Learning What Community Means By Listening To Veterans

Posted on 01. Feb, 2009 by charlie in Green Jobs

Climate change, peak oil, economic collapse. In the face of what one friend calls “the three-headed dragon,” I vacillate between hope and despair. Which is a big improvement for me—despair comes easy given what I’ve learned of the challenges facing the Earth. Recently I met two men who, to my surprise, kindled hope in me.

At a recent organizational retreat of Veterans Green Jobs, Garett and Demond, both veterans of the Iraq war, shared some of their reflections on serving in the military and returning home. Listening to their stories, I got the sense that these veterans know something really important about community. I believe I have something to learn from these folks about the deep caring bonds, the love that transcends political and ethnic differences, the trust that kept them alive during combat (and coming home).

When I think of these people – veterans, who know so much about mission and teamwork – putting their spirit and talents toward transforming our nation’s relationship to energy and environment, I actually feel hopeful. I believe that Veterans Green Jobs is poised to do the work that this country needs with style and efficiency that only veterans are capable of.