Chapter Officers

Our regular meetings encompass the goals of the association by bringing together Cav veterans; by promoting pride in our service then and now; by planning and participating in community events in the Portland area at the National Cemetery, the war memorials, and Holiday celebrations which recognize the military contributions of veterans; and by promoting interaction with the community to educate and inform students, social groups, and the public about the proud and distinguished traditions and service by the 1st Cavalry Division. 

During the Chapter meeting on 20 February 2008 we were honored to have Marshall Tall Eagle Serna (SGM Ret) provide an update on his mission to honor all Veterans.  He presented a embroidered Purple Heart emblem to Jim Collins.  Klaus Lachmann provided a history of the Medal of Honor with a special emphasis on the Vietnam War era.  Terry Lowe will host our 2nd Annual Picnic during the first week of August and we are inviting the local 25th Infantry Division Association Chapter to join us.  More details will be forthcoming.

We also actively recruit new members at public events by personal interaction and by distributing  business cards and mailings when we have information regarding Cav veterans in the area.  As we have contact with former 1st Cav veterans, we sometimes refer them to the Portland Vet Center or VA Hospital.  We provide information on VA benefits and urge all new First Team veterans of the war in Iraq to come in and let us assist you with the VA.

Noteworthy among these activities has been a recent week long series of volunteer participation by the Chapter in the Memorial Day visit to Portland of the Traveling Wall. Chapter members participated in:

• Setting up the displays; speaking at the press conference and on panel discussions
• Conducted a silent march led by a 1st Cav flag bearer and a riderless horse
• Assisted with various medal ceremonies including a special Purple Heart Ceremony, Order of the Silver Rose, Warriors Medal of Valor, Mothers Medal of Honor
• Oversaw the continuous showing of “Shadow of the Blade”; and other special events commemorating the service and honor of Vietnam veterans.

We welcome new members with individual recognition that their combat service was/is in the highest cavalry traditions of “skill, audacity, cunning, dash, panache, and fervor.”  And we strongly encourage the “dash and panache!”