MOLALLA, OR – Carpenters, veterans, and families showed up on Saturday, August 28^th, for the first Veterans in the Brotherhood Paintball Battle at Splat Action Paintball Park, a 47-acre, family-owned paintball park in the woods containing tree houses, foxholes, bunkers, villages, and more. For those who are unfamiliar, paintball is a competitive team sport, in which players shoot dye-filled projectiles from air-compressed weapons or “guns”, to eliminate opposing players.

This event, organized by Northwest Carpenters Union Representative Dale Dvorak, was intended as a fun, family-friendly, networking event with the opportunity to learn more about Northwest the Carpenters Union, as well as enlisting or re-enlisting in the United States Army.

“It was an incredible event and a real team effort – we had about 40 veterans and maybe 70-80 people there in total. Everyone said they had a great time. It was a needed event in troubled times and a chance to reconnect and get everyone together. The raffles were a ton of fun, the vendors were amazing and I can’t wait to do it again soon!”

Dale Dvorak
Northwest Carpenters Union Representative and Local 1503 President

After starting “battle” in the morning, by lunchtime, players were ready to take a break to enjoy tacos from Vaquero Express food truck and barbecue from Buster’s Texas Style BBQ. After lunch, Dale raffled off more than $1,000 worth of tools donated at cost by Camp’s Lumber Yard in Gresham, Oregon – including Occidental leather bags, Stiletto hammers, Stabilo levels, and a handmade wooden safe built by member Jason Weisenberg Local 1503. 

Later in the day, a bounty was put on Dale’s head: any attendee under the age of 18 who was able to hit Dale with a paintball would receive $30. Despite many valiant attempts, the bounty was unclaimed when the event ended around 3:00 PM. Maybe next time a lucky young attendee will claim it!

Click here for more information about Veterans in the Brotherhood