Semper Fidelis by Ray Curry

Posted on 19. Mar, 2009 by admin in Participant Blogs, Veterans Green Jobs Academy

Ray Curry, HEAT Program Participant

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a hero – from “soaring” around my house as a child with a blanket-turned-cape to practicing ninja-like stealth on my unsuspecting sister. Joining the United State Marine Corps at the age of 17, came as a surprise to few. The pride I felt while raising my right hand and solemnly swearing my oath of enlistment is a memory that will never fade. Like so many Service Members and Veterans who step up to serve in times of need, there is something inherent inside us that leads to thoughtless sacrifice for the betterment of the whole.

Now as my uniforms and medals are collecting dust, three years separated from Active Duty, the desire to serve still beats strong at the core of me. Everyday unemployment and homelessness rates are rising, especially amongst Veterans. We are returning home to a land we don’t recognize, and – sadly – a land that doesn’t recognize us. The specialized nature of the tools and skill-sets learned in the armed forces translates poorly to the civilian sector. Many of us are unable to find our place in society, and are losing hope.

With a failing economy that shifts from recession to depression, more and more Americans are realizing that our practices both nationally and individually, only push us deeper in this financial pit. Transitioning to a sustainable way of living not only alleviates much of the financial burdens on our families, but creates jobs and boosts our economy. I look around at the issues effecting the inhabitants of this nation and my fellow Veterans and I am overwhelmed with that familiar urge to step up where I can be of the most service. I see Veterans Green Jobs as a multi-faceted solution to this crisis, which is why I have signed up to participate in their first Veterans Green Jobs Training Program, beginning in April.

Veterans Green Jobs Academy arms Veterans with new training and skill-sets that put us on a career path to continue serving country by restoring our environment, our economy, and our communities. The term “Semper Fidelis” applies now to me, more than ever… Always Faithful!

8 Responses to “Semper Fidelis by Ray Curry”

APRIL

20. Mar, 2009

THIS IS MY AMAZING BROTHER!
Cpl Simpson USMC 90-94

20. Mar, 2009

Know the feeling exactly. Excellent summation of how many Marines felt and feel. Semper Fi Devil Dog……stay green.
Gus Gravot

26. Mar, 2009

Well said, Devil Dog! I, too, have decided to step up and serve again. I’m currently working on a master’s degree in teaching. Good luck and Godspeed in your future endeavors, brother!

Semper Fi,
Gus Gravot
Sgt – USMC
Trevor Top

02. Apr, 2009

Sign me up or tell me how to get it started in New Orleans. I have been able to apply my training to cable, internet, telephone, but I would prefer to forge a new technological frontier.
John K

05. Apr, 2009

As a Vietnam vet, I don’t have to tell anyone about the reception we got when we came home. No one wanted to hire a Vietnam vet. We were the drugged crazed baby killers that the press had no problem making everyone aware of. I eventually had to stop mentioning my military experience on job applications in order to get hired. I have been hunting for a good decent paying job as long as I care to remember. Still want to serve my country and going green is right up my alley. I am currently self-employed and accredited as an Eco-broker for a real estate firm here in upstate New York and I want to be a part of the solution.
Let me know how I can help and what training I would need to get it going already.
Allen

26. Apr, 2009

Is there any information regarding what the average starting salary could be after completing the HEAT program? The next session starts in August. Any info. would be appreciated.

Thank You, Semper Fi,
Sgt Al
emily

27. Apr, 2009

Hi Sgt Al – It’s hard to say exactly, because this industry is growing so rapidly. It depends on whether you want to work for an established company v. start your own energy auditing business. An educated guess would be $16-20/hour (but maybe less for entry level). Again, very dependent on the situation in which you’re working, and I know a few folks who’ve recently started businesses in this industry who have more clients than they can handle. There’s definitely a boom right now, thanks to Obama’s push for energy conservation and efficiency.
DARLENE MATTHEWS

25. May, 2009

CA – GET YOUR VET REPS HERE.
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June 30 2009 – Santa Monica -CA
Confirmed panelists include California State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, California State Controller John Chiang, and former California State Controller and Managing Partner of the Westly Group Steve Westly.

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