I am an Idaho native, graduate of Emmett High School, and currently reside in Boise Idaho. In 2009, I enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear weapons specialist and deployed in 2010 to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. After returning to my home unit I joined American Military University where I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s in Environmental Science.

I have a passion for the outdoors that developed over several years of backpacking in Yellowstone and Yosemite National Park. I chose the VetsWork program for several reasons, but most importantly for the connection with a local community and having an opportunity to make a lasting difference in a spectacular area. I want to help provide others with the same feeling I had in the national parks, which has changed my perspective. Having an opportunity to dive into a position like this, get real world, on the job training will prove to be valuable in a job search, and I look to get as much education on site as possible while serving with the Forest Service.

The excitement of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area river program drew me to this position over any of the others offered, but there is so much more than just the river to enjoy and I look forward to exploring it all. I’m hoping to submerge myself in the history and culture of this site, climb the mountains, enjoy the wildlife and really become a part of the lasting legacy which instills excitement and wonder into its visitors every year.