Deschutes County honors veterans, highlights services and local events

This Veterans Day, Deschutes County recognizes county employees and all community members who served in the U.S. armed forces to protect our freedoms.

"On Veterans Day and every day, we honor the service and sacrifice of veterans across Central Oregon and the nation," said County Administrator Nick Lelack. "We are proud of the more than 100 employee veterans who served our country and continue to serve our community through their work at Deschutes County."

County services for veterans

Deschutes County connects veterans with care, justice support and benefits through these programs:

• Veterans' Services: Helps military veterans and their families at three locations in Deschutes County. Veterans Services officers help veterans get the benefits they have earned. Learn more by visiting the department website.
• District Attorney's Veterans Intervention Strategy (VIS): An interagency program that supports local veterans in the criminal justice system. The program helps veterans get mental health and substance use care so they can improve outcomes. Learn more by visiting the VIS website.
• Behavioral Health: Provides mental health and substance use treatment, with staff trained to support people who have lived through trauma. Also offers peer support services that specialize in working with veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Learn more by visiting the department website.
• Central Oregon's Veterans Village: A public-private partnership with the City of Bend, Deschutes County, and the State of Oregon. The village provides transitional shelters and services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Learn more by visiting the Central Oregon Veterans Village website.

Events honoring veterans

• Veterans Day Parade: The County Veterans' Services team will join the parade honoring veterans in downtown Bend on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m.

• Veterans Honor Wall: Deschutes County Health Services will celebrate 18 veteran employees with a Veterans Honor Wall on display throughout November. The wall features a plaque honoring all six U. S. military branches, a U.S. flag and photos of nine women and nine men on the department staff who are veterans.

The Veterans Honor Wall is located in the lobby of the County Health Services Building, 2577 NE Courtney Drive in Bend. The public is invited to view the display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Veterans Day, when County offices are closed.

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Media contact:

Kim Katchur, Public Information Officer

(541) 322-7441