Oregon National Guard Ends Second Largest Domestic Mobilization

OREGON CITY, OR —For almost two years, members of the Oregon National Guard have been on a special life and death mission, a mobilization that sent more than 1,600 members to all parts of the state. They have been helping hospitals battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mission came to an end on Monday with a demobilization ceremony at Camp Withycombe.

"I cannot overstate how much of a difference this mission has made in keeping Oregonians safe and healthy," Gov. Kate Brown told the troops at the ceremony.

"The National Guard has shown Oregonians time and time again that no matter the mission, they are ready and willing to do extraordinary things, and be the heroes we need."

The mission involved going to hospitals and care facilities around the state and providing additional resources and staff to assist as they became overwhelmed.

Officials say this was the Oregon National Guard's second-largest domestic deployment after Hurricane Katrina.