2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment of the Oregon Army National Guard

The Military and Veteran Services Office (MVS), in collaboration with the Oregon Army National Guard and a coalition of local businesses, organizations, veterans, family, friends, and supporters of the military and veteran community, will be hosting a send-off event and mobilization ceremony on August 9, 2024 for the 2nd Battalion, 218 Field Artillery Regiment.

August 9th | Send-Off Event and Mobilization Ceremony

Pacific University at the Stoller Athletic Center
2331 Main St.
Forest Grove, OR 97116

Schedule

  • 10:30-12:30 - Send-Off Event
  • 1:00-2:00 - Mobilization Ceremony
    • Location: Stoller Athletic Center Gymnasium
  • 2:00-3:00 - Reception 
    • Immediately following the ceremony guests are invited to a reception outside of the send-off area with refreshments
    • Families will meet their soldiers at the reception once they are dismissed

Send Off Event Details

 Food | Menu

  • Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Side dishes and toppings will be served free of charge with special thanks to Parr Lumber and the Hillsboro Elk’s Lodge

    • Some allergy friendly options will be available
    • We are doing our best to accommodate those with special requests and dietary restrictions.

Activities For The Day

  • Craft tables will be available for those that want to create something to remember the day
  • Play a game of cornhole in the Boxer Gardens
  • Photo booth for pictures
  • T-shirt Giveaway
  • Boxer Temporary Tattoos
  • Kids play area with bubbles
  • Entertainment
    • The “Got Yer Six” band will be playing throughout the event.
    • The  Al Kader Shriner CyClowns will be wandering around and performing
  • Family Readiness Support
  • 218th merchandise for sale
  • Blue Star Mother's support while on deployment

Parking

Parking is available in University parking lots K, L, I, P, and J, on the street and in public parking spaces downtown Forest Grove.

  • You do not need a parking permit to park in University parking on this day. 
  • See map for parking lot locations.
  • Transportation assistance (via golf cart) from parking areas to event space available for those in need and/or you may pull up to the front of Stoller and drop off members of your party prior to parking.  
    • Golf Cart assistance is not available for those in wheelchairs. Please use the drop off area in front of Stoller if needed.  

Accessibility

  • The send-off area and entrance of Stoller Athletic Center are wheelchair accessible.
  • Bathrooms on the main level of the Athletic Center and inside the Hanson Stadium entry doors are wheelchair accessible.

Get Involved

A grass-roots group (name to be determined) of many who serve the Military, and Veteran community have come together to support one another and actively participate in support of one another. 
Mission Statement of the Group:
Our mission is to honor, support, and connect Military members, Reservists, Veterans, their friends and families, and those who support this community in Oregon. We aim to strengthen the bonds within our community and facilitate access to essential services and support networks for those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Goals:

  • Support the Military and Veteran community in Oregon
  • Organize Community Events: Host meaningful events, such as the upcoming send-off event at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR, on August 9th, to show our appreciation and support for the soldiers and their families. This event is made possible through the generosity of community donations and volunteer efforts.
  • Foster Connections: Create and nurture strong relationships within the military and veteran community, as well as with the broader community, to ensure ongoing support and camaraderie.
  • Provide Resources: Connect military members, veterans, and their families with available support services and resources, helping them navigate the various programs and assistance available to them.
  • Engage Community Partners: Collaborate with community partners and individuals to ensure sustainable support and resources for our military and veteran community through donations, volunteerism, and active participation.
  • Raise Awareness: Increase awareness about the challenges faced by military members and veterans, advocating for their needs and ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued within our society.

This group has chosen, as its first outreach:

Support the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment: Provide unwavering support to the Oregon Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, as they prepare for their year-long deployment starting in August 2024. Support in the ways of providing a Send-Off Event, Deployment Support in collaboration with the Family Readiness Team, and Welcome Home Event. 

To ensure the success of this mission:

Community Collaboration, Donations and Sponsorship's: All organizations, agencies, businesses, individuals, volunteers, and donations are united as one community organization working collaboratively together. United, we can achieve great things!

To become involved as a volunteer or to provide financial support please submit your information by contacting Denise Giesbers. 

Please thank and support the community partners who have made the send-off event possible:

Planning Committee and Volunteers

Community Group Committee Members

Planning Group

  • Adrian Najera
  • Alex Gutierrez
  • Bobbie Jo Dickenson
  • Denise Giesbers
  • Flynn Phillips
  • Geri Stuart
  • Grace Koolhoven
  • Jeanie Albin
  • Kris Torrey
  • Mike Eschete
  • Mike Perrault
  • Olivia Boyd
  • Randy Dickenson
  • Rodger Rau
  • Stephen Schmidt
  • Teresa Greeno
  • Tim Rippe
  • Wendy Berger Wood
  • Members at large
  • Arely Spotts
  • Betty Fish-Ferguson
  • Calvin Bowes
  • Carole Bora-Rice
  • Dale Thaler

Volunteers

  • Aaron Meeuwsen
  • Bert Little
  • Brad Horn
  • Cathy Kingery
  • Cliff Cottom
  • Darryl Greeno
  • Dawn Palmer
  • Eileen Bloch
  • Eric Eldridge
  • Evangeline Van
  • Janalei Chun
  • Jerry Ackaret
  • Joan Shepherd 
  • John Glines
  • Judith Ackaret
  • Justin McRobert
  • Linda Glines
  • Mark Hudzirski
  • Michael Aleman
  • Nathan Guiterrez
  • Nick Jarez
  • Ron Calkins
  • Shep Shepherd
  • Ted Johnsons