SALUTE TO SERVICE
Something Bigger
Nick Umbarger follows his calling first as a scout sniper for the U.S. Marine Corps, now home to the ranch.
July 1, 2025
Upon graduating high school, Umbarger felt ready to leave the ranch and discover more. He began pursuing an animal science degree at Montana State University, then felt a tug to shift directions.
A self-proclaimed adventure-seeker in search of something bigger than himself, Umbarger says he always knew he would regret not joining the Marine Corps.
I just felt a calling to serve a purpose higher than myself.” — Nick Umbarger
In 2016 Umbarger joined the infantry as a machine gunner. He served two deployments in the Pacific, his first taking him to Okinawa, Japan; the Philippines; and Malaysia. He says his eyes were quickly opened as they traveled to poverty-stricken areas; sights like people washing clothes in the ocean reminding him how much some take for granted.
“We’re so sheltered in America — I saw a lot of poverty and people that were happy despite having nothing,” Umbarger says. “It just opened my eyes to how fortunate we are to live in America, and that we really have more than everything we could ever need.”
After his first deployment, he was ready for a greater challenge. He decided to try out for the scout sniper platoon.
“God really blessed me and set the path for me to go to sniper school,” he says. He soon graduated to join this elite group and considers the opportunity — one that very few Marines achieve —a huge accomplishment in his career.
Following his completion of sniper school, Umbarger spent time doing surveillance operations at the southern border of Arizona before his second deployment sent him back to Japan. An aircraft carrier next took him to Australia for training, and Umbarger continued to enjoy these chances to travel and see more of the world as he later went on to South Korea.
“Of course, I ate beef in every country I went to,” he says.
2020 marked the end of Umbarger’s time in the Marines, and he returned to Montana and the animal science degree he started four years earlier. His plans were soon derailed as COVID-19 forced most classes online. Opting to forgo virtual learning, Nick worked in landscaping and homebuilding in Montana. He was soon met with his life’s next opportunity when his father approached him with an offer to return to the ranch full-time.
When one door closes, the next opens
Umbarger says it was always a matter of not “if,” but “when” he would return to the ranch in Oregon. His two brothers pursued interests outside of agriculture, and Umbarger was committed to continuing the legacy of his family’s operation.
He decided now was as good a time as any to go back and start learning, and again made the choice to follow his calling.
“I’m definitely proud to be a part of — just like the military — something bigger than myself,” Umbarger says. “Whether you’re appreciated or not by the rest of the population, it’s a reality that the people in agriculture are keeping the clock turning and providing for our country.”
Today, Umbarger works alongside his father, Mike, and stepmother, Becky, to manage more than 220 Angus cows and multiple cooperator herds in addition to his own small herd. From checking calves to changing irrigation, Umbarger handles most day-to-day operations on the ranch. With long-term goals of taking over when his father retires, Umbarger is optimistic for the future of the Angus breed. He emphasizes the value of not only the data and resources available to breeders, but also the strong sense of community.
“The Angus breed is great for how willing people are to be honest and share information,” he says. “People care about each other — their success and how they’re doing — and I really value that.”
Faith at the forefront
Above all, Umbarger credits his faith for guiding him along the paths his life has taken. He says he felt an undeniable calling from God when choosing to join the military, and in his next chapter back home, as well.
“Ranching is definitely not an easy way of life, and I’ve thought about doing other things before, especially when it’s really hard,” he says. “But I just believe that this is where God wants me to be and that I have to trust in him that it’s all going to work out.”
These days, Umbarger finds those doses of adrenaline and adventure he once sought in the military elsewhere: as an avid archer, hunting elk and other game; and practicing jiujitsu. Recently married and building his life back home, he continues to find purpose in serving others. He believes the best way to honor the sacrifices of our veterans is to simply be a good person, and he’s committed to doing so himself.
He says, “The best way we can honor those people is living our life to the fullest and just being the best person we can be — contributing to society, helping others, living with joy and being grateful for the country we call home.”
From overseas to a pasture in Oregon, Umbarger remains steadfast in his devotion to the country he calls home and the God-given purpose he serves.
Editor’s note: Peyton Schmitt is a freelance writer from Saint Paul, Neb.
Topics: Salute To Service , Success Stories , Ranch profile
Publication: Angus Journal
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