February 11, 2011
Salem—Today, the Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) filed a request for a Federal investigation of the Oregon Attorney General (AG) and the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) on issues relating to their treatment of disabled veterans, and other disabled persons in Oregon.   

(Click on NEWS Page above, for full press release and updates of this story)

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The purpose of this site is to help OWVA carry out its charitable purposes.

OWVA is uniquely positioned to make an impact in our communities and veteran's lives in ways different from other veteran organizations. OWVA ‘s leadership has used, and will continue to use every opportunity to leverage to assist veterans and veteran organizations, as well as Active Service Members and their families in building a better future for all who have served in our country's military services.

As military family and veteran advocates, OWVA is involved in many efforts to support our clients and members. We frequently work directly with senior members of the Oregon National Guard, Reintegration Teams, Family Resource Groups, and family assistance personnel, as well as combining or efforts with other support agencies and organizations- all to make a real difference in the lives of those who serve us in the military. Greg Warnock Executive Director
 

Meet the OWVA’s new President!

“I am proud and honored to accept the recent selection as President, Board of Directors of the Oregon War Veterans Association. By all standards, the organization has accomplished an incredible number of improvements in both legislative and personal treatment of our state’s veterans of all services. As president, it is my desire to continue this fine record in all facets of support to our veterans of past and present service in our state. To that end, I am totally obligated.” – Ken Jacroux, President/Chair, Oregon War Veterans Association

Ken Jacroux was elected President and Chairman of the Oregon War Veterans Association earlier this month in a special meeting o f the Board of Directors.

Ken was raised in the Dalles, Oregon, graduated from The Dalles High School and then graduated from Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. After graduation, Ken joined the US Navy as a pilot, and served in active duty from 1968-1977, which included duty in Vietnam. From 1977 to 1992, maintained his commission in the US Naval Reserves, and retired in 1992 as a Captain (O-6). He enjoyed the duties of an airline pilot and then a systems engineer from 1977-1999, and started a vineyard after retirement. He now owns and operates the BeckenRidge Vineyard in Dallas, Oregon.

Ken’s most recent community service includes service on the Dallas Economic Development Commission, Dallas Urban Renewal Development Action Committee, Dallas Retirement Village (Board of Directors) and was elected to the Board of Directors of the OWVA in May, 2010.

Read What People Are Saying!

Quotes from notables on OWVA/Warnock

"There are many heroes walking among us.  A lot of them.  One of them is Greg Warnock, the director of Oregon War Veterans Association." Margie Boule, The Oregonian, February, 2010

Commending the OWVA for their sensitivity and support of the families of the National Guard the Commander of the U.S. National Guard Bureau stated, “Our military members are very fortunate to be supported by people who know how to make a difference.” General Craig R. McKinley – March, 2010

“No other veterans-service organization in the state can match this level of success. In fact, I would venture to say that all other veterans-service organizations combined cannot match OWVA’s level of success.” Jesse Wm. Barton, Oregon State Bar- Military Assistance Panel- May, 2010

“I want to express my true gratitude to you and OWVA. Your generous support helped us achieve our mission: Inspiring some of Oregon’s wounded warriors by watching people with similar disabilities compete at the highest level of their sport.” Amy Keiter, the Governor’s Director for the "Get a Vet in the Game" Program- April, 2010

“OWVA has proven to be a valuable resource to the Oregon National Guard, providing goods and services to help to eliminate stress to our soldiers and their families by always offering a helping hand wherever and whenever possible. I asked for their help because the public knows them and supports their efforts to help our troops.” – Brigadier General Mike Caldwell, Oregon military Department- December 2009

"Greg, you took the high ground when you testified in support of legislation creating the WORLD WAR II VETERANS HISTORIC HIGHWAY, the first statewide memorial to honor all of Oregon’s WWII veterans and the first of a kind in the nation. Your testimony helped convince State legislators to vote 100% in favor of the bill proposed by a Vietnam veteran and WWII Medal of Honor recipient, both OWVA members. No other veterans group acted to support these long overdue honors to the 'Greatest Generation'. This highway designation set the stage for honoring Oregon ’s veterans of other wars with additional veterans memorial highways as many other states have done." Dick Tobiason- October 2010

“I’m glad Greg Warnock and the OWVA are working with KATU to step up to the plate and help solve this problem for our local folks but it is a shame they have go to such lengths to bring our service members home to their families.” Congressman Kurt Schrader- December, 2009

“What caught me more off guard was that at Christmas, my absolute favorite time of year, we wouldn't be able to share it together. It was to be our first Christmas! When that check came in the mail, I honestly couldn't believe it. Thank you, for giving us our first Christmas- a few days with my husband, and a picture to hold on to (while he is deployed) of us smiling in front of the tree on our first Christmas together.”- Kirstin B. –proud wife of ORNG 162EnBn soldier-January 2010

“My boyfriend is a deployed soldier with the 162, and it meant the world to me to be able to give him a hug and kiss during Christmas time. Thanks for everything you did! This is the true testimony to giving a little, goes a long way!!! Thanks again” - Kayla N., January, 2010

“I would like to thank you so much for the best Christmas present ever. In 2009 your organization was monumental in bringing home the entire 162nd engineer company so they could spend Christmas with their families prior to deploying a few weeks after. Thanks so much for being such a wonderful organization.” Barbara T., Mom of a 162 soldier- October, 2010

Legislation

Another important responsibility of OWVA is the development and advocacy of legislation that helps our military families and veterans. We are active lobbyists for issues that affect our clients and families. We also openly help elect officials who support our critical issues (bi-partisan assistance).

