Veterans
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More on Veterans
By Brenna Visser / Photo By Dean Guernsey
In his first trip back to Oregon since being sworn in early this year, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario, came to speak at the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch north of Bend in honor of Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Dozens of veterans, their friends and families gathered Monday at the ranch, which supports veterans by offering peer support and agriculture-related therapy.
“We’re here to honor you for your sacrifice and your suffering,” Alison Perry, Founder of Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, said at the event.
During a visit to Bend on Monday, Rep. Cliff Bentz presented a certificate and U.S. Capitol flag to Kristin Gyford, an Air Force veteran and licensed clinical social worker who received a Women Veteran Trailblazers award from the VA.
The awards recognize veteran women who continue to serve other veterans in their community.
Gyford is the only Oregonian, and one of 27 women to earn the distinction this year. She founded Still Serving Counseling and Services in Bend, which helps veterans, first responders and their families.