Joshua Jones served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now he’s training alongside other veterans in the San Juan National Forest.
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.
“My family is used to me being gone overseas,” Jones said. “It’s a hazardous job, but they are definitely glad that I’m here.”
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.
“We all have that common ground to stand on,” Jones said. “It’s awesome to have that camaraderie and bond that we instantly have. It’s an amazing experience for us.”
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’s not only thankful he can lean on the others for support, he’s also thankful for the opportunity to one day become a hotshot firefighter. He lost his job last year.
“I have a goal, and I hope this leads me to it,” said the 30-year-old from Alamogordo, N.M. “I want a job.”
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.
“Some of these veterans have just returned from military service, and having that network of people who understands what they are going through is important,” he said.
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.
“It’s pretty much a formula that leads to success,” Heiner said. “It’s a great program.”
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.
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.
“There are a lot of options for future employment,” Edens said. “We are getting a lot of experience in the field.”
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.
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.
“This is their doorway into the fire service,” Adamy said. “Fire service is a whole different animal, and to be introduced to it through this training is invaluable.”
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.
“We all had to find new muscles, and get our bodies adjusted to the work,” Jones said.
“We’re veterans,” Stygar quickly injected. “We all know how to work. Just point out the way.”
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
