As a former Marine, Governor Kulongoski has seen firsthand the challenges of being in the military and feels passionately about supporting Oregon’s troops. The Governor has attended every funeral for Oregon soldiers who lost their lives serving overseas and has seen the impact of their deaths on their families and communities in Oregon. Governor Kulongoski has voiced concerns about the direction of the war repeatedly to the Bush Administration, including in his 2005 State of the State speech where he challenged the federal government: “Is there an exit strategy – and how far down the road is it?”

Governor Kulongoski has stood by our troops and made sure that their sacrifices are well rewarded by creating the Oregon Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Fund and a tax refund check-off to contribute to the cause. The Governor has also eliminated penalties for college students who are called to active duty. Benefits include making sure that financial assistance is given to both veterans’ attending college who agree to teach in Oregon as well as their immediate families. Additionally, veterans are allowed free hunting and angling licenses.