Col Stan Shope (retired) will be our guest speaker for December. You will find his experiences in Vietnam and Afghanistan to be both interesting and dangerous.
His journey started after he graduated from Southern Oregon University when he enlisted for a 4-year tour as an intelligence specialist. He was assigned to Bien Hoa airbase in Vietnam. He was serious injured and evacuated to the Army Hospital in San Francisco. After his recovery, he volunteered to return to Vietnam. He was assigned to the headquarters in Long Binh.
Stan joined the Oregon Guard in 1979 where he went through Officer training. He rose through the ranks, serving as 2Lt platoon leader, 1LT shop leader, Cpt company commander of a maintenance company, Maj - logistics officer for 41st Brigade, LTC - Battalion Commander of a support battalion, COL - Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence and Security for Oregon National Guard.
In 2006 the Oregon Army Guard was deployed to Afghanistan. They requested Stan accompany them to serve as a liason with the embassy in Kabual. He was given a Regular Army commission and trained with the guard prior to the deployment. In July 2006 the unit left Camp Shelby, MS for Afghanistan. Stan served a short while in the embassy, then was reassigned to Afghanistan North at Mars-el-Shariff. Here he responsible for training 45,000 National Police to include rifles, vehicles, uniforms, etc. He was also tasked with coordinating with German, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Canadian allies. He completed his tour and retired; spending time with his wife Deon and two daughters.
His awards include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (2), Meritorious Service Medal (2) and the Army Commendation Medal.
The Veterans Club would to wish a happy & healthy holiday season!