Veterans corps crew on Decker Fire 2019

Veterans corps crew on Decker Fire 2019

18 September 2019

Just a few days after the Decker fire began with a lightning strike high in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) Veteran Fire Corps crew out of Salida, CO was called to assist. This is the first time in the 10 year history of the program that the crew of nine has been able to work on an active wildland fire.

The training the Crew receives is largely field based and is provided through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. Day to day project work typically includes fuels reduction and thinning projects, however it may also include other types of conservation service. The Type 3 Decker Fire Incident Commander, John Markalunas says, “It’s really nice to be able to provide folks that have served our country with training and experience opportunities. Their military background makes them a great fit for this kind of work.”

The crew of nine Co-lead by Army vet, Josh Davis says “The crew members feel a sense of purpose, community and camaraderie working on fires. They describe their experience as a positive atmosphere that helps vets transition into civilian life with support and development of useful skills". Co-lead Philip Jackson, a U.S. Marine vet, says that “Certifications such as wildland fire chainsaw experience and firefighting training can lead to future land management careers.”

Many vets describe the lonely feeling that can come with the change from active military duty to civilian life. Joseph Blevins, an Air Force vet, says, “Being on the crew offers a sense of purpose.” His fellow crew member and Marine vet, Chris Case states, “We all just want to be needed.”

Working long days and sleeping outside is very familiar to many of the guys. Among the Crew, four served in the US Army, four others in the US Marines, and one in the US Air Force. They noted that the “fire world” is similar in many ways to military service and being part of that world is something they enjoy. The crew also has a sense of pride in the work they are doing for the fire and for the community. The U.S. Forest Service has hired several past graduates of the SCC’s Vet Corps because of training and experience gained through the program.