Click here to signup for Paul's Newsletter!

Public Comments - Media

Election or not, Evans heads to Afghanistan
Polk County Itemizer-Observer
October 17, 2006

MONMOUTH -- Paul Evans had planned to be at the Grand Ballroom in Salem the evening of Nov. 7, to learn alongside family, friends and supporters whether he had won his race for a seat in the Oregon Senate.

Paul Evans - Guard says it needs him for 60 days.

Craig Coleman
October 17, 2006

MONMOUTH -- Paul Evans had planned to be at the Grand Ballroom in Salem the evening of Nov. 7, to learn alongside family, friends and supporters whether he had won his race for a seat in the Oregon Senate.

Instead, the candidate for District 10 will most likely be enroute to Afghanistan with other members of the 116th Air Control Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard.

Evans officially completed his military service in 2005, and had then opted not to volunteer for another tour abroad. But unit commanders asked Evans a few weeks ago to take part in a 60-day mission because of his experience as an air battle commander.

He agreed, despite being in the midst of an election campaign against incumbant Rep. Jackie Winters of Salem.

"Sometimes duty means doing things that need to be done," he said. "It's an important mission, though I wish the timing was different."

But "I'm going now because I wanted to help out my unit and keep soldiers safe during the critical period during the holidays," he also said.

Evans said he will be deployed on Nov. 5 and will return home as a civilian in early January -- in time to serve in the state senate, if elected.

In Afghanistan, Evans will be responsible for command and control of surveillance systems and tactical aircraft within "a specified theater of operations."

"Major Evans has unique skills that are critical to the safety of our troops," said Brig. Gen. Mike Caldwell, deputy director of the Oregon Air rational Guard. "I'm grateful that he is willing to ship out to Afghanistan, even in the last few days of a close campaign.

"He understands the true meaning of service."

Evans served in this capacity in Iraq in 2003 and 2005, in Kuwait, and in other parts of the world. This will be his eighth time in a combat zone.

Leaving in the middle of a campaign was a difficult prospect, Evans said. Being recalled to active duty in 2001 cut short his tenure as Monmouth mayor. But, he said, this stint should not affect his legislative duties.

"This is different ... it's a 60-day rotation," Evan said. "I've been open and honest about my involvement with the Guard and I'm proud to serve ... I think it's important to meet your obligations."

But "I'll be a civilian again in January, and if elected to the senate, I will step aside from the Oregon Guard," he continued. "I hope it doesn't impact the election and that people in the district still want me to serve them in the Oregon Legislature."