October 14, 2021 4:20 a.m.

Democratic members of Oregon’s congressional delegation are asking for answers regarding the alleged mistreatment of Oregon National Guard servicemembers deployed to assist with the state’s COVID-19 response.

In a letter to Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Major General Michael E. Stencel, the lawmakers called attention to reports they’ve received from ORNG members regarding mistreatment, lack of organization, delay of benefits and pay, and failure to pay ORNG members what they are owed. The letter said the reports indicate a potentially disturbing pattern of mistreatment during this recent deployment.

The letter from Congressman Peter DeFazio, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Kurt Schrader and Suzanne Bonamici, said the members of the guard are “…fellow Oregonians who give their time and sacrifice to serve our communities in times of need”. Lawmakers said the efforts are bolstering hospitals and “…helping our communities and loved ones during a deadly pandemic”.  The letter said ORNG members deserve effective and efficient leadership, support and management, and “…they deserve to receive the full pay and benefits they’ve earned”.

Lawmakers requested a detailed response from the state on how it will address the issues and called on leaders to immediately rectify the reported accounts. The full letter is linked: https://defazio.house.gov/sites/defazio.house.gov/files/OR%20Del%20Letter%20to%20Gov%20Brown%20and%20OMD%20regarding%20OR%20National%20Guard%20COVID%20Deployment%20%2812%20October%202021%29%20%28PDF%29.pdf