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As our nation celebrates 250 years of American independence in 2026, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is proud to continue spotlighting the Marines whose stories shape not just the history of the Marine Corps but the very fabric of American society. Through our Marines Across America campaign, we are honoring the service, leadership, and lasting contributions of Marines in all 50 states.
Today, we turn our focus to Oregon, a state rich with Marine Corps pride and powerful stories of post-service impact.
Ted Kulongoski
Former Governor | Portland, Oregon
Ted Kulongoski is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and longtime public servant whose career spans all three branches of Oregon state government. Born in 1940, he served in the Marine Corps from 1959–1963, later using the G.I. Bill to earn his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Missouri.
Kulongoski began his career as a labor lawyer, helping author the Oregon Public Employee Collective Bargaining Act, before being elected to the Oregon House and State Senate. He later served as insurance commissioner and attorney general, where he focused on juvenile justice reform.
Elected to the Oregon Supreme Court in 1997, Kulongoski went on to serve as Oregon’s 36th governor from 2003–2011. His tenure emphasized budget reform, economic development, workforce training, and transportation infrastructure. He later taught at Portland State University, continuing a lifetime of service shaped by Marine Corps values.
Karl Marlantes
Author | Astoria, Oregon
Karl Marlantes is a decorated Marine Corps veteran and acclaimed author whose work offers a deeply honest look at combat and its lasting impact. Born in Astoria, Oregon, he studied at Yale University and the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar before leaving his studies to serve in the Vietnam War as a Marine Corps first lieutenant. His valor earned him the Navy Cross, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and multiple commendations.
After the war, Marlantes turned his experiences into powerful literature, including “Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War,” widely regarded as a modern classic, and “What It Is Like to Go to War,” a candid examination of the psychological realities veterans face. His novel “Deep River” further demonstrates his range, chronicling Finnish immigrants in the Pacific Northwest.
Marlantes has also appeared in Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s The Vietnam War documentary series, continuing to educate and inspire through his unflinching perspective on the human cost of war.
Continuing the Mission in 2026
As the United States marks America’s 250th anniversary, these stories are a vivid reminder that the legacy of the Marine Corps is etched not only in history books, but in the communities where Marines live, lead, and serve every day.
The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is honored to amplify these voices as part of our Marines Across America campaign—now integrated into our America250 efforts—to showcase how Marines have shaped America for 250 years.
👉 Help us continue sharing these stories and preserving the rich legacy of the Marine Corps. Your support allows us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
About Marines Across America and America250
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, Marines Across America honors the legacy of those who have served in the United States Marine Corps and the impact they’ve made—on and off the battlefield—for 250 years. This special storytelling series, part of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve Marine Corps history, highlights Marines from across the country whose service and continued contributions embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Through personal stories, career reflections, and community leadership, these Marines represent the enduring spirit of service that has shaped America since 1775. As we commemorate America250, we invite you to help us preserve this living history. Your support ensures that the stories of Marines—past, present, and future—will be shared with future generations.
