Fort Kennedy
Helping All Veterans Experience Normalcy
My name is Tina Kennedy. I grew up in the Milwaukie area most of my childhood. Obviously this is not enough.
At our Day Center, we help Veterans connect with the benefits they earned through service to our country, in addition to providing clothing, hygiene items, and other services to unhoused and low-income Veterans living in and around Portland, Oregon. I graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1992, "Go Mustangs". I joined the United States Army and left for boot camp about 3 weeks after I graduated. I have spent 22 years moving all over the world and have found myself wanting to come home to the Milwaukie area to raise my teenage daughter. I retired last year from the Army as a First Sergeant and moved my daughter and myself back to this area so my daughter could go to Milwaukie High School. Since being home I have noticed a few things about my home town that I was unaware of. Though from the freeways and main roads it seems like a beautiful place to live right on the other side of that row of trees by the freeway or right underneath the bridge you drive over every day there is a different story. I started a job about 3 months ago working as an outreach specialist to Homeless veterans. In just a short time I have come to realize that I spent the last 22 years of my life preserving the life and well being of people all over the world while the people right here in my home are having an even bigger issue. I am sure that some of you are aware of the homeless problem throughout the United States but you may not be aware of how large this problem is right here at home in your own backyard. The homeless issue here in our area is a huge problem and a large amount of the homeless people are veterans who served their county. When you think about the statistics of less than 1 percent of Americans join the military and less than half of that number serve in a wartime situation. Now if you look at the homeless population almost 20 percent of these individuals living on the streets are veterans. So does this seem like there is a problem? A large number of the veterans on the street are suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other medical conditions but not all of them. This includes veterans from WWII, Vietnam, The Gulf War and many other controversies we have had all over the world; some of which you may of not heard of. We know the government is working on programs all over the US to try and help veterans and their families. We should all look at ourselves and ask what can I do to help take care of the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airman that have served their country so that we can live the lives we live. Whether you are making a six figure income while living in a 6 bedroom house in Happy Valley or living in a trailer park out in Molalla; the point is you can live where you want, work where you want and fulfill your American dream in whatever fashion you see fit. This is not acceptable for us all to go on with our daily lives and pretend this is not happening. My solution to this problem is quite simple. We as a community need to come together and help fix this problem. I have put together a plan to build a transitional compound for veterans and their families to come together and thrive. Fort Kennedy would be a compound open only to Veterans and their dependants. It would provide transitional housing for single veterans as well as families who need a little extra help to get back on their feet. This compound would be ran like a military base and would be staffed and ran by veterans only. It would include counseling sessions, support groups, financial classes and other services for veterans and families in need; as well as food, clothing, and moral support for all those that have served. .. I have encountered about 35 non-profit organizations throughout the state of Oregon that have set up to help veterans and their families. But these organizations are small and can only help a few veterans each year. If we all come together and worked on building Fort Kennedy we could put all of are hard efforts to good use and help many more veterans in need. It would be located in a central location where there is public transit and all the social services would be accessible. Please take the time to concider what a few dollars would do for the big picture. I will make this happen. Thank you
09/09/2026
ππΊπΈ Happy Birthday, Raul! πΊπΈπ
Today, Fort Kennedy is celebrating you. Please join us in wishing Raul a very Happy Birthday! ππ
Raul we appreciate you for your service, commitment, and everything you bring to our veteran community.
Veterans supporting veterans! Thatβs what Fort Kennedy is all about. β€οΈπ€π
Happy Birthday, Raul! We hope your day is as incredible as you are. πΊπΈπ
09/04/2026
Happy birthday Robert. Thank you for your service. πΊπΈβ€οΈπ€π
08/31/2026
ποΈ TODAY is the LAST DAY for Early Bird Pricing! ποΈ
Join us for the 5th Annual Fort Kennedy Veteran Benefit Gala an elegant Black & White evening supporting the veterans in our community. πΊπΈβ¨
π
Saturday, November 7
π Sheraton Airport Hotel
π₯ Dinner β’ Live Music & Dancing β’ Auctions β’ Wine Wall
Early Bird pricing ends TONIGHT, August 31! Donβt miss your chance to save and support an incredible cause at the same time.
π² Scan the QR code to grab your tickets today!
