Cameron Smith: Raising a toast to our veterans and their families
Join me this November 11 in raising a toast to salute our fallen and their families, veterans of all eras, and those still in uniform serving around the world.
Cameron Smith served three tours in Iraq as a U.S. Marine and is a past director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
A model in service to one’s country and community
The first time I met fellow veteran Dawson Officer, we bonded over a whiskey that was smooth and subtle, with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and spice. But we weren't at a bar and didn't even share a drink.
Instead, we were at the Oregon National Guard's Camp Withycombe. Dawson was there to serve as the keynote speaker at a conference focused on helping veterans start, sustain, and grow their businesses. He was speaking as a subject matter expert. In addition to being a combat veteran, Dawson founded and owns 4 Spirits Distillery, a local small batch operation.
His expertise extended beyond how to start a business; he also knew what it meant to start a mission-driven organization. When launching the distillery, Dawson became troubled by the fact that even as thousands of Americans were serving overseas, the conflicts in the Middle East barely registered as a concern in public opinion polls.
Dawson felt compelled to act and dedicated his new business in honor of four soldiers with whom he served in the Oregon National Guard: Lt. Erik McCrae, Sgt. Justin Eyerly, Sgt. Justin Linden and Sgt. David Roustum—four soldiers who were his brothers in arms and gave their lives in Baghdad. The honor and recognition Dawson afforded to his brothers goes beyond a name—he continues to give back today by sending a share of proceeds to local veteran services.
The lesson to learn from 4 Spirits
The essence of Dawson's distillery captures the meaning of Veterans Day: a day when we honor military service and sacrifice, but also celebrate how veterans from the greatest generation of World War II to the latest generation of Iraq and Afghanistan continue to serve and build our communities.
At the same time, we must also have an honest appraisal of the impacts of war upon return and our shared commitment to support those who have borne the battle.
As a Marine, I spent almost two years in the sands of Iraq. When I left the military, the transition was a challenge. I missed the higher calling of a shared mission. I missed the close connections forged in the long stretches of boredom and intense adrenalin surges on deployment. I also struggled to explain to employers how I could add value.
But my experiences pale in comparison to those of many veterans who are challenged by the visible and invisible wounds of war. We must understand that those most impacted by their service have a tenacious spirit and resiliency. They deserve the best in care, resources, and support. These provisions are an investment in their continued leadership for our state and nation.
This Veterans Day, Dawson would remind us that we still have our Armed Forces deployed around the world. Of particular note, hundreds of Oregonians served overseas this year in what was the second largest mobilization of the Oregon National Guard since World War II.
Please join me this November 11 in raising a toast to salute our fallen and their families, veterans of all eras, and those still in uniform serving around the world. Let us recognize them on this one day and commit to partnering throughout the year to ensure that our military, veterans, and their families thrive in Oregon.
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