Mike, an Army veteran, was having a tough time finding work after returning from Iraq. He joined AmeriCorps and served on the all-veteran fire team with the Southwest Conservation Corps’ Veterans Fire Corps. Because of the training, experience, and connections he gained with AmeriCorps, the U.S. Forest Service offered him a job as a full-time firefighter.
"When I returned from Iraq with the Army Infantry, I felt like I lost all meaning and purpose in life and I had trouble finding meaningful work. My AmeriCorps experience gave me new purpose and a valuable new skillset. I received incredible training and experience alongside other veterans who had similar experiences – we were all looking for a new life after war."