Honored Veteran 2026

I moved to Scio, Oregon at a young age, and it was a wonderful place to grow up in the 1970s and 1980s. I
was blessed with supportive parents and a deeply involved extended family. Athletics quickly became a central part of my life, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated volunteer coaches who invested countless hours in our generation. Leaders like Dean Ferguson, Bill Allen, Tom Mask, Jim Cole, Bob Stearns, Gordon Harper, Chuck Bates, and many others gave us every opportunity to succeed—not just in sports, but in life.

After graduating from Scio High School in 1984, I worked various jobs and attended Linn-Benton Community College and Western Oregon University. Even during that time, I felt a strong obligation to serve our country. My father and uncle both served during the height of the Vietnam War, and I believed that if they could serve during such a challenging time, I could serve during a more peaceful one. I joined the United States Army in August 1987 and served until November 1994. From Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, to Advanced Individual Training at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and through each of my duty assignments, I valued every part of my Army experience.

My first assignment was at Field Station Kunia in Hawaii, where I served as a Counterintelligence/Electronic
Warfare/Signals Intelligence Morse Intercept Operator. I later served at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida,
before returning to Field Station Kunia. At both locations, we carried out live missions that were challenging,
meaningful, and rewarding. After completing my military service, I returned to Oregon and used the GI Bill to attend Chemeketa Community College. It was there that I met my wife of nearly 30 years, Chelle. Together we have three children—Mackenzie, Jayson, and Nathan—and five grandchildren: Myles, Easton, Macy, Kinnlee, and Mayson.

While attending Chemeketa, I began working for Hewlett-Packard, where I spent 19 years. During that time, I
earned my bachelor’s degree from Linfield University. I later accepted the position of IT Manager at Scio
School District, where I have worked for the past 12 years. When offered the role, I was also asked to serve as
Athletic Director—an opportunity I was proud to accept, as athletics has always been one of my passions. Over the past 22 years, I have coached high school football, baseball, and softball. My time in the military shaped who I am in profound ways. My drill sergeant, Sergeant Torrez, used to say, “Joe—you don’t know nothing about nothing.” He called everyone Joe. At the time, he was right. What I gained in the Army went far beyond technical skills. I learned humility, the importance of putting the team before yourself, and how to work alongside people from all backgrounds toward a common goal.

Thank you to the Lamb and Wool Fair committee for this honor and I would like to thank all that served before me, with me, and after me, you are all appreciated!