Veterans get green

Serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq is a tough act to follow, but Tony Townsend is hoping for a chance to preserve the country he once defended, thanks to the Veterans Conservation Corps. The Corps, a creation of the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, last year began offering post-9/11 veterans an avenue toward “green collar” jobs through a higher education program called the Veterans Environmental Academy.

The nine-month program is aimed at helping the environment by training people who have already proven their dedication to their country through their military service, said Seth Maier, program coordinator for Eastern Washington.

“I’ve been looking for different career opportunities,” said Townsend, a Marine Reservist who works as a rigger for a Spokane Valley boat sales company. “Last month, Seth came out to the Reserve Center and told us about this opportunity.”

It was a good fit for Townsend. A self-described “outdoor person,” he said he would like to work for the U.S. Forest Service or the state Department of Natural Resources.

The Veterans Environmental Academy will enable a dozen veterans to take courses at Spokane Community College as well as participate in regional conservation projects.

In 2007, the Washington Legislature approved $250,000 to go toward paying the veterans a $1,000-a-month stipend while pursuing a certificate in the program.

Veterans also are eligible for partial tuition waivers, federal retraining funds, GI benefits and other financial aid, as well as qualify for unemployment benefits.

Last year, the program was available only at Green River Community College in Auburn, according to program manager Mark Fischer, who said about 30 veterans have earned certificates so far.

The program was expanded this year to include Olympic College in Bremerton, Centralia College, Lake Washington Technical College and Renton Community College, as well as SCC.

The course study, designed to provide the minimum requirements for an entry-level job as a soil or water technician, for example, can be applied toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Maier said the program was created to offer veterans the satisfaction of continuing to serve their country while giving them confidence that they can complete college.

“Number one, it’s helping the environment in Washington state,” Maier said. “Secondly, we are giving direction to veterans for a career path for which there is high demand. Here’s an opportunity for veterans to change their military mission to a personal mission.

“And what better way to thank veterans for their service than a job that will give them a career for the rest of their lives?”