"Greg, one has a tendency to loose sight of the overall body of work as we move from one crisis or priority to another but this [list] is indeed quite impressive.  Thank you for all you have done personally for all Veterans but especially for the Oregon National Guard.  I am very grateful for your hard work and stunning success."- Mike Caldwell, Brigadier General, Deputy Director, Oregon National Guard

Since 2003, we have written and/or otherwise supported 74 pieces of legislation at the Oregon Legislature. We supported 45 pieces since 2007. See our complete list on the Legislation Page.

Changes are Coming

The OWVA is making some changes to its Articles of Incorporation and Bi-Laws, to be more in line with the 21st Century IRS standards effecting charitable organizations.

When we submitted our financials to the CPA’s this year, they informed us that they can “hardly keep up with the ongoing changes the IRS and other agencies are making to the forms required to be filed by non-profits.” But, while they are trying to keep up, they pointed out several things the OWVA can do now as proactive solutions to the changes as they come down from the agencies.

Troy MacDermid, a founding member of the OWVA and the organization’s treasurer told the Board of Directors that, “this is frustrating, expensive and challenging,” as we conform to the new reporting rules and standards being dictated to us by government agencies.

The upcoming changes affect the OWVA’s financial operations and safety protocols. “I think the public will see that we are even more credible as a veteran’s organization than they knew of us before, and that can only help us as we advocate for veterans in Oregon”, said Greg Warnock, OWVA’s executive director in a conversation with supporters during a recent board meeting.

The OWVA’s new President, Ken Jacroux, vowed to keep OWVA viable, flexible and a quick-to-respond veteran advocacy organization, even after the changes are made.

The changes have been generally approved, but need some refinement and formal ratification before being published. (This note and our site's copy of the official documents will be updated as soon as the changes are officially made.)

Third-Party Fundraising 

(notice, commentary, and request)

Several other veterans groups (as well as police and firefighter associations) have used third-party fundraising companies to help them meet their charitable organization goals and missions.  The problem with many of the telemarketing type of companies they use is that the companies only give about 20% of the funds to the charity, and keep the rest for fundraising fees.  It is true that the charities get to have and spend more money than they would otherwise be able to, but the donors aren't usually informed that a small percentage of their gifts are used for the charitable purpose.

The Attorney Generals in several States (including Oregon) are trying to shut down both the charities and fundraising companies which use those strategies.

Our donors, supporters, members, and partners should know that the OWVA has never used any of the third-party companies in question, nor have we ever used any of the methods that they use to raise money for our purposes- and, we never will.

Without denigrating the other charities (many of which are wonderful organizations!), we thought that we needed to state our policy on our non-use of the strategies they use to raise necessary funds.

Having said that, though, it is important to explain how much we depend on the generosity of our limited number of donors.  Please consider how to continue to be generous, so we can keep our advocacy of veterans, military and their families as paramount as possible.

WE NEED HELP NOW!  

How can you help?

Charitable Donations

OWVA is a no-profit, war veteran's membership association. Contributions to OWVA are generally tax deductible, in accordance with IRC 501(c)(19) rules. Please send your charitable donation of any amount to:

OWVA
PO Box 8043
Salem, OR 973003

OR

Feel free to send a payment through our website's donation center. >>>Click Here

You can ALSO DONATE directly to the OWVA by going to ANY US Bank branch and depositing a check to the Oregon War Veterans Association (account ending in # 7715)

If you are interested in an alternative donation, by giving a tax creditable donation through the Oregon PAC Tax Credit Program, please check out this page for more information: >>>Click Here

The OWVA's Donor Privacy Policy

The Oregon War Veterans Association (OWVA) maintains the highest level of respect for the privacy of its donors. The following is our donor privacy policy, which guides our volunteers and staff on how they may and may not use your personal information while honoring your privacy and civil rights as a contributor.

The OWVA collects and uses personal information from donors that includes: name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and donor comments when a donor voluntarily provides it to us. In addition, the OWVA keeps a record of each donor’s giving history. This information is kept on file for IRS purposes and is also used in our development process to analyze overall giving patterns in order to make accurate budget projections.

The OWVA does not sell, trade, rent or share names, addresses, telephone numbers, or e-mail addresses of our donors to any other third party, except as part of an OWVA specific project and when we use a third party vendor as part of that project. When we use a third party vendor, they contractually agree to maintain our records as private and proprietary. The OWVA will use contact information (i.e., e-mail, telephone number and address) of donors for these purposes only:

•Distribute receipts for donations
•Thank donors for their donation
•Inform donors about news, upcoming fundraising events and other activities of OWVA
•Internal analysis and record keeping
•Reporting to relevant U.S. and State agencies (these reports are not for public inspection)
•Contact donors about changes to this policy

As a rule, OWVA will not use any donor’s information as public recognition for the donor’s or OWVA’s value to the public, unless we receive written permission to use that information, or in certain circumstances when a donor first makes a public comment about their donation on their own initiative as part of a specific fundraising project. Even then, we will ask permission to use their name in a public manner.

If you have questions about this Donor Privacy Policy or if you wish to be removed from our e-mail/postal contact lists, then please email Staff@OWVA.org or write to: OWVA, PO Box 8043, Salem, Oregon , 97303.

(This Privacy Policy has been reviewed by our legal counsel and approved by the OWVA, BOD- October 7, 2010)