As I look out my window today I find it hard to believe it’s the 25^th of January. When my family and I arrived here last April there was more snow on the ground than there is right now, and it seemed a lot colder. Since then I have learned and experienced a whole lot. I am not certain if I would refer to myself as a natural resource manager…however I know that I am definitely no longer a marine maintenance technician! I have had the privilege to work alongside a group of outstanding individuals here in the Monongahela National Forest, and for that I am grateful. My VetsWork AmeriCorps internship is nearing the end, and with it, the final blog. I will be heading west soon as a seasonal firefighter.

This program has allowed me some incredible opportunities and helped to bridge a gap that hasn’t been filled since I left the United States Army. I want to thank everyone who has helped me find my place this year, and given me a jump-start towards an awesome position in Wildland Fire! Without your leadership, guidance, training, and mentorship I would not be looking forward to an exciting new career. As usual I want to thank my family, friends, and especially my wife, who has met every challenge with me along the way. May God bless each and every one of you throughout the year and may you continue to “care for the land and serve people.”

For anyone interested in pursuing ANY future plans, dreams, aspirations, goals, or even whims; I hope that you will follow your instincts! If you feel like you are stuck, perhaps it’s finally time to do something about it. Change is good! It helps to refine us as the people we were meant to become. How will you know who you are unless you try new things and experience different circumstances in your life? Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker, once said, “you cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction.” In my life I have seen a whole lot of both–especially as a full time RV’er. However I have learned throughout the process that everything starts from within. You cannot make a change in your life, no matter how small, unless YOU effect that change. I leave you with some of the many pictures of the district, and the wonderful and wild places I have seen as a VetsWork AmeriCorps member. Thanks again to AmeriCorps, Mt. Adams Institute, the VetsWork program, and everyone on the Monongahela for a great year!