About 2011

For decades, disabled veterans in Oregon paid child support straight from their benefits. The state didn’t credit every dollar. The families got the money. The veterans stayed in arrears, reported to the credit agencies. More than 700 of them.

In 2003 we won dollar-for-dollar credit. The Legislature wouldn’t let us repair their credit. We tried again in 2005. And 2007.

In 2009 I told the Attorney General we would file a class action unless he supported our bill. Our lawyers were ready. He asked for 90 days to find a remedy. I gave him that. He wanted an administrative fix. I wanted the statute changed. He fought us, and the Senate let our bill die.

Then I told him two things. We would oppose him in the next election. And I would blow the whistle — to the U.S. Department of Justice. I did.

In 2011 his office sued us: Oregon Department of Justice v. Oregon War Veterans Association, et al. — me included, personally. I believe that is why. The press release made the news. Their “proof” never came.

The State called $690,000 “diverted.” It was ten years of political work for veterans, and my pay, set by our board. Federal law lets a war veterans association spend its donations that way. Our lawyers confirmed it in writing in 2003.

Our board capped overhead at 20 percent. When the money grew, we hired a CPA to audit the books.

No judge or jury ever heard the evidence. I defended myself, without a lawyer, for five years. It ended in a default judgment. I admitted nothing.

I kept working for veterans. I still do.