As a way to pay tribute to our U.S. servicemen and women, three Lone Star Steakhouses in the Denver area will donate back 10% of their dinner receipts to our nonprofit if you present the certificate and order a meal that evening. Participating restaurants include the Lone Star Steakhouse in Golden (11905 West 6th Ave.), Littleton (4817 S. Wadsworth Blvd.) and Arvada (7450 West 52nd Ave.).

You’ll not only enjoy a great meal, you’ll also support a great organization — so please remember to Take Steak!

Click Here to Download the Certificate

COLORADO SPRINGS – They are the ones who gave up years of their lives to defend their country. Now military veterans are facing the challenge of finding employment as civilians.

Currently, the unemployment rate for veterans is 11.7 percent, significantly higher than the overall national unemployment rate of 9.4 percent.

“It has been pretty tough,” says Carlos Penaloza, a veteran of the Army National Guard. “I’ve applied to maybe 20 different places and I haven’t been able to find much.”

In an effort to help, the American Legion of Colorado held a veterans employment fair in conjunction with their mid-year conference. A dozen employers attended and interviewed veterans searching for work.

One agency in attendance offers more than job openings. They provide the training to help veterans transition to the civilian workforce.

“They have so many skills. What we’re doing is helping them translate those skills from what it was like in the military to a resume that resonates with employers,” says Jo Schantz, senior director of communication for Veterans Green Jobs.

Created in 2008, Veterans Green Jobs is a non-profit that operates nationally, but is based in Denver. They train veterans in a variety of skills ranging from weatherizing homes to water and forest conservation.

“Our veterans go into income eligible households and provide free weatherization services for low income families. They do everything from blowing in insulation to repairing and replacing furnaces to new refrigerators. It is really a valuable service,” says Schantz.

It is valuable to the income eligible households and invaluable to the veterans. They gain a skill that makes them more marketable in the workforce.

“There are tons of good qualities veterans have,” says Garett Reppenhagen, director of veterans development for Veterans Green Jobs. “They have a work ethic, a great set of values, the ability to work in a dangerous environment, diverse environment with diverse people and that sense of service and dedication that you often times don’t find in the civilian employee.

Once organizations really start hiring veterans they really start to realize what an asset they are to their company.”

In the last two years, Veterans Green Jobs has helped more than 500 veterans secure jobs.

For more information about Veterans Green Jobs, go to their website at: www.veteransgreenjobs.org.

Click here to watch the video associated with this story.

This article was pulled from the Channel 9 News website and can be viewed at by clicking here.

(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)

On behalf of Veterans Green Jobs.
ARCH presents
2 Special Benefit performances of
Medal of Honor Rag
by Tom Cole

Tom Cole, 1933-2009

Performances at Su Teatro’s DENVER CIVIC THEATER,
721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver 80204
Saturday evening at 7:30 PM, January 29.
Sunday matinee at 2 PM, January 30.

When military veterans come back from a war zone, they often carry hidden wounds and scars. For many of these servicemen and women, the return to civilian life is a difficult and heart-wrenching process. One way of understanding that process is through a powerful stage play – “Medal of Honor Rag.”

“Medal of Honor Rag” is a one-act drama focusing on the after effects of combat – a pivotal production that gives veterans a voice and helps convey their personal torment to their families, friends and fellow veterans.

Written by Tom Cole, a U.S. Army veteran who became an acclaimed playwright and screenwriter, this stage production is based on a true story, exposing the inner conflict of one soldier who received the Medal of Honor for extreme valor in combat and his attempt to regain his former life. “Medal of Honor Rag” offers audiences a unique insight into the emotions of war-torn veterans by focusing on one serviceman’s poignant dialogue with his Army psychiatrist.

Following the Sunday matinee performance, audience members will be invited to participate in a 45-minute panel discussion featuring commentary on the play’s theme plus current issues that concern today’s veteran population.

