Oregon Air Guard to honor Battle Ground on Thursday

Battle Ground will be honored Thursday morning at the Oregon National Guard’s “executive briefing” in Portland.

The Oregon National Guard will host government, civic and business leaders during the 7:30 a.m. event at Portland Air National Guard Base.

As part of the event, the 142nd Fighter Wing will have a Cities of Honor ceremony for Battle Ground and Pendleton, Ore., noting their community support of Oregon’s citizen-airmen.

The event also will highlight top employers of National Guard members.

Those scheduled to participate include Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, former Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, 2001 Miss America Katie Harmon and Army Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Oregon’s adjutant general.

Retired Brig. Gen. James B. Thayer will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The World War II veteran and recipient of the Silver Star and Bronze Star will be joined by his son, Tommy Thayer, guitarist with the rock band Kiss.

They will discuss the $6.5 million campaign to renovate the Oregon Military Museum, which will be named in Brig. Gen. Thayer’s honor.

Attendance is limited. Register here.