Odell resident John Buckley, shown with his 2026 Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award, has made monthly trips to the Oregon Veteran’s Home with a truck filled with items off veterans’ wish lists.
Odell resident John Buckley, shown with his 2026 Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award, has made monthly trips to the Oregon Veteran’s Home with a truck filled with items off veterans’ wish lists.
HOOD RIVER — The Oregon State Elks Association (OSEA) presented John Buckley with the 2026 Veteran Volunteer of the Year Award at the state Elks convention, held April 23-25 in Seaside. The award honors Elk members who have demonstrated outstanding service to veterans and military members in need in their state.
For about 25 years, Buckley, who lives in Odell, has made monthly trips to Portland to purchase hundreds of requested snacks, drinks, and other personal items on a wish list from the Oregon Veteran’s Home’s Recreation Director Jade Lange.
“His pickup truck is always filled when he delivers to the home,” said Emma Pletz, an OSEA spokesperson. “John is a dedicated supporter of veterans and has been for many years. If a need comes up at the Veteran’s Home, especially for holiday or special events, he finds a way to make it happen with the lodge’s support.”
“We truly couldn’t do what we do without the generous caring support of organizations like the OSEA and volunteers like John. Your giving hearts really help us provide meaningful resources, comfort and joy to the veterans we are honored to serve each day,” Lange said.
Pletz added that Buckley holds many positions at Hood River’s lodge, including lodge treasurer, chair of the Americanism Committee, public relations committee, Christmas basket program, and Elks memorial service. An Elk member for almost 50 years, he’s also a three-time past-Exalted Ruler.
When he is not participating in Elk projects, he delivers Meals on Wheels each week.
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