Portland State Magazine Fall 2007

MIKE GOLDADE A trip to the dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., was the turning point for Mike Goldade '84. A lance corporal in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War, Goldade hadn't talked about the war for nearly 15 years. But traveling with veterans from Oregon to D.C., he found people who understood without words. On the way home, they decided to create a memorial in Oregon. The resulting gar– den, paths, amphitheater, and wall of names sit on 3.25 acres in Portland's Washing– ton Park. Through his work with the group, Goldade, 58, became involved in support groups. Today, he is relatively happy and plans to retire within the next few years from his job as a com– munity service officer for PSU's Campus Public Safety Office. He and his fiancee will be getting married at that time. 12 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE FALL 2007 "It really helps to know you have things in common with people who are really close to your heart. There's something about a look of understanding. You don't get it a lot, but when you do, you know it. It helps an awful lot."