Oregon Military Hall Of Honor Ceremony Welcomes Six New Inductees (Photo) - 04/18/26

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – Six Oregon military veterans were inducted into the 2026 Oregon Military Hall of Honor during a formal ceremony held at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026, in recognition of their acts of heroism and exceptional service to the nation.

The six inductees, all of whom served in the U.S. Army or the Oregon Army National Guard, are Specialist 5th Class Carston R. “Bud” Calkin, Sergeant First Class Riley E. Lott, Jr., Command Sergeant Major Bruch Conely, Major Charles “Larry” Diebert, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard DeWitt, and General Daniel R. Hokanson.

“The men chosen for this year's Oregon Military Hall of Honor have shown acts of valor ‘above and beyond the call of duty,’ as well as exceptional post-service contribution in the community or state,” said Daniel Lacy, a member of the Forward Assist Board of Directors and the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Both Command Sgt. Maj. Conely and Gen. Hokanson began their careers on active duty before joining the Oregon National Guard. They addressed the audience, describing their military careers that took them to the highest levels of service at the Pentagon. Spc. 5 Carston, Sgt. 1st Class Lott, Maj. Diebert and Lt. Col. DeWitt were honored posthumously by friends, family members, and fellow veterans.

“This story is about the Oregon National Guard, and the organization that learned to love,” Conely said. “I became a team leader as I focused on being a guardsman and citizen-soldier.”

As the last of the six inductees to address the audience, Hokanson acknowledged both veterans who have worn the nation's uniform and those currently serving.

“I look at the example that each of us sets. I go back to whether someone served or not; that's important in how we conduct ourselves," Hokanson said. "We also need to tell our story to the next generation. That's why today's event is important.”

-30-

Released Imagery:

260418-Z-CH590-1124: Oregon Army National Guard Gen. (ret.) Daniel R. Hokanson, former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard and Chief of the National Guard Bureau (left), receives his Hall of Honors citation from Daniel Lacy (right) during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1115: Oregon Army National Guard (ret.) Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, 10th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard (left), receives his Hall of Honors citation from Daniel Lacy (right) during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1126: Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, former Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, presents the Hall of Honors induction citation to Suzanne Diebert, the wife of Maj. Charles “Larry” Diebert was posthumously awarded during the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260418-Z-CH590-1104: An Oregon Army National Guard Color Guard presents the nation's colors during the playing of the National Anthem to open the 2026 Hall of Honors ceremony at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley, Oregon, on April 18, 2026. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

Video B-Roll:  https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1003024/2026-oregon-military-hall-honors-induction-ceremony