Military & Veterans

The Klamath & Lake Counties Stand Down will be held Friday, June 12, at the Klamath County Fairgrounds in Klamath Falls. The free event is open to veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents, with services expected to include VA benefits assistance, housing and employment resources, haircuts, clothing, eye exams, mental health support and meals.

A squadron of F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Luke Air Force Base in Arizona will fly with the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field for two weeks beginning Monday, June 1. Officials say the community may notice increased aircraft noise during that time.

The 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field says it will be unable to conduct requested flyovers until late 2027 while the base moves through its aircraft conversion process. The wing’s last F-15 Eagle departed in December 2025, and F-35A Lightning II aircraft are projected to arrive in August 2027, pending final Department of the Air Force approval.

The Oregon Army National Guard is hosting an open house and a Norwegian Foot March in Medford this May, inviting the public to connect with local soldiers and participate.

Airmen at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls are participating in a series of summer training exercises designed to strengthen readiness and operational skills. The training includes a deployment to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, field exercises in Central Oregon, and simulated deployment scenarios at Kingsley Field to prepare personnel for a wide range of mission environments.

The President’s proposed 2027 federal budget includes $80 million for construction of a new F-35 Academic Training Center at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls. The funding, announced by Congressman Cliff Bentz, would support the base’s transition from the F-15C to the F-35A Lightning II and expand academic training infrastructure for U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard personnel. The project is aimed at strengthening pilot training capabilities while reinforcing Kingsley Field’s long-term role in national defense and regional economic activity.

Klamath County School District Human Resources Director Jamie Ongman received the Patriotic Employer Award for supporting employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.