“Medal of Honor Rag” has been performed to sold-out houses in theaters all around the U.S., from its off-Broadway debut in New York in 1976 to Hollywood’s Egyptian Arena Theater in 2005. It was broadcast nationally in 1982 in the American Playhouse series on PBS.

Proceeds from the two special presentations of “Medal of Honor Rag” will be donated by ARCH to benefit Veterans Green Jobs (VGJ), a national nonprofit headquartered in Denver. VGJ’s mission is to connect military veterans with meaningful employment opportunities that serve our communities and environment. To date, the organization has helped more than 500 servicemen and women gain the skills, education and employment opportunities that have opened doorways to careers in environmental restoration, preservation and sustainability; clean and renewable energy; and energy efficiency and conservation.

For details on Veterans Green Jobs, visit www.veteransgreenjobs.org.

ARCH, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to showcasing significant historical and cultural matter that is disappearing or neglected for many reasons. ARCH is the acronym for the Association for the Retention of Cultural Heritages.

Tickets are $20 — $15 for seniors, veterans, students

Saturday evening – January 29th at 7:30 PM

Sunday matinee – January 30 at 2:00 PM

Reserve your seats by phone at 303 296-0219, or go to www.suteatro.org

All performances are at Su Teatro’s Denver Civic Theater
721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204

Eric Lopez, Training Manager/Safety Coordinator for Veterans Green Jobs and veteran of the United States Marine Corps, brings 24 years experience in Project Management in the building and construction industry including commercial, residential and civil projects. Eric has been involved with training employees in various disciplines since 1994 and has been safety consulting since 2001. He has worked with both private and federal government agencies completing projects all over the United States. Eric is currently pursuing a degree in renewable energy at Red Rocks Community College.

Mare App is the Program Director for Veterans Green Jobs Client Services Region 9 Weatherization. Mare is a consummate team player with an infectious let’s-do-what-it-takes attitude; she brings out the best in those around her through self-improvement, innovative thinking, and team cohesion. She contributes over 30 years of education management experience to the team. Some of her professional history includes leading international training programs, Regional Director NSE where she managed 7 teams in 3 different time zones, USDA Forest Service, as well as founding the CCC process. Mare’s Master Degree is in Professional Resources and Services and her Doctoral work is in Adult and Continuing Education. Mare currently manages the customer service cycle for VGJ’s Weatherization program in Denver and Jefferson Counties.

Kam Jaspal, Director of Weatherization Operations has spearheaded our Weatherization Department since its inception during the 2009/2010 contract period. After completing a Mechanical Engineering degree and an engineering apprenticeship in London, Kam spent the better part of the next twenty years travelling throughout Europe and North America working on engineering and manufacturing plant projects, specializing in automation, production efficiency and quality management systems. In 2005 Kam followed his passion for energy efficient construction and joined an organization that built energy efficient single family residence in a large development that occupied the former Stapleton International airport site. During his time as a builder Kam built strong relationships with a tier one vendor EnergyLogic. EnergyLogic is an industry leader in the area of residential energy efficiency, providing consulting, auditing services, training and software solutions. Through EnergyLogic Kam gained Resnet Home Energy Rater and BPI Building Analyst credentials and worked in their Builder Services and Existing homes divisions before moving into the Weatherization arena. Kam lives in the Stapleton development with his extended family.

Carlos Espinoza is VGJ’s HVAC Manager. Carlos is an Air Force veteran and has been in the heating and air conditioning business for over 16 years. He has worked for local and nationwide companies helping to start a business and grow it from its infancy to a half-billion dollar corporation. He has over 24 years of management experience in both the military and civilian sectors. He has earned an Associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelors degree in Business courtesy of the GI Bill. Carlos has a personal drive to help people and give his best while ensuring nothing less is given by his staff. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, and has traveled the world along with his wife Juanita and daughter Christina during his time in the service.

