Oregon Military Research Institute records
Content Description
The collection consists of research files and publications of the Oregon Military Research Institute and the papers of veteran Richard Gaarenstroom, who created the OMRI project. The research files concern Oregon veterans of conflicts dating from the Spanish-American War onwards; Oregonians who received the Medal of Honor; military units such as the 123rd Observation Squadron; and military facilities in Oregon. OMRI's published registry lists the names and vital statistics of Oregonians who served in conflicts from the Spanish-American War onwards. Gaarenstroom's personal papers include records from his service; newsletters of the 142nd Fighter Interceptor Group; a scrapbook and photograph album from his service in Vietnam and South Korea; journals he kept from 2008 to 2023; and appointment calendars he kept from 2018 to 2023.
Dates
- 1915-2023
- Majority of material found within 1953-2023
Creator
- Oregon Military Research Institute (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.
Administrative History
The Oregon Military Research Institute was a project undertaken by Richard Gaarenstroom in the early 21st century. Gaarenstroom researched topics related to Oregon military veterans, facilities, and history. Information compiled from this research from 2013 through 2018 was available on the OMRI website.
Biographical Note
Richard Conrad Gaarenstroom was born in 1948 in Portland, Oregon. In 1967, he joined the United States Air Force, beginning a military career of more than 30 years. From 1967-1971, he served in Vietnam and South Korea. He subsequently served in the Oregon Air National Guard from 1971-1973; the United States Army from 1976-1980; and again in the Oregon Air National Guard from 1988-2001. During his second period of service in the Oregon Air National Guard, he was a member of the 142nd Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Service, a unit in the 142nd Fighter Interceptor Group. He was honorably discharged in 2001 with the rank of Technical Sergeant. After his retirement, he began the Oregon Military Research Institute.
Extent
8.65 Cubic Feet (5 record cartons; 1 legal document case; 6 letter document cases; 1 flat box (11x14))
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Research records and publications of the Oregon Military Research Institute, a military history project. The records concern Oregon war veterans, Oregon military units, and military facilities in Oregon. The collection also includes the personal papers of veteran Richard Gaarenstroom, who began the OMRI in the early 21st century after a military career of more than 30 years.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in four series: Series 1, Oregon Military Roll Call Registry records; Series 2, Military history research; Series 3, Military facilities; Series 4, Personal papers of Richard Gaarenstroom.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
CD and flash drives in collection require specialized equipment to use. Contact library staff for assistance.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gifts of Richard Gaarenstroom, October 2018 and June 2019 (Lib. Acc. 29347; RL2019-085), with additions made in July 2022 and August 2023 (RL2022-113; RL2023-048).
Separated Materials
Artifacts were separated to Museum Collections, Oregon Historical Society.
Processing Information
Initially processed in November 2018. Reprocessed in 2019 to incorporate additions and to include an inventory. Reprocessed in September 2023 to integrate additions. In cases where materials were in folders when received, the original folders were retained.
Creator
- Oregon Military Research Institute (Organization)
- Gaarenstroom, Richard, 1948- (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Oregon Military Research Institute records
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Jeffrey A. Hayes
- Date
- 2019; revised 2023
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is written in English.
Revision Statements
- 2023 September: Revised to integrate additions and to add dates for subseries and files that had previously not been dated.
Repository Details
Part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library Repository
1200 SW Park Ave.
Portland OR 97205 United States
5033065204
5033065240
libreference@ohs.org