GOP Rep Blasts Governor For Missing Military Events

Former Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski was known for his dedication to members of the Armed Forces. Notably, the governor made it a point to attend the funeral of every Oregonian who died while fighting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So far during Governor John Kitzhaber's return to office, two Oregon soldiers have died overseas. The Governor has not attended the funeral of either one. When services for Marine Sargeant Matthew DeYoung were held in February, Governor Kitzhaber was in Washington DC at a meeting of the National Governor's Association. And this past weekend Kitzhaber did not attend the funeral of Oregon National Guard specialist Andrew Lara, who died last month in Iraq.

GOP Representative Julie Parrish blasted the governor on her Facebook page, noting that the governor also did not attend the Saturday opening of an Army Reserve benefits center in Oregon City. Parrish writes:

Still frustrated from yesterday so just going to get it off my chest. HUGELY disappointed in the Governor. Two very important military events yesterday; he attended neither. I get that family time is important, but as an Army wife, let me tell you, family doesn't always come first. I appreciate Oregon's leadership who showed up. Gov chose to serve Oregon for a third time - he should've been there yesterday! #fail

Parrish told me today that Kitzhaber may not realize the importance of his role as Commander-in-Chief. The first-term representative, whose husband serves in the Oregon National Guard, said "that means something to me, to see the folks who lead our service, show up and be there for the family."

Kitzhaber's press secretary, Christine Miles, did not respond directly to Parrish's comments, but said the governor had "family obligations" that kept him from attending the two events. Miles says the governor sent "high-ranking officials" in his place.