Chester Campbell is the Production Manager for Veterans Green Jobs Region 9. Chet has ten years experience in the weatherization program. Starting as an insulation technician and working his way up to Production Manager. For the past eight years Chet worked for a local plumbing and heating wholesaler. He worked in various positions including managing branch outlets. Prior to moving to Colorado in 1992, Chet worked in San Diego for a consulting engineering firm managing the drafting department and conducting energy analysis on residential projects.

Doug Mahan is Office Operations Manager for Veterans Green Jobs and has been with the organization since September, 2010. An honorably discharged combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Doug attended Arizona State University on the GI Bill, graduating in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in business and political science. He began his career with the Phoenix Mayor’s Office as a protocol officer and Program Director for the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission. He left the public sector in 2002 to take a position with RHW Management, Inc., rising to General Manager of multiple Marriott hotel properties. Doug brings over 15 years of administrative management and leadership experience to his current position at Veterans Green Jobs and is an active member in the veteran community.

Patrick J. Barker is the energy audit supervisor for Veteran Green Jobs. He has been working in the nonprofit energy sector for 13 years. Starting as a field technician with no experience, Patrick moved into the crew leader position one year later. After attending multiple training classes and conferences he became certified as an energy auditor specialist and is fully committed to helping the general public understand the most economical options to make residential homes energy efficient. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Patrick moved to Denver in 1997. Prior to moving he attended Owens Community College and the University of Toledo. Patrick is also the proud father of his beautiful 1 year old son, Jonathan Barker.

Sonja L Carter is the Client Intake and Outreach Manager at Veterans Green Jobs. She has been employed since the Denver office’s inception, February 2010. Sonja holds an Associate’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. Her excellent management skills were initiated when she became a Medic and Ophthalmic technician in the United States Army. As a Medic an Ophthalmic technician Sonja developed calculated risk-taking and staff management skills. Because Sonja was injured during her enlistment and was honorably discharged as a disabled veteran, her compassion for disadvantaged community members receiving VGJ’s services enhanced her skills as the Outreach Manager. Sonja has been complimented on numerous occasions for her compassion, genuineness, and straight-forward honesty. Sonja’s greatest pleasure is knowing that at the end of the day she had helped several members of the community who would otherwise be left out in the cold.

Overview:

Veterans Green Corps provides purposeful employment and training opportunities for current era veterans interested  in gaining experience in natural resource and wildland fire careers. The program engages veterans to work together on crews completing projects natural resource management projects, specifically trail maintenance, trail construction, fuel reduction and other projects on public lands. Training will focus on gaining conservation skills and career development services for veterans interested in pursuing further employment opportunities with land management. The program is designed to provide training opportunities and contact with future employers for current era veterans who are transitioning from the military to jobs and opportunities in the civilian sector. Crews are generally comprised of individuals 25-35 years of age who have minimal financial and/or family commitments.

Who is Eligible:

Recent era Veterans (OIF, OEF) who are interested in pursuing educational and professional development in resource management and other outdoor related fields. Applicants must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a DD214. No experience necessary.

Position Title: Veterans Green Corps Corpsmember

Position Type: Full-time, temporary, lasting up to 14 weeks

Location: Based out of Durango, CO or Tucson, AZ; Crews will be based out of Durango, Colorado or Tucson, Arizona. And members will be on hitch in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.

Pay: $300.00 per week minus $25/week meal deduction.

