C. Vern "Blando" Bland

The son of a Railroad Engineer and Kindergarten teacher, Charles V. Bland is no stranger to rural America. Charles spent the first seven years of his life in Alturas, California before moving to Klamath Falls in 1986. The oldest of four boys Charles’ life revolved around family, church, farming, and all outdoor sports to include hunting and fishing. A natural leader Charles began his life of service early as a member of First Baptist Church and the Royal Ambassadors often volunteering at the mission, and within the church helping the elderly and disadvantaged. Charles participated in Klamath County 4-H livestock, Civil Air Patrol, Student Government, Athletics, Key Club, Choir, School/Community Theater, and countless hours of community service.

Charles enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school where he served for seven years to include a combat tour in Iraq before returning to the Klamath Basin to attend College at Oregon Institute of Technology. Unable to leave military service behind, Charles enlisted in the Oregon Air National Guard where he began his career in Financial Management. His time in the Air National Guard would lead to serving another combat tour in Iraq while assigned to Joint Special Operations Command as the sole in-theater Resource Manager. In 2011 Charles was selected to serve as a Speechwriter / Project Officer on the Director, Air National Guard’s Special Staff in Washington D.C. In 2014 Charles accepted a Commissioning opportunity with the New York Air National Guard, commissioning as a 2^nd Lieutenant Budget Officer where he oversaw the execution of the Wing’s $500 million annual budget.

In 2019 Charles was re-assigned to the Washington Air National Guard State Headquarters as the Director of Strategic Plans and Programs, a position he held until his retirement in June of 2024. Since returning to the Klamath Basin Charles has re-committed himself to his agricultural roots by starting 4B Livestock, producing club market lambs for 4H youth. Charles volunteers as a 4H leader, an afterschool tutor, and organizer/fund raiser for Toys for Tots. Deeply devoted to the human condition and seeking to bring healing to the brokenness of society Charles sought out licensure as a Minister of the Gospel serving as an Executive Pastor while maintaining a pastoral counseling program and group learning courses throughout the Basin.  In 2023 Pastor Blando left the conventional church in order to focus more specifically on the Jesus Way by presenting a more Christ-centered message by viewing God's word and the world through the lens of Christ.  Blando's pursuit of Christ kindled an unwaivering flame for the broken and hurting within his community which led to establishing HarborSite Ministries a church body of believers that opens themselves to anyone who desire to know more about the love of God. HarborSite Ministries currently offers a Tuesday Night Study and Sunday Morning Worhship  services.  

Presently, Charles resides in Klamath Falls with his Wife Erin, their 8 children and the world’s most spoiled Labrador. Together Charles and Erin enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and farming. Charles is a 27-year military service veteran and holds a B.S. is Political Science, a Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Policy.