Honoring Our Veterans

Honoring Our Veterans

More than 85 student veterans are pursuing degrees at OSU-Cascades in fall 2025, including former active duty veterans and students receiving veteran dependent benefits. Of the active duty veterans:

  • 37 from Central Oregon
    • 18 from Bend
    • 8 from Redmond
    • 5 from La Pine
    • 3 from Sisters
    • 3 from Prineville
  • 9 from elsewhere in Oregon
  • 18 from 10 other U.S. states
  • 18 are women
  • The youngest is 19
  • The oldest is 46
Thank a Veteran
Join the Veterans Club

A place for student veterans

The Veterans Lounge is a dedicated space where students who have served in the military can connect with and support one another, and find the academic and community resources they need to be successful as they pursue their degrees.

Valuable lessons learned in service

Lucas Amaya is a first-generation Latino veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 2014 to 2019. “What inspired me was a culmination of family values, patriotism, and educational benefits,” he said.

Now a psychology major, Lucas uses his experience to help other veterans. “I want to be that bridge for veterans, making the transition to civilian life a little easier and a little kinder.”

He says the military taught him to think critically and approach challenges with confidence. Those lessons now shape his studies and his goal to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Veterans experiences are unique and worldly, and to be heard by peers and professors means a lot,” he said.

Veterans like Lucas find community at OSU-Cascades, where they join peers who share their service and commitment to making a difference.

Giving back to family and fellow vets

A business major, Diego Vargas is a Central Oregonian and grew up in Prineville. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 19 and served for four years as a light armored crewman. Diego was stationed at the 29 Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, which is a part of the First Marine Division. He led fellow Marines as a section leader and vehicle commander. Diego concluded active duty with the rank of sergeant.

He is working to give back to his family and community as an entrepreneur and family business leader, as well as to his fellow veterans. Diego created a Veterans Club so that student veterans can continue to foster a supportive network.