Trainings may include: Chainsaw certification, S130, S190, CPR, 1st Aid, herbicide application

General Qualifications:

• Safety – Safety is our top concern. While in the outdoors and in remote locations safety becomes even more important. You will be expected to take a serious attitude toward safety all day and every day while in the field.
• Commitment – Corpsmembers must make a STRONG commitment to complete the program. You will challenge yourself, work hard, and be committed to doing the best that you can.
• Professionalism – Corpsmember must be willing to appropriately represent Southwest Conservation Corps and Veterans Green Jobs. Member is also required to be tolerant of diversity; respecting the differences of others.
• Teamwork – Corpsmember must be willing to work hard, participate as part of a team, and respect their fellow members and be dedicated to the Southwest Conservation Corps’ mission.
• Substance Free – Corpsmembers MUST be willing and able to refrain from alcohol, or drugs while participating in the SCC program. Tobacco use will be allowed in designated areas.
• Fitness – Projects involve hiking, heavy lifting and repetitive motions. Backcountry projects are physically demanding!!! Projects can sometimes take place at high elevations; above 8,500 feet. Members are expected to be ready to confront these conditions.

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

Summer Trail Crews in Southern Colorado is currently accepting applications.

To begin the application process, please email
vgc@veteransgreenjobs.org

Position Title: Veterans Green Corps Crew Leader

Position Type: Field-based, seasonal, full-time, exempt

Location: Based out of Salida, CO, Durango CO, and Tucson, AZ; works throughout the Southwest including Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Salary: $460 – $540 weekly stipend (depending on experience), includes weekly $25 mandatory meal deduction

Benefits: Food provided while in the field, uniform, paid training.

Qualifications: Applicants must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and have a DD214

Deadline: Open until filled

Reports to: Program Coordinator

Current Openings:

Los Valles Region: April – August 2011

Program Overview:

Southwest Conservation Corps’ Crew Leaders perform many roles and are the key to our program’s success. The position is also multi-faceted and demanding, but with opportunity for enormous rewards. Successful candidates will demonstrate high standards, compassion, excellent judgment, and the desire to devote themselves (at least seasonally!) to youth and the environment. The Crew Leader position requires both supervisory and technical aptitude, and a high level of comfort in the outdoors.

The program hires all Veterans and focuses on the transition from service in the military to service to public lands and local communities. Education and training will concentrate on gaining conservation skills and career development services for veterans interested in pursuing further employment opportunities with land management agencies. Any individual that successfully completes this program will have the opportunity to continue working in the conservation field or move onto into other opportunities focused on developing skills needed for employment in the rapidly emerging green jobs field.

Crew Leader Duties and Responsibilities:

♦ Manage, supervise, and participate in day-to-day details of crew life in camp and at work.

♦ Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site.

♦ Train and motivate a crew of eight young adults to efficiently complete conservation projects on public lands. Coordinate logistics with project sponsors, Program Coordinator, Program Director and co-leader.

♦ Implement Environmental and Life Skills Curriculum via formal and informal lessons.

♦ Complete professional documentation of time sheets, daily and weekly report, Corpsmember and peer evaluations, incident reports, etc. Manage petty cash, gas cards and food budget.

♦ Transport crew safely in SCC’s 15-passenger vans or Suburbans.

♦ Promote individual Corpsmember development and a healthy community.

Qualifications:

♦ Leadership experience, preferably with diverse young adults, required.

♦ Previous Conservation or Youth Corps experience preferred.

♦ Familiarity with basic conservation skills including tool maintenance. Professional conservation, construction or landscaping experience preferred, but not required. SCC will train exceptional applicants. For the Sonoran Desert region, we are looking for leaders with substantial experience in chain saw operation and maintenance.

♦ Experience teaching outdoor and/or environmental education curriculum preferred.

♦ Excellent organizational skills.

♦ Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions.

♦ Good driving record (insurable) and current driver’s license.

♦ High School diploma or GED required. Relevant Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

♦ Current Wilderness First Aid or higher and CPR certification.

♦ Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference.

Essential Functions:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or listen. The employee is required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus. The employee is frequently required to drive an SCC vehicle, and must be able to speak, understand, read and write English. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply:

Please email your resume expressing interest in this position to vgc@veteransgreenjobs.org

• Please note that Veterans Green Corps programs are seasonal with no guarantee of ongoing employment.

