About Lieutenant Colonel Tobiason
Allan Richard “Dick” Tobiason was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He joined the U.S. Army in 1957 and became a fixed wing and helicopter pilot. He retired after 20 years of service and two tours in Vietnam. He went on to work for the airline industry and NASA. Tobiason and his family eventually moved to Bend, Oregon.
In the interview, Tobiason details both his own experiences in the Army and his advocacy for military veterans. His work honoring veterans began after meeting Robert D. “Bob” Maxwell, a World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, in 2004. Together they began a flag program, established a veterans’ memorial in Bend, organized honor flights for World War II vets, and started a memorial highway program. The highway program now includes thousands of miles of designated state and federal highways, named in honor of veterans.
Tobiason also discusses his work with both the Oregon legislature and the Oregon State Capitol Foundation to recognize veterans. In 2024 the Oregon House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 202, recognizing Tobiason for a lifetime of service honoring Oregon veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, and Gold Star families.
– Interview recorded October 2, 2024