Dick Tobiason wasn’t at the public hearing in Salem for House Concurrent Resolution 202, which honors his dedication to veterans across Oregon. In true Tobiason fashion, he instead spent the day with an old friend celebrating the anniversary of her release from a prisoner of war camp in Vietnam.

“She was repatriated the same day I brought 27 POWs out of Vietnam,” Tobiason said. “We celebrate Monday, Feb. 12 every year no matter what.”

Even though HCB 202 specifically recognizes Tobiason’s work in Central Oregon over the last 20 years, from establishing nine memorial highways in Oregon to advocating at the local, state and federal level for veterans, his absence speaks to his philosophy: the work isn’t about him. Instead, it’s about recognizing POWs, those missing in action and families of veterans killed in action, otherwise known as Gold Star Families.

“Dick needs no introduction to this committee. He’s been involved in nearly every session over the past 14 years with the committee, promoting legislation to honor veterans and their families by the designation of veterans highways across the state,” said Army veteran and state Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton, just before the Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans committee approved passage of the resolution to the Senate.

Just as the Oregon Legislature needs little reminder of Tobiason’s contributions, his reputation in Bend precedes him. Over the years, he’s been intensely involved in the veterans community, from organizing Veterans Day events to spearheading an initiative to rename a bridge after World War II Veteran Bob Maxwell.

While the resolution still needs to be evaluated during a Senate work session and public hearing, Tobiason hopes it will pass before March 25, which is National Medal of Honor Day.

“Dick Tobiason has spent his life in retirement honoring veterans,” said Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend. “He is an incredible person that cares for people. It has been my honor to partner with Dick, the Oregon veteran community and many legislators to honor so many veterans in so many ways. It’s time to honor Dick Tobiason for his selfless commitment to our veterans.”

During his 20 years of military service, Tobiason spent two tours in Vietnam, became a combat-wounded veteran and Purple-Heart recipient. While in Vietnam, he served as a commanding officer of a forward air patrol unit and an advisor to the South Vietnamese government. Afterward, Tobiason worked at NASA as a manager of its flight research program. Eventually he retired from his service as a lieutenant colonel and Army Master Aviator.

In 2010, Tobiason founded the Bend Heroes Foundation, which has since completed various highway projects, established the Bend Heroes Memorial and created the Central Oregon Veterans Village, which helps homeless veterans move into permanent housing and find stable employment.

“For decades, Lt. Col. Tobiason has been a tireless champion for the veteran community in Central Oregon and the entire state,” said Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend. “He and the Bend Heroes Foundation have done incredible work supporting our living veterans and remembering and honoring all those who have served. This honor is much deserved and a testament to his lifetime of service.”

At nearly 89 years old, Tobiason says he will be finishing 20 years of service to veterans by dedicating the longest highway in Oregon to 6,000 Gold Star Families.

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“When we dedicate the 477-mile Oregon Gold Star Families Memorial Highway across Oregon on U.S. Highway 30 this year … Bend Heroes Foundation, the Legislature, four governors, veterans groups, and many other patriots will have dedicated 103 highway signs on 3,450 miles of highways within Oregon,” Tobiason wrote in his testimony for HCB 202.

Tobiason was also recently honored by the Deschutes County Commission for his work with veterans in Central Oregon and will be inducted into the Oregon Military Hall of Fame on April 28.

Retired veteran Dick Tobiason champions Central Oregon vets