Building Bridges: Taryn’s Path from Military Service to Environmental Restoration

Building Bridges: Taryn’s Path from Military Service to Environmental Restoration

Meet Taryn Oseen, a VetsWork intern with NOAA’s Restoration Center who embodies the mission of creating connections—between people, nature, and professional growth. As a Navy veteran pursuing a career in environmental science, Taryn joined the program to gain real-world experience and close the gap between academic training and career readiness.

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2024 VetsWork: Valentin Pulido

2024 VetsWork: Valentin Pulido

I grew up in South Florida where I took to marketing and media production at a very young age. I workedas an Aviation Electrician upon enlisting in the Navy. While the work was rewarding, I had a particularliking to photography and eventually studied graphic design. I am passionate about...

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2024 VetsWork: Joshua Leventhal

2024 VetsWork: Joshua Leventhal

I grew up in Salem, Oregon, with my brother, mother, and stepfather. I lived in Salem until I joined the U.S. Navy, where I served as a Hospital Corpsman (Medic) for eight years in various locales/environments. Most of that time was spent with the U. S. Marine Corps, attached to multiple infantry...

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2024 VetsWork: Deonza Mohamed

2024 VetsWork: Deonza Mohamed

My name is Deonza Mohamed. I was born and raised in California. I am a U.S. Navy Veteran with 16 years of military service. My main job while serving was satellite communications. I am a lifelong university professional currently working on my fifth college degree in Biological Sciences. I am...

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2024 VetsWork: Sean West

2024 VetsWork: Sean West

Hello, my name is Sean West. My mother instilled an appreciation for the outdoors and our public lands when I was growing up. From rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking, to a simple overnight car camping trip, we eagerly explored the Midwest, where I was raised. When I entered the Air Force...

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2024 VetsWork: Logan Walker

2024 VetsWork: Logan Walker

Hi! My name is Logan Walker. I split my youth between the fields of South Georgia and the Appalachian Mountains. I was always an outdoorsy kid, but my love for the natural environment really took off when I moved to the mountains. I quickly fell into a wonderful group of educators and students,...

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2024 VetsWork: Darrell Miller

2024 VetsWork: Darrell Miller

Greeting and salutations, my name is Darrell. I was born in Lawton, OK and spent most my life moving state from state. Before graduating high school, I'd already lived in nine states and attended dozens of different schools. This upbringing gave me an adaptive mindset that served me well while...

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2024 VetsWork: Colton Long

2024 VetsWork: Colton Long

My name is Colton. I grew up in Northern Michigan, so an internship with one of the various locations of the Forest Service in the US felt like a great choice. I was raised to fish and hunt, and time on the water felt right. I was in the medical services while serving in the United States Air...

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A Jack of All Leaves

A Jack of All Leaves

Jessica Rodriguez reflects on her transformative journey as an MAI Land Stewards intern, From wielding chainsaws to exploring fire ecology, her experiences at Mt. Hood have reshaped her career goals and deepened her connection to the outdoors. Join her as she shares how this season of learning and growth has sprouted new possibilities for her future.

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Building Bridges: Taryn’s Path from Military Service to Environmental Restoration

Building Bridges: Taryn’s Path from Military Service to Environmental Restoration

Meet Taryn Oseen, a VetsWork intern with NOAA’s Restoration Center who embodies the mission of creating connections—between people, nature, and professional growth. As a Navy veteran pursuing a career in environmental science, Taryn joined the program to gain real-world experience and close the gap between academic training and career readiness.

read more
Dirt Bike Dreams

Dirt Bike Dreams

Aaron Lindsey reflects on how his MAI internship with the USFS Entiat Ranger District allowed him to merge his lifelong passion for dirt bikes with his love for the outdoors. Spending a summer working in the stunning Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest, Aaron shares his gratitude for the experience and the incredible people he met along the way.

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2024 VetsWork: Joshua Leventhal

2024 VetsWork: Joshua Leventhal

I grew up in Salem, Oregon, with my brother, mother, and stepfather. I lived in Salem until I joined the U.S. Navy, where I served as a Hospital Corpsman (Medic) for eight years in various locales/environments. Most of that time was spent with the U. S. Marine Corps,...

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