SSG (Ret.) Russell V. Harlan
June 5, 1959 - June 1, 2017
The Oregon Army National Guard is deeply saddened by the passing of Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Russell V. Harlan on June 1st, 2017 in Portland, Oregon at the age of 57. He was born June 5th, 1959, in Portland, to Vernon and June Harlan. He attended Parkrose High School in Portland, and also attended classes at both PCC and Mount Hood Community College.
SSG Harlan joined the Oregon Army National Guard in 1978 as a Metal Worker/Machinist assigned to the 41 Forward Support Maintenance Company. Over the next 37 years he spent time with the 141 Brigade Support Battalion, the 162 Engineer Company, 3670th Maintenance Company, and attachments to the 2nd Battalion 218th Field Artillery Regiment. SSG Harlan also served as Federal Technician for over 28 years supporting units all over the state.
Throughout the years he increased his areas of expertise to include training as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, Construction Equipment Repairer, Track Vehicle Repairer, and Power-Generation Equipment Repairer where he held positions as a Squad Leader, Inspector, Motor Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant. He retired from the Oregon Army National Guard in February 2016 as the Senior Mechanic with F/141 (FA) FSC.
His awards and decorations include three Army Achievement Medals, 11 Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, an Armed Forces Reserve Medal with a 30 year Gold Hourglass device, and many other additional awards and badges.
He was a family man who enjoyed outings with his wife, kids, and his beloved German Sheppard dogs. He enjoyed go karts, and took up bass fishing upon his retirement. He was a big fan of Dale Earnhardt and loved NASCAR racing. He was a generous man and loved helping others.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; two step- children, Joe Justice, of Portland, OR and Dawna Justice-North.
A funeral service will be held at Donelson Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 11:00 am with a committal service with military honors at Willamette National Cemetery on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm. A reception will be hosted after the committal service from 3:00 pm -5:00 pm at Jackson Armory. Donelson Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.