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Ryan is part of the VetsWork expansion to the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri

Ryan is part of the VetsWork expansion to the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri

My name is Ryan McCourtney. I was born in St. Louis, MO but lived my whole life in Potosi, MO. I spent most of my time outdoors playing sports and riding motorcycles/four-wheelers. I went in to the Air Force about a year after high school. I was a member of the 820th RED HORSE Squadron stationed at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV for 6 years as a combat engineer. I spent 2 and a half years there instructing asphalt and concrete batch plant operations. I deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. After spending so much time in a desert I decided that life wasn’t for me being from an area so different. I needed trees, lakes, and streams. I missed seeing the farms and livestock. I was a late entry in to this program and I probably wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Lisa Essmeyer and Bill Andersen. They sought me out . I am truly thankful to them and MAI for expanding the program to Missouri. I met with Bill and he explained the duties of a Recreation Technician and it sounded like a perfect fit for me. You mean I get to do what I enjoy and possibly make a career out of it? Sign me up! I love where I’m from and I feel like who could possibly care more about the Mark Twain National Forest than someone who grew up there and spent tons of time there?  This forest is a part of me and my childhood and I want it to be a part of my kids life and the lives of others. I feel like people are disconnected from their own families and camping or hiking could bring people closer together. During my internship I will be maintaining rec facilities, coordinating volunteers, and educating youth. I just hope that I can make an impact on the people that use these lands and spark the interest of people looking for recreation opportunities. I would also hope that this could end up providing me with my forever career.

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