EOU Hosts Operation Enduring Support Event

LA GRANDE, Ore – The first local Operation Enduring Support event honoring veterans, current military and their families will be held at Eastern Oregon University Saturday, Aug. 28.

Organized by the Region 13 Workforce Investment Board in collaboration with EOU, the event takes place before and during EOU’s football game versus Southern Oregon University.

Prior to the game from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. there will be a Resource Fair highlighting the different opportunities available to veterans and current military in the tri-county area. The fair will be located on G Street by the EOU tennis courts.

Those interested in volunteering for OES and businesses that provide or would like to provide discounts are encouraged to attend. There will be an OES table where veterans, current military, volunteers and businesses can sign up to be a part of the program.

Other pre-game activities include volleyball, soccer, a climbing wall and face painting for children.

The first 100 general admission fans will receive a free “Wear Camo and Get Proud” shirt and the first 100 veterans and current military members arriving at the Resource Fair will also receive a free shirt and lunch provided by the local and national Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In addition, the first 400 veterans and current military will receive free tickets to the game for themselves and their families. Tickets will be available at the Veterans’ Affairs table. Military issued identification cards or veteran bus passes issued by Community Connection will be required to obtain the shirts and tickets.

Leading the EOU football team onto the field will be the Drum and Bugle Corp, and two World War II Veterans will be participating in the ceremonial coin toss. The game starts at 1 p.m. at Community Stadium.

Operation Enduring Support is a year-long effort launched by community leaders in Union, Baker and Wallowa counties. The goals of OES are to publicize upcoming events honoring veterans, current military and their families; demonstrate how to get involved through volunteering; work with local businesses to provide discounts; and explain benefits available to veterans and current military.

To learn more about the event or how to get involved, contact Maegan Cargill, Operation Enduring Support coordinator, at 541-963-7111 ext: 231.