Career Transition: Greening Denver Neighborhoods

Posted on 08. Jul, 2010 by linda in Testimonials

Veterans City Canopy

The veterans in the first crew of our Veterans City Canopy program speak about their work with pride. Here are some of the things they’ve said:

Gene
“Jobs are hard to find now. I went to the HVRP to get bus tokens to look for work – they told me about Veterans City  Canopy, and I told them I wanted the job…. I get to work outside. I told them I was willing to work hard, handle physical labor and learn something new…. I love this work.It gives me a sense of purpose. And I don’t have to go temp agencies anymore.”

Jeff
“I’m taking advantage of an opportunity to help the environment and advance my own station in life…. I expect to have enough money put aside to complete truck driving school and get a job as a truck driver. I eventually want to buy my own truck and sustain myself in my own business…. I love working together with other vets on a team effort. I look forward to planting the trees the most – I like the hands-on work.”

Dyana
“I was encouraged to apply for the Veterans City Canopy job. I was competing against lots of other vets who wanted the work, so I didn’t think I had a chance…. I’m a mechanic by trade. I have a degree in diesel technology. But I like what this program offers – the people here are on a mission. I’m proud to be part of it…. I love meeting the people who come out of their homes to look at their new trees. They love them!”

Frederick
“Back in college I had all these ideas about what I wanted to do to change the world and be a better person. For me, Veterans City Canopy was like coming back full circle…. I studied soil sciences and forestry in school. I’m 55 now, and this work is making me feel youthful again…. I’m looking forward to getting a job. I would like to have my own crew some day.”

Randall
“I’ve been a roofer most of my life. I needed a change, so was going to apply for a census job. That’s when I heard about Veterans City  Canopy, and applied there instead…. I love being outside and going different places for the work. The team of vets I work with are the greatest people I’ve ever met. They work hard…. I like the hands-on work of tree planting. I like looking at the tree after it’s planted and saying to myself, ‘I did a good job.’”

Dan
“I’m a sprinkler guy by trade. I’ve spent most of my career doing outside work. So when I heard about Veterans City Canopy, I wanted to get in…. My favorite parts of the program have been learning new things in the classroom, and planting trees with the elementary kids. I love seeing kindergarteners work with the tools…. This is a good fit for me – it’s the work I do already. It also gives me a paycheck, provides guidance and lets me work with a real team.”

**Read about Veterans City Canopy here.**