The Argus Observer | Online

VETS’ CORNER: Working for everyone

BY Ron Verini
Friday, October 9, 2009 10:28 AM PDT

From those who have been receiving our “Treats for the Troops” packages, one e-mail stands out, and I share a little with you today.

“I hopefully help people not to have to kill people. I try to keep people safe by providing them information, communications, and space based effects that will allow our forces, in conjunction with the Afghan forces, to stabilize this country. I’m fighting the war on terrorism and helping to restore stability in a critical part of the world. My hope is that by being here — I can help make Afghanistan a safe, stable country and take away a safe haven from the terrorists that threaten my home. Terrorism is a real threat and unfortunately many people don’t know that — it threatens our way of life and it’s a threat to my family. I will do absolutely anything it takes to make sure America is safe, not only because that’s what we do as Americans but also because as a Mom — I believe it’s my duty to show my son and daughter what our country stands for … on 9/11 thousands of Americans and innocent people from around the world were killed. I hope and pray that what I do here helps make the world a safer place. This isn’t just a U.S. fight — this isn’t about spreading democracy. It’s not about oil. It’s not about politics. It’s not about many things that some people seem to think it’s about. It’s about freedom … and I am very proud to be part of that effort … pray for our troops and remember why we are here. Because if we forget why we are fighting for freedom … then the terrorists have won.”

The Downtown October Faire was a giant success for veterans of the Treasure Valley. The Veteran Advocates of Ore-Ida set up shop, and the crowds that they experienced were beyond what they had expected. They found out that the needs of the veteran are a very important part of this community, and the community is willing to help.

House Bill-2051 gives veteran preferences in hiring practices here in Oregon. Please be aware there is much being done to better our veterans in our community, but it is your job to learn about new laws and the bills that are going through our legislatures.

Our state also has passed a bill that helps with health insurance for children in low income families, but there is a catch: You have to sign up for it. This just might help a veteran family that might be on the edge.


ADVERTISEMENT

I visited with the field representatives of our U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and had a chance to talk about the needs of veterans. I also sat down with the office of U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and brought to light the need of transportation for some of our disabled veterans and the need for more representation of our veteran community here in Eastern Oregon.

“Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.” — Moshe Dayan.

Ronald Verini is a local veterans advocate who writes a weekly column for the Argus Observer. He can be contacted at (541) 881-8881, or pencilsforpeace@q.com, or P.O. Box 933, Ontario, OR 97914. The views and opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily represent those of the Argus Observer

Return to Previous Page

Comment Blog - Note: All Comments Subject To Approval

annoyed with the non support for someone who tries to make a difference wrote on Oct 13, 2009 6:28 PM:

" Ron Verini has stepped up as a voice for those who have served our country. He is the only city council member who has approached the people who have and are serving our country and community at the present time. I have watched him go above and beyond for the purpose of the "troops" past and present, but I have also watched him keep his city council position separate from those of a veteran advocate. He has passed word along that the 116th is pending a deployment and relies on the support of the community to help those left to keep the home fires burning, yet those who are criticizing him are probably those whom are local citizens and business owners who I am sure have not made contact with 116th to offer any assistance, yet if your house where to flood, you would expect those men and women to come help you. I have witness the shipment of "treats for troop" and my 10 year old has volunteered time to test pens and pencils for " pencils for peace" and I have paid through my nose to the mayor to copy things for military related issues, and have gotten no support. So when you think about re-election just remember that there are alot of veterans and active duty military who appaude what Ron Verini has brought to this community, and will stand up for him and everything he represents "

I agree with sleepy wrote on Oct 12, 2009 4:59 AM:

" 2010 is just around the corner. The others need to stand up to this bully and censure him. What he has done in the past and his anonymous blogging are grounds for recall. The voters need to deal with him if his fellow council won't "

Sleepy wrote on Oct 11, 2009 9:09 AM:

" If Joe Dominick is not the author of Concerned Citizen I will eat my hat. The only two people I have ever heard promote the Mayor is the Mayor and Norm. Seeveral of the words in Concerned Citizens blog are way too big for Norm. You never cease to amaze Mayor. "

To Concerned Citizens wrote on Oct 9, 2009 7:23 PM:

" Your behavior is childish. Don't worry 2010 is around the corner and some of us will work very hard to make sure you are not re elected since you did run as a business owner and not a resident "

Concerned Citizens wrote on Oct 9, 2009 1:40 PM:

" Mr Verini,
You need to publish the entire facts, not just your interpretation.

HB2051 intends to give Veterans preference for hiring ONLY IF they are exactly qualified as a regular citizen.

Many of us would like to see your reciepts made public of your shipments and items you have purchased and actually sent overseas.

And we would like to know "who paid for your trip" to talk with Senators and Representatives? Were you there as a business owner, or a councilor?

4 Ontario councilors went to the League of Oregon Cities conference in Portland (you included). They were there to be educated, and lobby as Ontario Councilors, not business owners. Which did you do?

We question your ethics and motives. Your article gives the opinion that you were there as a business owner, not councilor. Do the taxpayers get a refund?

What does transportation for veterans have to do with the state of city affairs? Did you lobby for more money for Ontario? We understand the Mayor asked for money to repair the underpass. That is city business, not "veterans advocates".

You are disrespectful to all of us veterans. Discontinue your article, which promotes you, not the community. "

TERMS OF USE

Those who post comments are accountable for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they furnish. While we encourage writers to utilize this service on our Web site, we also strongly suggest they treat it as public forum where good taste counts. We reserve the right to decline for approval objectionable material from these blogs.

Writers that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments - such as racists language, threats or comments unrelated to the story - will not be approved for the blogs. Also, entries that are unsigned or "signatures" by someone other than the actual writer will not be approved.

While writers can still post anonymously, we strongly suggest that they do not do so.

Opinions, guidance and other information expressed in Argus Observer story blog comments and on the Argus Observer blogs represent the individuals' own views and not necessarily those of the Argus Observer. The Argus Observer furnishes this type of forum and does not endorse and is not accountable for statements or advice from anyone other than an designated Argus Observer spokesperson.

More Headlines

College connection: Supporting athletes

Our opinion: Help Them to Hope worthy
of support

VETS’ CORNER: Working for everyone

Opinion Cartoon