April 3, 2023 3:00 a.m. 

Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice and Tim Freeman have announced that Veterans Service Office Director Mary Newman-Keyes was recently honored with the prestigious Honorary Life Membership award from the Vietnam Veterans of America.

A County release said the award was presented to Keyes by the Umpqua Valley’s VVA Chapter #805. The award is given to only a select number of individuals each year due to their dedication in helping and serving veterans, but who would not otherwise be eligible to obtain a VVA membership.

Umpqua Valley VVA Chapter President Bill Duncan was instrumental in nominating Keyes on behalf of himself and other local members of the organization.

Chapter Vice President Roger Boucock said, “All of us at Chapter #805 are proud to call Mary one of our own. She is an angel. She does so much for the veterans in our community. What she does, she does not out of duty, but from her heart”. Boucock said “This is a rare honor, and we are proud to be able to honor her with this membership award”.

According to the national organization, the honorary life membership requires the signed recommendation and approval from the National VVA Board and is only given to individuals who meet a specific list of criteria.

Keyes served as the local VSO from 2001 to 2013 when she left to take on the same role in Benton County. She returned to the local position in January of 2018.