Tribe Honors Over 500 Veterans at Annual Veterans Dinner

Over 500 military veterans and spouses from all fields of service gathered at the Seven Feathers Casino Resort Convention Center for the annual Veterans Dinner on the Fourth of July.

The Cow Creek Color Guard (all Tribal member veterans), presented the Tribal Veteran’s Eagle Staff, the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribal flag, the POW/MIA flag, the United States flag, and the State of Oregon flag. They also conducted the ceremony for the table setting left empty near the stage in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Tribal Board Member Robert Van Norman was honored with a special veterans Pendleton blanket, embroidered with his name and a message of gratitude for all he has done in starting the Cow Creek Umpqua Color Guard, working with numerous veteran agencies, and much more to help Tribal veterans. After years of service, Van Norman is stepping away from the Color Guard, but plans to continue helping veterans.

“Though you may not be at the forefront of veterans activities going forward, we hope you stay connected with this wonderful group as it continues to grow,” said Tribal Member Liaison Rhonda Richardson. “This couldn’t have been successful without you.”