Oregon Honors Forgotten Veterans Laid to Rest After Decades
Eight veterans and one family member interred with full honors at Willamette National Cemetery
PORTLAND, Ore. — After decades of waiting, nine individuals — including eight U.S. military veterans — were finally laid to rest with full military honors at Willamette National Cemetery, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) announced.
The remains, unclaimed for decades and held by the Oregon State Hospital, were interred in a solemn ceremony on October 22. The veterans, born between 1880 and 1911, served in both the U.S. Army and Navy. At least five were World War I veterans — young men who once left farms, factories, and small towns across America to serve in the Great War.
Among those honored were native Oregonians and veterans from as far as Nebraska, New York, Colorado, California, and the Philippines. Their dates of death ranged from 1932 to 1966.
“This ceremony was a deeply meaningful reminder of the debt we owe to all who have worn our nation’s uniform,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, ODVA director. “Even when time and circumstance separate us from their stories, our duty remains — to remember, to honor, and to ensure that every veteran is laid to rest with the dignity they earned through their service.”
Jim Diegel, interim superintendent of the Oregon State Hospital, added that the moment was one of long-awaited recognition. “These men have now been laid to rest with the dignity and honor befitting those who have served our country,” he said. “Knowing they are now seen, recognized and their long silent voices finally heard means they are no longer forgotten.”
Honoring lives of service
Each veteran recognized during the ceremony had a story of dedication and courage:
Ray Carpenter, Oregon Army National Guard powderman, World War I
Filipe Castillon, served honorably in both the U.S. Army and Navy
Guy Earl Cramer, U.S. Navy veteran
August Chris Hansen, Nebraska-born farmer, World War I veteran who sought to reenlist at age 49 during World War II
Kenneth Wesley Hugunin, joined the U.S. Navy at just 15 years old
John Jacob Jordan, served in France during World War I and later sought to reenlist at age 53
Thomas O’Connor, San Francisco native, Army engineer
Earl Eugene Pollock, U.S. Army veteran, World War I
This interment marks part of an ongoing partnership between the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Oregon State Hospital, working alongside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration to identify and properly honor unclaimed veterans once in state care.
Together, the agencies are ensuring that no veteran — no matter how much time has passed — is forgotten.
For more information about ODVA’s programs and services, visit www.oregon.gov/odva