Transitioning from military service to academic life is a significant journey, and at Oregon State University-Cascades, we are honored to support and celebrate our student veterans. Each veteran brings a unique set of experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our campus community. The phrase “I Served” encapsulates a profound commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation. Here, we share the inspiring stories of five student veterans at OSU-Cascades, highlighting their diverse paths and aspirations as they pursue higher education and new chapters in their lives.
Adam C. – U.S. Army Veteran and Creative Writing Student
Adam C., a Master of Fine Arts candidate in Creative Writing, embodies a lifelong calling to service. Growing up in Oregon, joining the Army was not a question of if, but when. Enlisting in the Military Police Corps in 1993, Adam initially committed to five years of active duty. However, the profound sense of purpose and camaraderie he found led him to extend his service to an impressive 21 years. His military career with the U.S. Army spanned from 1993 to 2014, with a significant portion – thirteen years – spent overseas, primarily in Central Europe. This extensive time abroad afforded him the opportunity to explore twenty-six countries, witnessing remarkable sights such as the ancient Roman Colosseum, the mystical Transylvania Valley under a full moon, and the breathtaking foothills of the Himalayas in northern Iraq.
Upon retiring from the Army, Adam leveraged his VA benefits to pursue higher education. Driven by a desire to give back to his community, he is now dedicated to becoming a teacher, with a focus on serving underserved communities. Balancing his academic pursuits with his passion for the outdoors and creative expression, Adam exemplifies the well-rounded nature of our student veterans.
Korey F. – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Outdoor Enthusiast
Korey F., a student in Tourism, Recreation and Adventure Leadership, reflects fondly on his time in the U.S. Marine Corps (2013 – 2018). For Korey, the defining aspect of military service was the strong sense of community. This camaraderie is something he deeply valued and actively seeks to cultivate in his civilian life at OSU-Cascades. Korey has seamlessly transitioned his passion for service into a passion for the outdoors. Immersed in various outdoor communities, you’re most likely to find him on the river, his favorite place, engaged in whitewater kayaking, rafting, fly fishing, or enjoying a run with his dog, Kenai. Korey’s personal motto – “Be Kind. Be Present. Be Yourself.” – reflects the values instilled during his time serving and his approach to life after the military.
Alex K. – U.S. Navy Veteran Pursuing Biology Degree
Alex K., a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry, took a less traditional path to military service. Unlike many who enlist directly after high school, Alex initially attended community college and Portland State University. Working multiple jobs to finance his education, he eventually realized he was pursuing a degree he wasn’t passionate about and decided to take a different direction. After two years in the workforce, Alex sought a positive life change. Seeking an alternative to student loan debt and demanding multiple jobs, he recognized the U.S. Navy as the ideal opportunity. Serving from 2014 to 2021, Alex faced unforeseen hardships, including strained relationships and the tragic loss of fellow service members. However, his time in the Navy also brought incredible experiences, including global travel and living abroad for three years, gaining a unique perspective from his time at sea.
Upon completing his Navy contract, Alex discovered a passion for forensic science. Driven to pursue this new interest, he returned to his roots in Central Oregon and enrolled at OSU-Cascades to complete his Biology degree. With his diverse experiences and strong ambition, Alex aims to contribute to and preserve the unique character of his Central Oregon community.
Chris R. – U.S. Army Veteran and Creative Writer
Chris R., also pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing, offers a unique and humorous perspective on his entry into military service. In 2007, facing a layoff from his position as a motorcycle technician at Harley Davidson amidst industry-wide downturns, Chris observed a trend: veterans were in demand. Inspired by cinematic portrayals of military life in movies like “Stripes” and “Spies Like Us,” and drawn to the camaraderie and benefits associated with veteran status, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years as a 52 Delta – a generator repair specialist.
After training, Chris was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana, deploying to Rusafa, Baghdad. The accelerated pre-deployment training, while intense, felt comically inadequate in preparing him for the realities of war. The stark contrast between cinematic portrayals and the actual “insanity of military service and war” left Chris with a profound sense of restless energy. Channeling this energy into art, he chose to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at OSU-Cascades. Seeking to explore existential questions and inspire through literature, Chris found the MFA program to be the perfect avenue for his post-military journey.
Brian S. – U.S. Navy Veteran Focused on Sustainability
Brian S., a Social Science major with a minor in Sustainability, joined the U.S. Navy in 1998 after financial constraints interrupted his studies at Portland Community College. Initially intending to serve for four years to fund his return to college, Brian’s positive experiences led him to a 20-year Navy career. His service took him around the globe, and he continually pursued education, attending five different colleges during his time in the military. This consistent pursuit of knowledge prepared him to return to full-time studies at age 40 after retiring three years ago and returning to Oregon. Graduating from OSU this spring, Brian is set to attend Lewis and Clark Law School in the Fall of 2022 to pursue a master’s degree in environmental law. Brian expresses his gratitude for OSU-Cascades, recognizing it as an “awesome school” in Central Oregon, perfectly positioned for his next chapter.
These student veterans exemplify the diverse and inspiring community at OSU-Cascades. Their stories, marked by service, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning, enrich our campus and remind us of the valuable contributions veterans make to our society.
