Who We Are

I met my husband, Eric, on a blind date 33 years ago. I had a severe cold and he had worked a 16 hour shift. Good thing we had a second date!

In 2003, my husband retired after 22 years of service and we moved to his home state of Oregon. I love it here!! 

After 9-11, two of our three sons joined the military. One in the Air Force and the other in the Navy respectively. Like most parents, we worried more than I can put into words, but we were so proud they wanted to serve this great country. 

I’ve always wanted to do something for veterans because my family and my husband's family include many veterans.  But working 50-60 hours a week, I just focused on sending care packages when I could.

I worked as the store manager for the Canby Kiwanis Thrift Store for over 17 years. I loved working for a local nonprofit because the funds we raised helped the local families in need plus so many local projects and programs. I also earned my BS in marketing during this time.

When my husband took a position as an instructor at Portland Community College in 2022, we moved to Beaverton. I love this beautiful community!

I’m finally able to use my time, nonprofit experience and education to help local veterans like I’ve always wanted to do. The plan is to open and operate a nonprofit thrift store called “Salute Our Veterans” and hire 20 to 30 veterans looking for work.  We can also offer free clothing plus local veteran resources. This is our mission and vision all in one! 

This is a huge undertaking, but I know in my heart there are many people who want to help our veterans in a way that says, “Thank you!” so much for your dedication and service to this great country!!

Eric enlisted in the U. S. Air Force right out of High School. After basic training he went to Chanute Air Force Base where he received his initial training in Aerospace Propulsion Maintenance Technology (Jet Engine Maintenance).

His first assignment after completing technical training was Kadena Air Base, in Okinawa Japan. This is where he was introduced to the F-15 Eagle aircraft. 

After Kadena, he would continue his career with a short assignment at Hill AFB in Utah, where he worked on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. From there he was again assigned to Kadena. His final assignment was to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. And, again, he was able to work on the F-15 Eagles. Here is where he went from being an Engine specialist to an Aircraft Crew Chief. While stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Eric did six tours of duty in the Middle East before, during and after the Gulf War.

After 13 years at Seymore Johnson, Eric retired and came home to Oregon. 

His first job was working for Office Depot for a year before taking a job at Columbia Helicopters in Aurora, OR. He worked at Columbia for over 19 years before accepting an offer from Portland Community College as a full time instructor to teach in their Aviation Maintenance Technology program.

Eric is honored to be a part of the mission to help local veterans.

Fred is a Vietnam era veteran who was stationed stateside, Air Training Command, E-5, medical, primary duty AeroVac coordinator, Amarillo AFB TX and Mather AFB CA.   

He attended Portland State and studied Business and Computer Science.

He has over forty years experience in sales and logistics. He worked as a Teamster for the interstate truck drivers, labor negotiations, distribution management, warehouse management, commodities trader and sales management.

Fred has also been a volunteer for many organizations through the years including: Washington County ESPD Budget Committee, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District Budget Committee,  WashCo Citizen Participation Org (CPO7) Steering Committee, Several Homeowner Association  and currently Adjutant for American Legion Beaverton Post #124.

Fred is a wonderful advocate for local veterans and his experience and knowledge has helped in so many ways.

My name is Jan Sakala and I have lived in the Beaverton area for 40 years. I am now enjoying retirement life after 22 years of employment. I enjoy the time that I spend with my daughters’ families with 6 wonderful grandkids. Nana time is the best! 

It is an honor to serve as a board member for Salute to Veterans with Agnes Vangsnes. I admire her dedication and respect to support our wonderful veterans. My Dad was in the Marine Corps for 20 years and retired from Camp Pendleton in the 1960’s. I too, have a special fondness for military men and women veterans that have served our country in the past as well as our current military families that sacrifice so much to serve and protect us all.