County changes division name to reflect commitment to veterans

November 10, 2014

From left: Andrez Posada, chair of Multnomah County's Veterans Employee Resource Group; Michelle Matthews of the SERVe Project; and Multnomah County Veterans' Services office supervisor Eric Ensley

Multnomah County has changed the name of its Aging and Disabilities Services division to Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services. The change was announced Thursday, Nov. 6 as the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed Tuesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

“Multnomah County is providing unprecedented leadership in assuring veterans have access to benefits,’’ said Eric Ensley, supervisor of Veterans’ Services.

As the county with the most veterans in Oregon -- about 42,000 - Ensley and the board thanked members of the armed services and their families for their service to our country.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Diane McKeel, Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury called out the increased investment in former service members:

  • Multnomah County continues to provide flexible funds to support Operation 424, an innovative partnership with the city and housing agencies that has helped house more than 424 homeless veterans.

Commissioner McKeel said Veterans Day is a time for Americans to honor every service member who has ever worn one of our Nation’s uniforms. But it is also personal, as her son, Jeff, is a long-serving Marine.

“Throughout our history, Americans have answered the call to duty and served our country with honor and dignity, including Oregonians currently deployed in conflicts overseas,’’ said Andrez Posada of the Veterans Employee Resource Group. “After completion of their service, Multnomah County is committed to providing the respect and care that our veterans have earned, including improved access to employment, benefits, housing, and healthcare. We urge Multnomah County residents and businesses to join us in this important charge.”