Veterans Thank You for Your Service. I Am Deeply Grateful

Kay Endo, Chip Larouche, Ron Iwasaki, Ed Fujii, Henry Ueno, Don Matsuda, Setsy Larouche, Eddie Kajitsu, Joe Onchi, Rev. Anna Cho, Rich Iwasaki, Portland Oregon

Armed services veterans (l to r) Kay Endo, Chip Larouche, Ron Iwasaki, Ed Fujii, Henry Ueno, Don Matsuda, Setsy Larouche, Eddie Kajitsu, and Joe Onchi pose for a group photo with Rev. Anna Cho (third from left) at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon. Photo by Rich Iwasaki

I Am Deeply Grateful for the Service of Our Men and Women Who Serve Us

I am honored today to be able to spend my day with those who protect and serve us each and everyday in Portland, Oregon. I’m talking about Portland, Oregon’s professional law enforcement officers.

Today is my inaugural “Ride-Along” with the Men and Women who Serve in the Portland Police Department. I met last Sunday morning with Sergeants Crooper and Niiya to strategically create a schedule that might provide the most meaningful Ride-Along experience that would also include an opportunity to visit with different Precincts and hopefully begin to understand their unique challenges in the many different areas of Portland.

While visiting with Chief Chris Uehara a few weeks ago, I had an Epiphany; The ONE THING I am most proud of in the City of Portland, Oregon — We’re Different Here! And that includes the Culture of our Portland Police Professionals. So, with all due respect and best manners at hand, I set off on my next journey with the Portland Police Department with open eyes.