Placement: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Position:      Writer/Analyst

 

“I encourage other veterans to apply for VetsWork positions with the Mt. Adams Institute for a truly worthwhile & rewarding experience.”

Kimberly is an Army veteran from Montgomery, Alabama working as writer/analyst intern through Vets Work & The Mt. Adams Institute, with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest on the Whitman Ranger District in Baker City, Oregon.

When I found out about the job opportunity to work with the VetsWork program and the Mt. Adams Institute, I didn’t hesitate to apply. All I could think about were the new adventures I would have exploring the mountains & nature trails of Eastern Oregon and I could totally see myself there. I was very excited to be chosen to work in this position.

I am from Montgomery, the capital city of the great state of Alabama.   The southern hospitality, great food, Alabama & Auburn college football, and history are well known in the region. Alabama is where I have called home for most of my life.  I served in the U.S. Army for 4 years on active duty where I worked as a Chaplain’s Assistant at Ft. Benning, GA, Home of the Infantry. My job as a soldier was very much about service.   I worked with a great team of caring & compassionate chaplain’s and chaplain’s assistants who did our very best to serve the Ft. Benning soldiers and community through chapel services, outreach programs and ministry to benefit the needs of soldiers and families. My experience in the Army was a great one that I will always cherish.

I love nature, natural health and wellness. I also enjoy writing, reading, photography, cooking and spending time with my family. I am a proud mother of 2 wonderful boys, ages 12 and 6. I have no regrets about the decision to move to Oregon. We all love the scenic views of the beautiful mountains here. Living in the small town of Halfway has been a delightful experience. I have met many friendly locals and travelers while working here.

Historic Baker City is like stepping back in time to a bygone era when American settlers traveled west to start a new life. The town has beautiful old Victorian homes, museums and over 100 buildings on the national historic register. If I close my eyes, I can see the covered wagons traveling the Oregon Trail while driving up the mountainous roads of the Elkhorn and Wallowa mountain countryside.

I was looking for a change of scenery and a new working experience and now I am learning so much here working with the U.S. Forest Service. The Whitman Ranger district has a great team of people who are passionate about the work they do for the forest and the local community. The area is full of fun events and places to see for everyone in the family. I plan on using my job experience here with the Vets Work program to find a job with the Forest Service while using my education award to continue my studies in college in the field of Horticulture & Sustainability. I encourage other veterans to apply for Vets Work positions with the Mt. Adams Institute for a truly worthwhile & rewarding experience.