On Veterans Day 2021, the Central Oregon Veterans Village opened its doors to homeless veterans. The community comprises 15 transitional shelters as well as a community building.

The project was a joint venture between the Central Oregon Veterans Outreach and the Bend Heroes Foundation, co-founded by Lt. Col. Dick Tobiason, USA (Ret), a member of the Central Oregon Chapter of MOAA.

It is just one of more than 35 projects Tobiason and his foundation have completed.

Since Tobiason retired from the Army in 1977 after 20 years of service, he has made it his mission to give back to those who have served the nation.

“You will not fail if you’re doing something for veterans,” he said. “There’s a list a mile long [of veterans who need assistance].”

Tobiason is doing his part to assist. His efforts began after meeting Army Technician 5th Grade Bob Maxwell, a Medal of Honor recipient. Together they started a flag program, created a veterans’ memorial in Bend, organized Honor Flights for World War II veterans, and began a memorial highway program.

After Maxwell died in 2019, Tobiason continued his work through the Bend Heroes Foundation, which Tobiason started with his son, Erik.

Today, Tobiason has 93 signs on 2,930 miles of highways, designating them in honor of veterans of each war beginning with World War I and in honor of Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients, prisoners of war, and those missing in action.

He currently is working to designate a highway in honor of Gold Star families.

“We’ve done all these highways for veterans, but what about the families they’ve left behind?” he said.

At age 88, Tobiason reflects on the work he has done.

“It’s hard work and long term, but you’ll be rewarded with the outcome,” he said. “Veterans are a dying population. What are you doing to leave your mark? I know what I have done, and I hope my story will inspire others to do something noble in their life.”
 

'You will not fail if you’re doing something for veterans. There’s a list a mile long [of veterans who need assistance].'