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.”
Hire a Veteran
Green sector employers with job openings, and metro Denver households who need home performance services: Hire our veterans.
We have a volunteer task for anyone who can give a few hours of time.
