Gov appoints Redmond veteran to advisory panel

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs has welcomed a new member to the governor-appointed Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee. Dennis G. Guthrie of Redmond was officially appointed in late June by Gov. John Kitzhaber.

Guthrie enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and volunteered for duty in Vietnam. He served as a field medic with the 1st Cavalry Division and earned both the Silver Star for valor and Bronze Star for valor.

For decades, Guthrie has been active as a community volunteer, including leadership with the Boy Scouts and 10 years as a volunteer fireman. His VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) post has been recognized nationally five of the past eight years for outstanding community participation.

A four-term past commander of Post 4108, Guthrie has served in many capacities, from the color guard to chairing numerous projects to help the needs of others in and outside of the Redmond area. He is also a past-VFW National Surgeon General, a member of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans Association and First Cavalry Association.

Guthrie is a founding member and co-chair of Redmond’s Downtown Flag Committee, in charge of placing 1,150 flags every Memorial and Veterans Day. He personally raised funds for a third flag pole at the Redmond Airport for the POW-MIA flag.

A three-time VFW district commander, Oregon department commander, and member of the VFW’s national council of administration, he is currently Oregon’s VFW national legislative committee chair.

ODVA Director Jim Willis is very pleased to have Guthrie join the committee.

“Dennis is a great example of how volunteering in ones community can and will enhance the lives of everyone around you. He’s worked tirelessly for others and displays the military core value of service before self. I couldn’t be prouder to have him join and serve on our committee,” Willis said.

Guthrie will serve in the appointed position through June 2016.

“The most recent committee member to serve two terms, David Fairlco, raised the bar quite high for me. I want to maintain that level and I’m looking forward to working with Director Willis and the committee as we work together on behalf of Oregon veterans,” Guthrie said.

The nine-member advisory committee was formed by statute in 1945. Playing an active role in the effective administration of the department, advisory committee members advise the department’s director and actively engage in ensuring the agency is meeting its mission of service to veterans.

More information about the advisory committee and ODVA services and programs can be found online at www.oregon.gov/ODVA.