Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Sydney Galloway
BMCC’s Veterans Resource Center and Associated Student Government to host Veterans Day breakfast Nov. 10.
Pendleton, OR – Adam Aguilar has worn a lot of hats: retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer, husband, father of three, part-time Marine/ATV deputy with the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, and full-time Blue Mountain Community College student.
This year, he added another role to the list.
As BMCC’s Military/Veteran Student Program Specialist, Aguilar led the move of the college’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) into a larger, more welcoming space where veterans, active-duty service members, and their families can connect, access resources, and find community.
BMCC’s Associated Student Government (ASG) and Veterans Resource Center (VRC) will host a Veterans Day breakfast in the Student Union on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. The free event is open to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
The Job He Almost Said No To
Roman Olivera, BMCC’s director of student resources, first met Aguilar while helping him as a student. As he learned more about Aguilar’s background and military experience, Olivera recognized someone who could make a meaningful difference for other veterans.
He told Aguilar he wanted to hire him.
But between raising three children, attending college full time, and working with the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Aguilar wasn’t looking to add another responsibility. Olivera kept bringing up the opportunity whenever their paths crossed. Eventually, just as Olivera stopped asking, Aguilar agreed.
Aguilar retired honorably from the Coast Guard in October 2022 after more than 21 years of service and spent three years with the Umatilla Tribal Police Department. He brings firsthand knowledge of Veterans Affairs education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Dependents’ Educational Assistance, along with personal experience navigating the transition from military service to college.
Before making decisions about the new space, Aguilar researched veterans resource centers at other institutions and asked BMCC veterans what they wanted. He joined BMCC on June 1 with a clear goal: to have the new center ready before fall term. By the time students returned, the move was complete.
A Center Built on Connection
BMCC’s Veterans Resource Center was established in 2018 under Olivera’s leadership. Having worked with veterans since 2014, Olivera traveled approximately 1,200 miles visiting colleges and universities to learn how other institutions supported veteran students.
His vision was more than an office for navigating military education benefits. He wanted a place where veterans could connect with others who shared similar experiences, find academic support, and feel a sense of belonging.
The center initially gained momentum but slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic. It later relocated to a smaller space that lacked the room and atmosphere needed to foster a welcoming environment for veterans.
Recognizing the need for a better environment, BMCC identified a larger location on the lower level of Morrow Hall, giving the center room to grow.
With support from the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant, the new VRC features computer and study areas, offices, a lounge, food and snacks, and a dedicated wellness space known as the “Zen Den.”
Complete with a zero-gravity massage chair, red light therapy, an indoor waterfall fountain, and calming décor, the Zen Den gives veterans a place to relax and recharge.
But beyond the physical improvements, the center’s renewed focus on outreach and connection is making a difference.
The VRC currently supports 16 BMCC veteran students and 18 veteran dependents, marking its highest level of participation since opening in 2018.
“Since we’ve opened the new space, we’ve had more veteran students actively seeking support,” Olivera said. “I credit that to Adam’s persistence in reaching out to veterans, especially knowing what it’s like to return to college after military service.”
“The transition from a military career to a college campus can be overwhelming,” Aguilar said. “Having a space of their own helps veterans and their families feel comfortable, build a sense of community and connect with the services they need.
More Than Academic Support
The center’s work extends beyond educational benefits and academic resources.
Since June 2026, the VRC has served as a meeting space for the Three Rivers Chapter of Guitars for Vets (G4V), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans through the healing power of music.
The organization provides veterans with free, 10-week guitar lessons, using BMCC’s Veterans Resource Center as a place to meet and learn. Since the collaboration began, two BMCC alumni veterans have completed the program, each receiving a free guitar upon graduation.
It’s one example of how the VRC is creating opportunities for veterans to connect with one another and build community beyond the classroom.
While located on BMCC’s Pendleton campus, the center’s resources aren’t limited to enrolled students. Veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents throughout the community are welcome.
Veterans Day Breakfast
BMCC invites veterans, active-duty service members, and their families to a Veterans Day breakfast in partnership with BMCC’s Associated Student Government (ASG) and Veterans Resource Center.
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026
- Time: 8:30–11 a.m.
- Location: BMCC Student Union, Pioneer Hall | 2411 NW Carden Ave
- Who: Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families
- Cost: Free
The breakfast offers an opportunity to recognize those who have served, connect with fellow veterans, and learn more about the resources available through BMCC’s Veterans Resource Center.
The VRC is located on the lower level of Morrow Hall, Room M-4, on BMCC’s Pendleton campus. The center is open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.
To learn more about the Veterans Resource Center or the Veterans Day breakfast, please contact r.olivera@bluecc.edu. To learn more about BMCC, please visit www.bluecc.edu.