There’s never been a better time than right now for veterans to step forward and lend a helping hand to our community – especially in assisting other vets.

Bend is growing by leaps and bounds, and so is the number of veterans who live in Central Oregon. Many of the people who’ve moved to Bend from out-of-state are also veterans – and we’re seeing many ”new” veterans returning home from active duty in the war on terrorism.

Veterans are an important part of our community, and they deserve not only our respect but also our support. Most quietly go about living their lives and are often too proud to ask for help when it’s needed.

Who better knows the needs of these citizens than those who have walked in their shoes? Fortunately, there are several excellent veteran support groups in the Bend area – and each has a dedicated membership.

Some examples include The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association and the Vietnam Veterans Association. There are also several other excellent vet and active military advocacy groups ranging from Caring for Troops to Central Oregon Veterans Outreach. We are additionally fortunate to have the Deschutes County Veterans Services Office ready and willing to assist vets in obtaining their benefits.

But what’s astounding is that if you add up all the veterans and good folks who belong to these and other associated groups, their numbers are just a drop in the bucket compared to the actual number of vets who live in Central Oregon.

Did you know that over 15,000 veterans are located in Deschutes County – and that 5,000 of those live in Bend alone? Did you know that some 20 percent of Oregon’s total veteran population lives in Central Oregon? Many have gone on to become successful business people.

So, there’s a huge and untapped veterans’ community out there – and it’s time for veterans to step away from the sidelines and get involved once again. There are many ways to do so.

I’m partial to the American Legion, because, as our nation’s largest veterans group, it’s the most inclusive, and membership is open to anyone who’s honorably served our country during any war time period. Our mission is to not only serve veterans, but also youth and the community at large. The ways in which to do so are plentiful – and that’s where vets helping vets comes into play.

Like many of the above mentioned groups, American Legion Post No. 4 is working to expand the availability of health care to Central Oregon’s veterans. The fine VA clinic that’s located in Bend is stretched beyond capacity, and many veterans are required to travel to Portland for medical treatment. Imagine the hundreds of miles and countless hours they travel in rain, sleet and snow each year to see a doctor – sometimes just for an hour’s appointment. We’re working with other veteran groups to change this picture so health care is more accessible.

Our post is also building a great relationship with the National Guard here in Bend so that when their men and women are deployed, we can help their families in times of need. And, we want to help these soldiers be successful when they return and reconnect with their community.

We’re also investing in the future of our town by talking to elementary school children about what it truly means to be a veteran, and to show good citizenship and respect for our nation’s symbol-the U.S. flag. These children come to appreciate that Veterans Day and Memorial Day means much more than a day off from school.

Our post is also helping Bend high school students to receive scholarships and attend programs that provide hands-on experience in conducting the business of local and state government-gaining life skills that will serve them in years ahead.

We’re working to revitalize Legion baseball and are supporting scouting – all of which enables our young people to thrive and become good citizens.

When I moved to Bend five years ago, I was amazed by the unusually large number of excellent organizations that assist citizens in many ways. Now it’s time for veterans to answer the call to build a stronger community for our fellow patriots and city at large. Pick the veterans’ group that suits you best-but the key is to get involved. Every veteran counts because together we win.