• Post-program opportunities may include hiring on with a Natural Resource Agency or other programs in Veterans Green Jobs. If desired, each Veterans Green Corps participant will receive ongoing support from Veterans Green Jobs for education, career development-placement and social opportunities.

Derrick Charpentier, Veterans Green Corps Crew Member
 
“The Warrior Spirit”

Derrick Charpentier during his time with VGC.

Derrick Charpentier had been out of the U.S. Navy for seven years when he discovered he missed the camaraderie and work ethic of the military. He wanted to find a job that offered the sense of cohesion and public duty he felt in the Navy. He also felt a calling to engage in work that helps conserve our country’s natural environment.

So when he came upon Veterans Green Jobs, he knew he had found his niche.

Working in the Navy as an aviation structural mechanic for a helicopter squadron, Derrick’s nearly five-year military career took him to locations such as the Persian Gulf and South and Central America to support counter-drug and counter-terrorism missions. Leaving the military in 2002, Derrick returned to college for a mechanical engineering degree, then moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. His summer job as an underground locator – marking out power and transmission lines for construction companies – was not satisfying.

“I wanted to work with and for the environment. And I wanted to be around people who shared the same sense of commitment to getting the job done. In my experience, that’s been veterans,” says Derrick. He originally had his eye on installing solar panels and wind turbines. But the door that opened was much different.

A quick Internet search on “veteran jobs” and “veteran environmental jobs” led Derrick to Veterans Green Jobs. He soon found himself applying for a variety of training programs and was accepted in a conservation training cohort through Veterans Green Corps – created through a partnership between Veterans Green Jobs and Durango-based Southwest Conservation Corps in 2009. Veterans Green Corps empowers recently returning military veterans, typically aged 20-30 years old, to transition to civilian life. It does so by leveraging vets’ leadership experience in order to meet pressing conservation needs on public lands.

“I was a little taken aback on the first day. The other guys had already been out and working together for more than a month, so they knew exactly what their job was and what they needed to do. One guy showed me the ropes, and brought me into the fold very seamlessly. It was the military experience I was looking for, without the extreme confines and rigid structure of the military,” says Derrick.

For Derrick, the “big selling point” of Veterans Green Corps was the outdoor experience. “It’s nice to get away from email and TV for a few weeks and reconnect with the wilderness and nature. We live in the only world we’ll ever get; I’m more committed now than ever to getting the forest back to its natural pristine condition.”

Derrick first launched into trail operations on the Archuleta Trail in the wilderness of Rio Grande National Forest, followed by a week of chainsaw training at Ice Cave Ridge in San Juan National Forest. He received a number of certifications in just six months, including S-212 Wildland Fire Chain Saw certification through Colorado Firecamp, and the S-130/S-190 wildland fire training required of all firefighters before they can work on the firelines. He was also trained in wilderness first aid and CPR. By his second session, Derrick had been trained as a crew leader.

Derrick’s experience through Veterans Green Corps has paid off in ways he hadn’t imagined before. He has been hired to join Dinosaur National Park’s Engine Crew for wildland firefighting on a seasonal basis, complementing his winter ski instructor job.

“I’m stoked. My experience with Veterans Green Corps was invaluable. Without that training and experience, there’s no way I would have ever qualified for this job,” Derrick says, citing the requisite experience of being trained in chainsaw cutting in a professional setting.

Aside from giving him the skills he needed to look for a job in the natural resources field, Veterans Green Corps provided a unique bonding opportunity that Derrick feels can’t be easily replicated: In the evenings after a hard day’s work, Derrick and his crewmates shared a community living experience, participating in the cooking and cleaning, then gathering around the camp fire. These were times when the vets shared their life experiences, reflected back on their time in the military, and talked about ways they could better assimilate back into mainstream society.

“But we wanted to do more than just assimilate. We wanted to bring back that warrior spirit we had from the military, and show people that we can all really make a positive difference in this world.”