Tom Koenninger, Dec. 23: Group steps up to support military

Historically, it’s a downer. From a community standpoint, it’s an opportunity to continue support of the military.

Background: The U.S. Army, which has been active at the Vancouver Barracks on the Fort Vancouver Historic Site for 160 years, is ending its presence there. When the new Reserve Center is completed on Fourth Plain, the military will be gone from its traditional Vancouver location.

Officers at Vancouver Barracks in the 19th and 20th centuries rose to national and international fame and recognition. Among them: Ulysses S. Grant, Gens. George C. Marshall, Oliver Otis Howard, Phil Sheridan, George McClellan.

In current times, two former Barracks commanders — Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard and Clark College President Robert Knight — remained in the community, using their skills and intellect to lead the growth and betterment of their respective institutions. But the last large military unit, the 104th Timberwolves training division, bid its goodbye to Vancouver on Sept. 19, and prepared to move to Fort Lewis. It had been at the Vancouver Barracks since 1946, and had participated in community and military events. One, the tree lighting at the Barracks, was a long-standing Christmastime activity sponsored by the 104th, with the public invited to sing carols and mingle with the troops.

So who will handle Memorial Day, the Veterans Day parade and carry out other necessary support services of the military? Enter CMAC, a new organization. The acronym stands for Community Military Appreciation Committee. The Red Cross will be an affiliate organization.

Sparking the group are two longtime military supporters, Larry Smith, Army veteran and Vancouver councilman, and Dan Tarbell of 40 and et 8, who saw service in the Navy from 1963 to 1969. They are organizing CMAC, and intend to serve as co-chairs only through 2010.

In a letter inviting community representation, they wrote: “In addition to planning events for our community, there is also an opportunity for CMAC to provide support and assistance to deployed military and their families.” CMAC will be comprised of about 30 representatives from veterans, education, civil, local government and business organizations. Representatives are sought from Young Marines, Civil Air Patrol, Patriot Riders, Portland ROTC, City of Vancouver, Clark College, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Elks, Rotary, Lions, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Combat Hospital, American Legion, Red Cross and Veterans Administration.

The first meeting is Jan. 15 at 8:30 a.m. at the 40 et 8 Chateau, 7607 N.E. 26th Ave. The committee will be formally established, and begin planning for the Memorial Day Service. CMAC will seek 501c(3) nonprofit status.

Smith and Tarbell said the 40 et 8 will be the host organization. The Fort Vancouver National Trust will assist the new group. Additional information can be obtained from Tarbell at 360-521-0540 or Smith, 360-910-8656.

Tarbell and Smith were co-chairmen of the committee that planned farewell activities of the 104th division. Smith said CMAC “is something I have been pushing for a year with the pending loss of the l04th division.”

Tarbell said the organization will reach out to veterans and the community to plan and carry out events which have become part of the military tradition in the Vancouver area.

Vancouver, the home of a military post for more than a century and a half, has a long-standing reputation for patriotism and military backing. “We love Vancouver, and will miss our relationship with the city,” said Col. (now brigadier general) Daniel L. York, commander of the 104th, reflecting on the division’s long-term residency at the Barracks.

More power to Tarbell, Smith and CMAC. Armed forces support is essential, proper and expected in this community, which has significant and deep historic military roots.

Tom Koenninger is editor emeritus of The Columbian. His column of personal opinion appears on Wednesdays. Reach him at koenninger@comcast.net.