After Nearly 60 Years, Larry Davis Receives Official Recognition as a Tribal Veteran
Veterans Services Officer Matthew Case (left) and Tribal Elder Veteran Larry Albert Davis
Larry Albert Davis, who had not received official status as a veteran for almost 60 years after serving in the National Guard, has finally been officially recognized, thanks to help from the Tribal Veterans Service Office (TVSO).
Davis joined the National Guard after graduating high school in 1962, and was made a corporal and squad leader at Fort Ord, Oregon. After basic training, he was one of 30 soldiers among 30,000 to go into training to be a non-commissioned officer.
“I wanted to serve,” said Davis. “I wanted to make a career out of it, to be a sniper, and I was a really good shot.”
However, a policy stating that the sole surviving son or daughter of someone who served in the armed forces cannot enter active duty in an active fire zone soon put an end to Davis’ career, and he was honorably discharged.
In the years since, Davis has not been officially recognized as a veteran, as decades of records were destroyed in a fire at the records center in 1973. This has caused him to be denied for many veterans benefits, and has caused a fair amount of anxiety.
“Lost records can be a big part of why veterans are denied for claims or benefits,” says Veterans Service Officer Matthew Case. “Luckily, thanks to the Tribal Liaison at the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, I was able to help get him his DD Form 214, and finally get proof that he served.”
Now, Davis has finally received his veterans card, and is getting the recognition he deserves. His success story isn’t the only one, either. Since the opening of the TVSO, Case has been able to help many Tribal veterans overcome some of the difficulties they’ve faced in getting their benefits.
Case says that it is common for veterans to be discouraged from pursuing benefits after facing a denial or the long process of applying. “You can fight it; there are steps you can go through if you disagree with their ruling, and I’m here to help. I have contacts at the VA, the county office, other Tribes, and more that can help you.”
The TVSO is available to help any veteran that is a Tribal member, or has a Tribal member in their family.
Tribal Veterans Service Office
500 SE Cass Ave, Roseburg OR 97470
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8 AM- 5 PM
Appointment Days:
Mon: 1 PM – 4 PM
Wed: 8 AM – 4 PM
Contact the TVSO at (541) 677-5513 or matthew.case@cowcreek-nsn.gov
