Honoring Veterans 2024
87 student veterans are pursuing degrees at OSU-Cascades including former active duty veterans and students receiving veteran dependent benefits. Of the active duty veterans:
- 38 from Central Oregon
- 16 from Bend
- 12 from Redmond
- 3 from La Pine
- 2 from Sisters
- 2 from Prinville
- 1 from Powell Butte
- 10 from elsewhere in Oregon
- 21 from 10 other U.S. states
- 16 are women
- The youngest is 18
- The oldest is 56
A place for student veterans
The Veterans Lounge opened last fall. It's 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.
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 is creating a Veterans Club for students that can continue to foster a supportive network of student veterans, provide information about available services for veterans and introduce them to career opportunities.