A 25-year-old Army veteran from Ardmore, Okla., Jones is learning what it takes to fight wildfires. The career is dangerous, he admits, but his family is simply thankful their son is on American soil.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy family is used to me being gone overseas,\u201d Jones said. \u201cIt\u2019s a hazardous job, but they are definitely glad that I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jones, who served in the Army from 2006 to 2012, is one of six former military service members currently taking part in the Veterans Fire Corps. The program aims to retrain returning veterans with the skills to protect public lands from the threat of wildfire. For Jones, working together with other veterans is the most rewarding aspect.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all have that common ground to stand on,\u201d Jones said. \u201cIt\u2019s awesome to have that camaraderie and bond that we instantly have. It\u2019s an amazing experience for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Working with Jones and the other veterans is helping Tim Stygar readjust to civilian life. After serving in the Army from 2002 to 2005, including a tour in Iraq, Stygar said he\u2019s not only thankful he can lean on the others for support, he\u2019s also thankful for the opportunity to one day become a hotshot firefighter. He lost his job last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a goal, and I hope this leads me to it,\u201d said the 30-year-old from Alamogordo, N.M. \u201cI want a job.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Veterans Fire Corps has partnered with the Southwest Conservation Corps in Durango to offer the program. SCC program director and Air Force veteran Kevin Heiner said the program was purposely crafted to include a peer support system.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of these veterans have just returned from military service, and having that network of people who understands what they are going through is important,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Veterans Fire Corps work skills training program was launched in 2008. More than 600 veterans have participated across Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming, and nearly nine in 10 complete the six-month program and land full-time jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s pretty much a formula that leads to success,\u201d Heiner said. \u201cIt\u2019s a great program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last year, Veterans Fire Corps crews thinned 2,698 acres, reduced hazardous fuels on 3,590 acres, built 21 miles of fire break and worked 1,636 hours on prescribed burns.<\/p>\n
That type of experience is vital for Ben Edens. The 28-year-old Marine from Chandler, Ariz., said, while working on a controlled burn outside of Salida, he learned how to implement a burn plan, dig fire lines, operate pumps and hoses and manage personnel, and that knowledge and skillset should help to enhance his hiring status.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of options for future employment,\u201d Edens said. \u201cWe are getting a lot of experience in the field.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other veterans working through the SCC office in Durango are Clyde Burris, 27, of Charleston, S.C., who served in the Navy from 2004 to 2012 with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan; Dan Nauman, 32, of St. Louis, Mo., who served in the Navy from 2000 to 2008 with a deployment to Iraq; and Tyler Mursewick, 26, of Soldiers Grove, Wis., who served in the Army from 2008 to 2013 with a deployment to Afghanistan.<\/p>\n
All six veterans have been training with the Cortez Fire Department this week. Cortez fire fighter Corey Adamy was simply glad he could help the veterans open their eyes to future job options.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is their doorway into the fire service,\u201d Adamy said. \u201cFire service is a whole different animal, and to be introduced to it through this training is invaluable.\u201d<\/p>\n
During their respective military careers, none of the six veterans received fire training nor had experience fighting fires, but they are getting a workout now. The chainsaws they carry weigh up to 25 pounds. They also trek steep forestlands with food, water, shovels and pick axes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all had to find new muscles, and get our bodies adjusted to the work,\u201d Jones said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re veterans,\u201d Stygar quickly injected. \u201cWe all know how to work. Just point out the way.\u201d<\/p>\n