Sixteen recent-era veterans from the Southwest Conservation Corps’ Veterans Fire Corps joined in patriotic acts of service to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks during the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Southwest Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps and Volunteers of America partnered to serve and honor local veteran families, helping them to prepare for the winter by cutting, splitting and delivering firewood to elderly, local veterans.
“We must never forget the sacrifices this community has made and continue to honor and support where we can.
“SCC is committed to this by providing work and advancement opportunities while also bringing others together in search of common goals,” said organizer and SCC Program Coordinator Ryan Brink. With help from San Juan National Forest staff, who provided free firewood permits, and Ted’s Rentals, who donated a splitter, the Vets Fire Corps crew was able to provide several cords of wood to a couple of local veteran families in need.
Following this day of service, these crews will now head out on to our public lands to continue their service once more by completing fire mitigation projects throughout Southwest Colorado to help protect communities from the ever-present threat of wildfires in the American west.
Kevin Heiner
Durango
