November Newsletter
Thank you Tony for editing our November 2010 newsletter.
Albany Marine Dies While Serving in Afghanistan
ALBANY, Ore. — An Albany family is grieving after getting the worst kind of news.
One of their loved ones serving in Afghanistan was killed.
Lance Cpl. Joseph E. Rodewald, 21, of Albany, died after being hit by a roadside bomb.
The Marine’s family and friends say he was brave beyond words and was doing what he loved.
“When they told me that I couldn’t believe it. It was very numbing,” Jacque Brotherton, Joseph’s mother.
“Actually, I thought that they were just going to tell me that he was seriously injured, because Joe of all people, you would think that he’d last forever,” Brotherton said.
Rodewald’s family says he was riding in a convoy in the crow’s nest as a gunner when he was hit buy an IED or roadside bomb.
He was rushed to a hospital, but the injuries were too severe.
“I didn’t expect it because he just went over there. He had high hopes,” said John Rodewald, Joseph’s father.
Rodewald’s father, along with the rest of his family is now remembering the man they say lived to serve his country.
The South Albany High School grad played football, wrestled, and was a team leader.
“He was really that ultimate teammate that encouraged other people to do their best, so that leader by example is how I’ll remember him,” said Brent Belveal, former football coach.
His family says that memory now serves as an example to others not only for the life he gave fighting for his country, but it shows just how short life can be.
“When you’re with someone and they’re leaving, don’t hold back, don’t just tell them you love them, hug them, because you never know,” said Josiah Rodewald, Joseph’s brother.
The Rodewald family will now travel to Maryland then to the Dover Air Force Base where the Marine will be transferred. They say a memorial service will be planned sometime next week.
Spaghetti Feed – Nov 7
What: Veteran’s Day Spaghetti Feed
Where: Grace Pointe Church
10750 SE 42nd Ave
Milwaukie, OR 97222
When: Sunday, November 7th, 2010
4:15PM Doors Open
5:00PM Color Guard, Keynote Speakers
5:30PM Dinner Served
Music, Entertainment, Education
7PM End
Sponsor: Michelle Davidson, Oregon Military Support Network and friends
Shepherds of Helmand – New Movie
SPECIAL SNEAK PEEK of “SHEPHERDS OF HELMAND”
1900 on 28 October 2010 at
The Academy Theater
7818 SE Stark Street
Portland, Oregon
Price: $10 per person
Seating is limited so please RSVP to alishahamel@aol.com or 503-705-5965
Lucky Forward Films working in cooperation with The Historical Outreach Foundation is conducting a special sneak peek fundraiser of Gary Mortensen’s new documentary telling the story of Oregon Guardsmen deployed to Afghanistan in 2008.
In 2008, a group of 17 volunteers from the Oregon National Guard deployed to Afghanistan to train a battalion of the Afghan National army. Their mission was to conduct counter narcotics patrols in the deadly Helmand Province, a region notorious not only for its opium production but as a Taliban stronghold. This is the story of one of the most decorated units in Oregon National Guard history. Produced and edited by Lucky Forward Films. Find them on the web at www.shepherdsofhelmand.com
The Historical Outreach Foundation (HOF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit that travels throughout Oregon and into Washington to teach Lewis and Clark and Oregon’s Role in WWII to students and organizations at little or no cost to the schools. The HOF is also newly able to raise money to support the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe that tells the history of Oregon Military from past to present. The HOF is an Oregon Cultural Trust Partner.
Originally launched in 1948, the Academy Theater was a popular Montavilla destination until its closure in the 1970s. Over the following years, it fell into disrepair, but a full-scale renovation has been completed, including careful restoration of the glittering rounded lobby with its soaring, metallic two-story dome. Great attention was paid to every detail of the project. Using vintage photos from the original opening night, even the theater’s signature marquee has been recreated to imbue the building with authentic 1940s charm.
Mr. Plywood is allowing us to use their parking lot after 6pm. There is street parking one block off of Stark in all directions.


The Post meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 pm.
Everyone is invited to brunch every Saturday from 10AM – Noon at 

Deployed family members support group, last Friday of each month 5:30PM to 7:30PM.