Congratulations to Lakeview Crew 7, an interagency hotshot firefighter crew comprised almost entirely of U.S. military veterans.
The crew was formed in 2000 and reorganized in 2011 to help military veterans transition to productive civilian careers. Crew 7 has been funded under the BLM Veterans Crew Program since 2012.
In March of 2016, Crew 7 began the process to be certified as a hotshot crew. They went through the review process in 2017 and received the recommendation for certification this year.
During the 2018 wildfire season, Lakeview Crew 7 battled fires across the West, including the large Cougar Creek Fire in central Washington.
“Our time spent in the military is a key ingredient to our achievements,” said Levi VanderMolen, a member of Crew 7.
“It’s what separates us from other crews and inspires us to work harder and become the best.”
Learn more about BLM career opportunities for veterans:
https://www.blm.gov/
WHAT KARI SAID. High fives all you vets on the line!!!
Are they going by “Lakeview Hotshots”?
I think “Lakeview Veterans IHC”.
Good job guys!
Now that is a real success story. Congratulations Crew 7 vets and the BLM!!
Congratulations!! What a perfect week to hear the good news. So happy for the crew! Gratitude to you all for your military service. And your continued hard work stateside.