“The work we will do this year will absolutely have a great impact on everyone involved”
Greetings!
I’m honored, blessed, and humbled that I get to share with you another season with the Mt. Adam’s Institute, this time as part of their one-of-a-kind Vetswork program. Brendan Norman and Aaron Stanton, among others, have spent the last two years preparing for the launch of this much needed program. Through Vetswork they have asked and answered two very important questions.
“Who is going to protect the land?”
“Who is going to take care of our men and women of the armed forces when they come home?”
As always, MAI finds a way to fill the needs of many by creating and connecting communities through service. Thankfully, with Americorps, MAI has partnered with the US Forest Service whose primary task is to “Care for the Land and Serve the People.”
“Who are we?”
Ten men and women, all who have served our country in some capacity, have traveled from all over the US to write ourselves into MAIs incredible unfolding story. Each of us have chosen this program because we share a deep connection to the natural world and wish to protect, maintain, and expand these natural places for present and future generations.
“What will we be doing?”
Each of us will be working in various parts of Oregon and Washington, side by side with Forest Service, National Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State Parks, and city and county government sponsors. From wildlife refuge to city trail planning we will recruit volunteers, promote district events, and reinforce our service sites over the next 11months.
“Who am I?”
I am…Bob Ross. Richard Proenneke. John Muir. Teddy Roosevelt. Gifford Pinchot. Chief Joseph.
What we know of these fine folks has everything to do with what they did and what they loved. Through these blogs I will paint a better picture of who I am, but I hope it will be my actions that will be the more interesting tale. Gifford Pinchot was asking himself some very important questions a century ago and it was not without its challenges. His answer to these questions and challenges was conservation. Oregon, Washington, our National Forests… these places are like no other and unless someone advocates for their preservation, humans can and will destroy what it does not understand. I think people in the Pacific Northwest are very aware of what a gem they live in and take much pleasure from the mountains, forest and rivers. Although without protecting them from those who still believe these are inexhaustible resources, they will all be gone and so will the communities that rely on them.
Who will protect them?
We want you. In fact, we need you. The work we will do this year will absolutely have a great impact on everyone involved and I intend to make it “the greatest good, for the greatest number, for the longest run.” My hope is that some, if not ALL of you, will be inspired to share your thoughts and even get involved. Volunteers/sponsors for these programs offer their time and resources for a purpose greater than themselves. The events, projects, and overall purpose of our volunteer efforts will be to benefit our communities. Whatever skills you bring not only will directly impact our communities, but will be experiences that you will be able to take with you into the next chapter of your own adventure. Feel free to contact me through MAI or directly for more information.
With that…
…we pull our bowstrings back.
See you soon!
Jimmy