EX Fighter Jets from the 142nd Wing, based out of the Portland Air National Guard Base fly over the Oregon State Capitol building at 11:11 to kick off the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day Program at the Oregon State Capitol, November 11, 2026, in Salem, Oregon.  (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Leslie Reed, Oregon Military Department)

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Sgt. 1st Class David Nelson, with Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, signals his crews to fire during a howitzer salute at the Veterans Day memorial service at the Linn County Veterans Memorial in Timber Linn Memorial Park, Albany, Ore., Nov. 11, 2026. The salute honored the nation’s veterans ahead of the 75th Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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An Oregon Army National Guard color guard leads Guard vehicles along the route of the 75th Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade in Albany, Ore., Nov. 11, 2026. Oregon National Guard members serve part-time while maintaining civilian careers, and they live and work in the same communities they serve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of Oregon, waves to spectators from an Oregon Army National Guard vehicle during the 75th Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade in Albany, Ore., Nov. 11, 2026. The Oregon National Guard joined veterans and community members for the parade, which followed a morning memorial service and howitzer salute. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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The drum major of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 234th Army Band leads the band past spectators during the 75th Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade in Albany, Ore., Nov. 11, 2026. Oregon National Guard members serve part-time while maintaining civilian careers, and they live and work in the same communities they serve. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Soldiers with the Oregon Army National Guard’s 234th Army Band march through downtown Albany, Ore., during the 75th Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11, 2026. The parade followed a morning memorial service and howitzer salute at the Linn County Veterans Memorial in Timber Linn Memorial Park. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

142nd Wing To Conduct Veterans Day Flyovers (Photo) - 11/10/26

Portland, Ore. – The 142nd Wing out of the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore. will conduct Veterans Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon.

“The 142nd Wing proudly honors Veterans Day with F-15 flybys across Oregon, recognizing the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and their families," said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Trinchitella, 142nd Wing Command Chief. "These flights reflect our gratitude for those who served before us and our ongoing commitment to defending the Pacific Northwest and upholding the freedoms they fought to secure.”

Flyovers will be conducted over the following locations between 10:50 a.m and 12:50 p.m.

Hillsboro

Salem

Albany

Roseburg

Bend

Pendleton

The Dalles

Hollywood Neighborhood, Portland

All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 350 mph airspeed. Flights could be cancelled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.

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About the 142nd Wing

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,400 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $130 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequaled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

Photo Caption:

An F-15EX Eagle II aircraft assigned to the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing takes off from Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada, August 27, 2026. The 142nd Wing’s fleet of F-15EXs operated out of Nellis AFB for three weeks in late August and early September in support of the U.S. Air Force’s Weapons Instructor Course (WIC). During this time, the unit hit a historical milestone, dropping live bombs from operational F-15EXs for the first time. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Steph Sawyer)

‘Join The National Guard’ For Family, Says Oregon’s Newest General (Photo) - 10/18/26

CLACKAMAS, Ore. – Russell Gibson first raised his right hand in 1987 as a Navy Reserve hospital corpsman. Nearly four decades later, his wife, Cindy, pinned a brigadier general’s star on his uniform.

Gibson, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026. Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon, hosted the ceremony and administered the oath of office. The promotion took effect Aug. 1, 2026.

“A promotion to general officer is unlike any other promotion in our profession,” Gronewold said. “Fewer than 1% of commissioned officers will ever wear a star.”

Gronewold said the one-star flag presented during the ceremony carries a different kind of responsibility than any earlier promotion.

“The red flag with the single white star that you see today does not belong to a unit,” Gronewold said. “It belongs to the officer, and with it comes responsibility for the whole enterprise: our people, our resources, our partnerships, and the trust of the Oregonians that we serve.”

Gibson’s path to the rank was not a typical one. Before commissioning, he served as a Navy medic. He later taught high school chemistry and biology in Glendale, Arizona, and worked as an environmental consultant in Colorado.

“Russ, your path to this day was not a straight line,” Gronewold said. “Anyone who stood in front of a classroom of teenagers has learned patience and learns that people will follow you farther when you explain the why.”

Gibson commissioned through the Arizona Military Academy in 2000. In 2003, he led a platoon of the Arizona Army National Guard’s 220th Military Police Company in Tallil, Iraq. After moving to Oregon, he joined the Engineer Regiment, commanded at the company level, and returned to combat in 2011 as operations officer for the 1249th Engineer Battalion in Afghanistan. He went on to command the 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion, the 82nd Tactical Support Detachment and the 82nd Troop Command Brigade.

Gibson has also worked full time for the Oregon Military Department since 2006. He now serves as deputy director of state operations and government affairs and is president of the Oregon National Guard Association.

Gronewold charged Gibson with the standard he sets for every leader in the Oregon National Guard: be connected, be competent and be committed. He said a general officer’s most important relationships are often with legislators, community leaders and federal partners.

“Continue to bring the voices of our Soldiers and Airmen into the rooms where decisions about them are being made,” Gronewold said.

Gronewold also urged Gibson to invest in the next generation of leaders.

“Find the lieutenants, the sergeants, the warrant officers and the young Airmen who will one day stand where you are, and invest in them deliberately,” Gronewold said. “That is the real charge that comes with this star.”

The ceremony followed general officer traditions. Gronewold presented Gibson with his general officer belt and buckle. Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Martin presented his sidearm, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bertilson presented his one-star flag. Both noncommissioned officers served as Gibson’s senior enlisted leaders when he commanded the 82nd Troop Command Brigade. The 234th Army Band performed the ruffles and flourishes and the general’s march.

“Flags and issuing weapons, that’s NCO business,” Gibson said. “Those two NCOs mean an awful lot to me.”

Gibson thanked what he called three overlapping families: family by blood, family by choice and family by service. He described military service that runs through generations on both sides of his and Cindy’s families, including relatives who served in the Army and Navy.

Gibson said the Guard’s bonds set it apart from the other services.

“If you want to learn what it means to be part of a team, you can join any branch of service,” Gibson said. “But if you want to be part of a family, join the National Guard.”

He said Guard members serve alongside the same people for decades, whether they see them every day or once a month at drill, and over time those relationships become family.

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.

Gibson closed by describing the promotion as neither a finish line nor a starting line, but a continuation of service that began almost 40 years ago. He shared the personal motto he has lived by: “You can’t lose if you don’t quit.”

“All you have to do to win is never give up,” Gibson said. “So, ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, never give up.”

Released B-Roll: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1026732/join-national-guard-family-says-oregons-newest-general

Released Photos:

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Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, left, the Adjutant General, Oregon, stands with Col. Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, before Gibson’s promotion ceremony to brigadier general at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026. Gronewold hosted the ceremony and administered the oath of office to Gibson. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Brig. Gen. Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, speaks during his promotion ceremony at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026, as Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the Adjutant General, Oregon, looks on. During his remarks, Gibson thanked family, friends and fellow service members for their support throughout his nearly 40-year military career. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Cindy Gibson, left, pins the rank of brigadier general on her husband, Brig. Gen. Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, during his promotion ceremony at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026. The star has signified general officer rank in the U.S. military since a 1780 decree by Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

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Brig. Gen. Russell Gibson, center, assistant adjutant general for the Oregon Army National Guard, takes the oath of office from Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, right, the Adjutant General, Oregon, as his wife, Cindy Gibson, left, assists during his promotion ceremony at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center in Clackamas, Ore., Oct. 17, 2026. Gibson’s military career began in 1987 when he enlisted in the Navy Reserve as a hospital corpsman. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)