U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-Oregon) provided the chapter with an American flag. Attendees then had the opportunity to bid on the flag and have it flown over the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. on the date of their choice.
Mike Goe, a long-time Hood River resident and orchardist, won the flag and chose to honor his recently deceased uncle, Don Goe, by having it flown over the Capitol on Don’s birthday, July 7, 2014. Later that summer, the flag was presented to Don’s wife, Helen, on August 28 by Risa Wonsyld, an aide to Congressman Walden.
Below is a letter Rep. Walden sent to North Central Oregon Chapter volunteers:
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| Rep. Greg Walden |
Oregonians know how important it is to protect our beautiful state, preserve access to public lands, and educate others, especially young people, about our proud hunting heritage. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation works hard on these goals and more, here in Oregon and nationwide. That’s why I was proud to donate an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol to the North Central Oregon RMEF chapter to be auctioned at their annual banquet.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is active all over Oregon. You have over 14,000 members in our state, have raised over $21 million, and have conserved over 750,000 acres in Oregon. Keep up the good work!
I am proud to support these important efforts around the state, and I’ll continue to work on behalf of Oregonians to grow and strengthen rural communities, protect access to public lands, and stand up for our Second Amendment rights.
Greg Walden
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| Risa Wonsyld, Helen Goe and Mike Goe (left to right) |