Supporting Veterans Through Hope, Community & Opportunity. β€οΈπ€π
08/30/2026
β¨ An unforgettable evening for an incredible cause! β¨
Join us for the 5th Annual Fort Kennedy Veteran Benefit Gala. This will be an elegant Black & White Charity Gala dedicated to supporting veterans in our community. πΊπΈβ€οΈπ€π
π₯ Dinner
πΆ Live Music & Dancing
π€ Live Auction
β¨ Silent Auction
π· Wine Wall
π€ Black & White Formal Attire
π
Saturday, November 7, 2026
π Sheraton Airport Hotel | Portland
πͺ Doors open at 5:30 PM
β° LAST CALL FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING! Early bird tickets are available through August 31 so donβt wait!
πΊπΈ Come enjoy a beautiful evening while helping create hope and opportunity for our veterans.
ποΈ SIGN UP TODAY! Scan the QR code on the flyer to grab your tickets and join us!
β¨ Dress up. Show up. Give back. Letβs make the 5th Annual Gala one to remember! β¨
08/26/2026
β¨ An evening of elegance. A mission that matters. β¨
The 5th Annual Fort Kennedy's Veteran Benefit Gala is your chance to enjoy a spectacular Black & White Charity Gala while making a meaningful impact in the lives of veterans.
π
November 7, 2026
π Sheraton Airport Hotel, Portland, OR
π Doors Open at 5:30 PM
Gather your friends, dress for a cause, and join us for dinner, dancing, auctions, and an inspiring evening dedicated to supporting veterans.
ποΈ Secure your tickets today and help make a difference!
https://fortkennedy.ejoinme.org/2026Tickets
πΊπΈ
07/17/2026
Become a Sponsor of Fort Kennedy's Fifth Annual Charity Gala! Support our Veterans. πΊπΈ
π©βͺ Black & White Ball 2026 β«π©
π
Saturday, November 7, 2026
π Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
π Doors Open at 5:30 PM
Fort Kennedy is excited to invite local businesses, community leaders, and supporters to partner with us as sponsors for our Fifth Annual Charity Gala. This elegant evening will bring together community members, advocates, and supporters to celebrate our mission while raising critical funds to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
As a sponsor, you'll receive valuable recognition before, during, and after the event, while demonstrating your commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available:
β Presenting Sponsor β $5,000 (Only One Available)
β Platinum Sponsors β $4,000 (Two Available)
πΈ Beverage Sponsor β $3,500 (Only One Available)
π₯ Gold Sponsors β $3,000 (Two Available)
πΆ Entertainment Sponsor β $2,500 (Only One Available)
ποΈ Table Sponsors β $1,875 (Four Available)
Your sponsorship not only provides exceptional visibility for your organization but directly supports Fort Kennedy's programs and services that empower individuals and families throughout our community.
To learn more about sponsorship packages or reserve your sponsorship today, visit:
πhttps://fortkennedy.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/FortKennedy5thAnnualCharityGala/Sponsorships/tabid/1591143/Default.aspx
Join us for an unforgettable evening of elegance, community, and impact. Together, we can create opportunities and build a stronger future for those we serve.
07/08/2026
Do You Have This on Your Calendar? πΊπΈ
Join us in supporting Fort Kennedy and the incredible work they do for veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.
β¨ Save the Date β¨
Fort Kennedy's 5th Annual Veteran Gala
π
November 7, 2026
π 5:30 PM
π Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
πΊοΈ 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97220
This special evening helps support veterans and honors the brave men and women who have served our nation. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and individuals who want to make an impact.
As we celebrate those who have protected our freedoms, let's remember:
"Land of the Free because of the Brave." β€οΈπ€π
We hope you'll consider attending, sponsoring, or sharing this event with your network. Together, we can support those who have given so much for all of us.
06/09/2026
Looking for a few good veterans.
05/23/2026
This Memorial Day weekend, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. πΊπΈ
There are so many heroes to reflect on, and we are deeply grateful for their service and sacrifice. As we remember, we also look ahead with purpose and gratitude. β€οΈ
Please save the date for Fort Kennedyβs 5th Annual Veteran Gala. This will be an evening dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served.
π
November 7, 2026
β° 5:30 PM
π Sheraton Airport Hotel | Portland, OR
We would love for you to join us for a special night of community, recognition, and impact. Sponsorship opportunities are available for those who want to be part of something truly meaningful.
Together, we remember. Together, we give back. πΊπΈ
05/22/2026
Thank you, Honoring Heroes, Mark. For all your amazing donations to Fort Kennedy today we couldnβt do it without you.
οΏΌ
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Address
7600 SE Johnson Creek Boulevard
Portland, OR
97206
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 3pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 3pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 3pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 3pm |
| Friday | 9am - 3pm |