Veterans Day, we’re spotlighting Kirstin Thompson, our incredible VetsWork Coordinator and a former MAI VetsWork intern!

Kirstin’s journey is one of service, adaptability, and a dedication to helping others.

After four years in the Coast Guard, Kirstin began exploring new paths, including a job as a zip tour guide in Portland. When she came across the VetsWork internship with MAI, she was intrigued by the chance to work with the Forest Service and explore natural resources as a career. She then became a VetsWork intern and worked as a Resource Assistant on the south side of Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in Amboy, WA, where she threw herself into her work.

"MAI provided a lot of support for me as a Veteran" Kirstin reflects. "I liked how they ran things. And I wish I`d known about their Land Stewards internships in college—I feel like it could have really changed my career if I had known about that earlier on.”

Inspired by MAI`s mission, and driven by a desire to help others and to make a difference in the lives of Veterans, Kirstin later joined MAI as a VetsWork Coordinator.

She shares how, as a former alum she has seen firsthand how MAI helps veterans get connected to meaningful careers in natural resources, career development and gain valuable on-the-job experience.

“After the service I bounced around from a lot of different jobs. I saw MAI helping veterans navigate that post-service career struggle and I wanted to be a part of that,” says Kirstin.

In November, Kirstin will return to service with the Coast Guard as a Temporary Active Reserve Recruiter for Oregon and SW Washington.

“The Coast Guard has given me so much over the past few years. I’m excited to give back,” she says.

A huge thank you to Kirstin and to all our VetsWork interns, past and present, for your service.

#VeteransDay #MtAdamsInstitute #VetsWork #ServiceAndStewardship #HonoringOurVeterans #ThankYouForYourService

Meet Aaron Lindsey, one of our Land Stewards interns at Mt. Adams Institute! 🎉 This summer, Aaron got to follow his dream of getting paid to ride dirt bikes by working as a Trail Ranger with the @u.s.forestservice Entiat Ranger District in the stunning Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest.

Over the summer Aaron, his fellow Land Steward Palmer McDaniel and their team, worked to assess 560 miles of trails and maintain 360 miles of trails, clear over a 1,000 trees, 400 drainages, and contacted over 600 visitors. 

Aaron’s supervisor Sam Zook, Entiat Trails Coordinator, called Aaron a “dirt bike wizard” and thanked Aaron for his work and leadership on the team.

“I had an excellent time. I got to ride dirt bikes so that was the most important thing,” laughed Aaron, “It’s a blast out here. It’s hard. It’s a super hard summer. It’s hot. It’s dusty. But it’s amazing.”

Aaron enjoyed his time so much he is planning to return to his site as a Land Stewards Intern again next season.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Aaron, and we’re excited to have him back next year!

Visit MtAdamsInstitute.org to read Aaron`s field notes from his dirt biking adventure! 🌟

#MtAdamsInstitute #Landstewards #AmeriCorps #USFS #Publiclands #InternSpotlight #careerdevelopment #DirtBikeDreams