Francessca served in the United States Marine Corps as an Audio Documentation and Training Specialist, where she trained service members on critical equipment, including rocket launchers and gas masks, ensuring readiness for overseas deployment. Her commitment to service extended beyond her military career and into a lifelong dedication to supporting veterans, their families, and their children.

A proud and loyal “Hardcore Marine,” Francessca has continued her service through active involvement with the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) Chapter #0032 in Portland, Oregon, since 2009. Through her work, she has remained deeply committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of military members.

Francessca has played an active role in numerous community efforts, including veteran standdowns, the Hillsboro Air Show, and the re-launch of the Portland Veterans Day Parade in 2022 along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Her presence and contributions reflect a steadfast commitment to community, unity, and remembrance.

Known for her leadership and quiet strength, Francessca leads by example. She embodies the belief that service does not end when the uniform comes off—it continues through giving back, standing alongside fellow veterans, and participating in meaningful community events.

She is guided by a deep respect for those who have served and remains committed to ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Napoleon, former Commander of the Portland Oregon Chapter of the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS), one of the most active chapters in this Congressionally-Certified Veterans Organization. Continuing his family history of military service, he has served in the Army National Guard (2 yrs) US Marines (10 yrs Active Duty), and Air Force Reserves (2 yrs). Napoleon has an extensive background working with the Military Community, assisting veterans and their families obtain the medical and other benefits that were earned through their military service, as well as working with Community Partners to address the issues faced by homeless veterans. When Napoleon heard about the Portland Veterans Day being canceled permanently in 2021, he formed the nonprofit Veterans Day Portland, Inc. and he is the Project Manager for the team to organize and successfully conduct the parade that was re-launched in 2022. Napoleon is the owner of Akata Sun LLC, a local company focused on Community Engagement, Emergency Preparedness and Sustainability Projects.

Cleveland McCord was drafted in November of 1967, and served in the military about 25 years. He served two years active in the Army, where he was stationed in Germany for three months, after his vacation in Germany.

Cleveland was sent to Fort Hood, Texas and stationed there for five and a half months, this is where he was prepped for his final journey (Vietnam). He spent nine months and twenty-two days in Vietnam.

He returned home in November of 1969 and joined the 104th Army Reserve Training Division in May of 1973, where he was an instructor on the M161EtAl Rifle as a Sergeant E5.

He was promoted to a Staff Sergeant, in June of 1974. In February 1976 he was promoted to a Sergeant First Class. For the next twenty years he trained on every weapon for the basic training soldier. He was a squad leader, a platoon leader, an acting first sergeant, and a acting Sergeant Major. Cleveland also started and was the platoon sergeant for the patrolling Committee, for three years. He started and ran the color guard for the 104th Division for about five years, then left the 104th in February
1986. Cleveland received his retirement paper in July of 2002.

Cleveland also volunteers with the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) and serves as the Membership Chair.

Schawna served in the United States Air Force as an Administrative Specialist from 1986 to 1994 and has dedicated more than 30 years to serving her community. Her passion for helping others has been a constant throughout her life and work. In 2009, she was honored by the Honorable State Senator Margaret Carter, alongside Cox Funeral Home, Inc., for her selfless contributions to individuals, families, and the broader community. That same year, she was recognized as “Woman of the Year 2009” by Seeking Our Generation of Women.

Introduced by LTC (Ret) Leneld E. Brown to Portland’s first National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) Chapter #0032, Schawna played a vital role from 2013 to 2018 in assisting veterans and their families with claims, medical access, and earned benefits. She has served as a Veteran Service Officer, Treasurer, and Administrative Specialist, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.

Schawna understands firsthand the challenges faced by veterans and their families, particularly those navigating disability. From 2016 to 2019, she served as the primary caregiver for her husband, a 100% service-connected disabled Army veteran, until his passing. As both a veteran and a widow of a veteran, she brings deep empathy and commitment to guiding others toward stability and sustainability.

In 2023, Schawna founded U R Changing Lives, a nonprofit organization where she serves as Executive Director. Through this work, she goes above and beyond to support veterans, widows and widowers, and their children.

Her mission is reflected in the words she lives by: “Stand united and rebuild the life in front of us” and “It’s our duty to heal every comrade—no soldier left behind.”

Shawn is a seasoned healthcare management professional with over 30 years of experience in medical device innovation and sterile processing. A dedicated veteran, he has built a career at the intersection of clinical operations, technology, and systems improvement within the healthcare industry.

His commitment to service extends beyond his professional work through active leadership in veterans’ advocacy and community engagement. Shawn currently serves on the Governor’s Advisory Committee to the Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA), contributing to statewide policy and strategic initiatives supporting veterans. He is also the Veterans Affairs Chair for the Portland NAACP, where he leads efforts to connect veterans and their families to critical resources and programming.

At the local level, Shawn is an active member of the Multnomah County Veterans Task Force (VTF) and the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS), working collaboratively to address the needs of veterans across the region. His leadership is further reflected in his role organizing and advancing community-centered initiatives such as the Portland Veterans Day Parade, helping to ensure veterans are honored and supported in meaningful and visible ways.

Through both his professional expertise and community leadership, Shawn remains deeply committed to improving outcomes for veterans and strengthening the systems that serve them.