12-10-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation In Honor Of National Guard Day (Photo) - 12/10/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2025
Commissioners Issue Proclamation in Honor of National Guard Day
(Douglas County, Ore.) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation today, Wednesday, December 10, 2025 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 389th Birthday on December 13, 2025. Commissioners were honored to recognize the men and women who bravely serve our communities and nation in the Army National Guard. The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “The U.S. National Guard is the oldest military organization in America, and its members respond to state and national emergencies, military conflicts and natural disasters, and conduct search and rescue operations. 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. The Oregon Army National Guard traces its heritage and tradition of citizen-service back to July 5, 1843, when the Oregon provisional government passed the first militia law that organized citizens for defense, and eventually evolved in the formation of the Oregon National Guard in 1903.” 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 and a Douglas County challenge coin to attending Oregon Army National Guard members from Roseburg’s Charlie Company, the Oregon Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment: SFC Kyle Criss, ORARNG, SS6 Wayne Niedert ORARNG, PV2 Milo Rees ORARNG, as well as National Guard Family Readiness Group Coordinator Carol Hunt (Wings of Love).
“I am new to this community. Thank you, Commissioners, for the recognition. I am already seeing so much support from the county, city, and everyone and it means a lot to the soldiers. Just remember that members of our local National Guard company are your neighbors, teachers, and coworkers and they live and work in your communities. Charlie Company is preparing to come home from deployment from Egypt in January and they will be coming back to a drilling status with us here in Oregon.” – SFC Kyle Criss, Readiness NCO, Oregon Army National Guard.
“I am very proud to be chosen to be as the Family Readiness Group (FRG) Coordinator for our local Charlie Company. I get to work with the children and families of the deployed and undeployed soldiers. I also wanted to mention the tremendous support we receive from VFW #2468, who adopted Charlie Company a few years ago. It is my pleasure to serve these soldiers and their families.” - Carol Hunt, Charlie Company FRG & Wings of Love
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.
“On behalf of the Board, Thank You! Please hear us say that we absolutely appreciate the sacrifice you do for our community and our country.” – Commissioner Tim Freeman.
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov
Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Tate/Douglas County.
