Oregon National Guard trains with Multnomah County Sheriff's Office SAR MEDEVAC

Fog and damp autumn conditions greeted nearly 35 members of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (MCSO SAR) team as they conducted training with the Oregon National Guard at Rooster Rock State Park near Corbett on Nov. 1, 2026.

The originally scheduled training was designed to practice aerial extraction techniques with an Army HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Still, inclement weather led the high school student volunteers to focus on first aid procedures, splinting techniques, and basic equipment preparedness with an Army National Guard Combat Medic.

"My dad, Colonel Van Horn, asked me if I wanted to come be part of this training," said Spc. Mychal Van Horn, a Combat Medic assigned to MEDCOM. "He's like, 'Hey, you've done a lot of splints and hands-on stuff - are you willing to help?'"

Col. John Van Horn serves as the Oregon National Guard state surgeon and medical liaison for MCSO SAR, forging partnerships with local search and rescue programs and inspiring the next generation through hands-on training with youth teams. Beyond his military career, he brings his background as a physician assistant (PA-C) in trauma and critical care, with notable experience at Legacy Emanuel Trauma and Critical Care and Salem Health.

"I got the opportunity to teach CLS (Combat Lifesaving) to a few different groups in Kosovo during my 10-month rotation during the last K-4 rotation just over a year ago," Mychal Van Horn said. "I worked in the clinic there and also went on patrols, working with both infantry soldiers and gate security personnel."

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue is a volunteer organization that serves the community by finding and rescuing lost or injured people in both wilderness and urban areas. They also assist with emergency evacuations, support law enforcement with evidence searches, and provide public education.

"I absolutely love teaching, and when the light bulb goes on, and they are asking questions. It's definitely a passion of mine. There is a lot to absorb, so I applaud them because they are willing to learn," Mychal Van Horn said. "There are a lot of ways to serve the community, and they are willing to put in the time to learn and be part of important missions."

MSCO SAR supports youth adults by fostering community service, self-confidence, self-reliance, and leadership skills. The program admits new members each fall. Candidates participate in a nine-month training program that includes instruction in grid searches and survival skills. Upon successful completion, graduates receive certification from the Sheriff's Association as qualified searchers.

Dylan Leeman is a training advisor for MCSO SAR and teaches creative writing and English at Grant High School in Portland. His experience as a forward observer in the active-duty Army and later in the Army and the Oregon Army National Guard helps him create leadership opportunities for students.

"This year we had over 100 applicants and accepted 40. The nine-month program is similar to the Army National Guard, with training one weekend a month and every other Wednesday night. At the end, we hold three days of testing to certify them as searchers," Leeman said.

Leeland told the students that securing helicopter training time for the upcoming year is still underway, and expressed hope that clearer skies will soon open the door to these vital sessions.

"This group has already done two real-life missions in the last week. Some people did an illegal hike at the Rock of Ages and then another (search and rescue) that happened in the middle of the night," Leeman said. "We pride ourselves on being a youth leadership organization where many of our people go to work in the medical, law enforcement, and military career fields. It's super hard work that these teenagers do."

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.