Open Arms - Bend

Pros

• Walter in DEERS was a great help, updating the reviewer and their spouse in the system and issuing new ID cards.
• The Soldier at the door helped by showing them around and assisting with a restroom visit.
• The Bend Clinic was recommended.
• The Oregon Army National Guard is described as the best choice by the reviewer.
• The facility is nice-looking and easy to find on Google Maps.
• The staff were very helpful.

Cons

• They were met at the door by a Soldier, but the door was locked.
• They wondered if they should have looked for a restroom somewhere else.
• They reported that someone punched in their driver window on the lot and had not heard back from the officer about camera footage.
• The facility was short-staffed.
• They had to make an appointment to get an updated ID card.
• The computers were down, making it difficult to obtain retirement identification.
• They noted additional experiences there that should not have happened.
• They didn't get what they wanted.

Review

A recent visit to the Oregon Army National Guard facility began with a door that was locked, and a Soldier who introduced himself, apparently named Daryl. He welcomed the guest, allowed a restroom break, and then offered a brief tour of the space. The initial impression was practical and courteous, with Daryl introducing the person to another soldier, with whom they ended up speaking for about an hour. The reviewer notes plans to provide a fuller update after completing basic training in a few months, but the experience in that first contact left a sense of ceremony and structure - even if the door policy and routing left a small impression of rigidity.

One standout part of the visit involved Walter, a staff member working with DEERS (the DoD/ID system). Walter helped the couple get updated in the system and issued new ID cards for both the reviewer and their spouse. The success of this interaction is emphasized as a positive and reassuring moment in what could have been a more complicated process. In a setting where administrative steps can be confusing, Walter's assistance is described as "great" and clearly made a tangible difference for the reviewer and their partner.

Beyond the ID process, the overall sentiment about the staff's helpfulness is mixed but generally favorable. There's a note of appreciation for the Bend Clinic, with a sentiment that the staff were "Very helpful," even though the reviewer didn't obtain exactly what they initially sought. The feedback includes an affirmative thumbs-up - four thumbs, in fact - suggesting that the Bend Clinic is well-regarded or recommended by the reviewer as a useful resource, even if not the final outcome for that specific visit.

From a broader perspective, one reviewer painted a strong and glowing picture of the Oregon Army National Guard as a life-changing choice. The message highlights a light commitment of serving two days a month, combined with college tuition support and a substantial signing bonus. The reviewer emphasizes loyalty and satisfaction by noting eleven years of service and a firm belief that they wouldn't change a thing. This portrait conveys pride and a long-term sense of purpose associated with Guard service.

Another thread in the feedback touches on staffing and appointment logistics. The facility is described as "short staffed" at times, which means appointments are sometimes necessary even for routine tasks like updating an ID card. The building itself is praised for its aesthetic appeal and ease of location via Google Maps, suggesting that the physical environment is welcoming and easy to navigate, even if the current staffing reality makes some processes slower than ideal.

There are a few brief standalone snippets that reinforce a mixed experience. One short entry simply says "Okay," which mirrors the sometimes understated and measured nature of these reviews - acknowledging basic adequacy without strong enthusiasm. There's also a note that ID cards are being produced by appointment now, indicating ongoing adjustments to the workflow that may be aimed at improving efficiency, but which can be inconvenient for someone not prepared for the appointment system.

On the more concerning side, the reviews recount a troubling incident: a vehicle left on the facility's lot overnight with damage to a driver's window after someone punched it. The reviewer reports not having heard back from an officer about any camera footage or investigations, along with other "experiences there that shouldn't have happened." Coupled with a separate mention that computer or internet access was down while trying to obtain a military retirement identification, the narrative reflects a mix of commendable service in some areas and notable lapses in security and connectivity in others.

Taken together, the collection of reviews presents a nuanced portrait. There are clear positives: courteous staff like Daryl and Walter who handle key tasks, a facility that's easy to find and pleasant to look at, and a resident sense of pride and purpose when it comes to Guard service. There are also challenges: short staffing, the shift to appointment-based ID processing, occasional outages, and at least one serious security-related incident that left the reviewer feeling unsettled. For someone considering engagement with the Oregon Army National Guard or visiting the Bend Clinic, the experiences suggest a generally supportive environment with room for operational improvements and stronger follow-through on security and IT issues.

This particular area of Bend, Oregon offers a range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. With several reputable physicians and healthcare facilities nearby, including Desert Orthopedics Wes and Bend Dental Health, residents can easily access quality medical care. Additionally, there are several parks in close proximity such as McKay Park and Riverbend Park where seniors can enjoy outdoor activities and stay active. Various dining options including Pacific Pizza & Brew and Greg's Grill offer delicious meals, while cafes like Starbucks and Thump Coffee provide spaces for socializing and relaxation. For entertainment, Regal Old Mill ScreenX & IMAX theater is just a short distance away. Overall, this neighborhood in Bend combines healthcare services, recreational opportunities, dining options, and entertainment venues to create a well-rounded community for seniors looking to settle down in a vibrant area with easy access to essential services.

Physicians

• Desert Orthopedics Wes (0.2 miles)
• Teplick Laser Surgery Center (0.2 miles)
• Straumfjord Marianne MD Bend Psychiatric Offices (0.4 miles)
• Bend Aesthetics and Wellness (0.6 miles)
• Krueger & Lenox Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (0.6 miles)
• Bend Dental Health (0.6 miles)
• Deschutes Dermatology Center (0.6 miles)

Parks

• McKay Park (0.2 miles)
• Riverbend Park (0.4 miles)
• Columbia Park (0.4 miles)
• Farewell Bend Park (0.4 miles)
• Riverbend Dog Park (0.5 miles)
• Blakely Park (0.7 miles)
• Harmon Park (0.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Safeway Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Cascade Custom Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.2 miles)
• Safeway Food & Drug (1.3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Active Culture (0.5 miles)
• Spoken Moto (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• The Lemon Tree (0.9 miles)
• Thump Coffee (0.9 miles)
• Crow's Feet Commons (0.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Pacific Pizza & Brew (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• GoodLife Brewing Company (0.4 miles)
• Monkless Belgian Ales (0.4 miles)
• Cascade West Grub & Alehouse (0.4 miles)
• Greg's Grill (0.4 miles)
• Pastini Pastaria (0.4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Old Mill ScreenX & IMAX (0.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Presbyterian Church (1.6 miles)