How to give back (One for the Americans)

**Arlen** · 28th February 08, 11:44 AM

O.k, here's the deal. I am looking for some advice on how I can do some decent things once I get to the states.

It will be about 11 weeks after I arrive in the states that I get my work permit.
At first I will just be taking whatever decent job I can get so that Diane and I can have some stability.

After a while I want to be able to do something that gives back.

Now, I would love to become a forest ranger but I will have some qualifications to get first, and that will also involve becoming a qualified police officer so that I can handle firearms.
(And I can't join the police force until I become a citizen in 2 years or so.)

I very, very seriously considered joining either the Idaho air guard or the U.S. Coast guard.
I decided against it because the Coast guard would be pulling up the roots Diane has finally got to plant and that's not fair to her.
And with the air guard there is a high chance I'd be deployed out.
After all the years apart I am just not ready for that again.

The fire department there only recruit every winter so that is out for the meantime.

So with all of this in mind, do you guys have any suggestions of a job where I can give something back and really do some good?
I will probably take on voluntary work when I can, but right now I am focusing on finding a full time job.

I figured since there are so many people on here who have served or are still serving there might be a few things I haven't thought about.

Thanks a lot for any help you guys can give.

**Navyguy** · 28th February 08, 11:57 AM

I belive the military can "speed up" the citizenship process. The Guard might be a good deal, if that is what you are after.

**davedove** · 28th February 08, 12:04 PM

What I do is serve with the Civil Air Patrol. The CAP has a threefold mission: Emergency Services, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace Education. It is associated with the US Air Force and there are units all across the US in every state. You do not have to be a citizen, but you must be at least a resident alien. It is a volunteer program, so you can do it in addition to your regular job.

The main emergency services mission is to search for lost aircraft, but CAP is also called on to assist in other Search and Rescue incidents and Disaster Relief.

If you're interested, check out www.cap.gov.

1st Lt David Dove
Frederick Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing
Civil Air Patrol

**gilmore** · 28th February 08, 12:08 PM

Have you thought about health care?

Perhaps you could do volunteer work during the 11 weeks before you can work legally in several different places to get a feel for what working at the jobs are like.

**kevinkinney** · 28th February 08, 12:45 PM

How about...

The United Way
Goodwill
The local food shelf
Adaptive Sports Programs
Etc.

Good on you, no matter what you choose.

Cheers,

Kevin.

**Farlander** · 28th February 08, 12:59 PM

I see that you are interested in becoming a 'forest ranger'. This can be a difficult job to land in some regions, but very rewarding. You may want to consider doing some volunteer work for a near by park that you like. This could be a State, National or Local park that is near where you live. The experience will be great for your career goal, and can be a lot of fun!

One other thing to think about. Not all 'Park Rangers' are law enforcement. Other major categories are 'Interpretation' and 'Maintenance'. Interpreters (that is natural and cultural interpretation not language) are the teachers and tours givers and such. These often do not have the same two year citizen requirements as law enforcement.

Best of Luck!

**Joe Gondek** · 28th February 08, 01:16 PM

Looking at your interesrs on your profile I'd say you have 'SCOUTMASTER' written all over you

It doesn't pay anything but it is a good way to give back,you'll also make a lot of outdoor contacts with parks and recreation people.
BSA troops are always looking for adult leadership,and it is alot of fun. I did it for ten years.

you could give it a try until you find that dream job.

**macwilkin** · 28th February 08, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Arlen

Now, I would love to become a forest ranger but I will have some qualifications to get first, and that will also involve becoming a qualified police officer so that I can handle firearms.
(And I can't join the police force until I become a citizen in 2 years or so.)

Arlen,

Not necessarily. There are different kinds of Rangers. What you're describing are Law Enforcement/Protection Rangers, but there are also Rangers who deal with the public (Interpretation), Natural Resources, etc. Most of these types do not carry firearms -- we man information desks, give programs & talks, etc.

One good way to start in NPS is to apply as a seasonal employee, but competition for these jobs can be fierce. You might also consider volunteering with the National Park Service:

http://www.nps.gov/volunteer/

National Parks wouldn't be able to function without our VIPs.

The Forest Service also has a volunteer program:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/volunteer/

Since you'll be out west, you might also consider being a volunteer firefighter. Busy folks, especially in the summer.

PM or e-mail me with any questions you might have.

Regards,

Todd

**macwilkin** · 28th February 08, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by Farlander

I see that you are interested in becoming a 'forest ranger'. This can be a difficult job to land in some regions, but very rewarding. You may want to consider doing some volunteer work for a near by park that you like. This could be a State, National or Local park that is near where you live. The experience will be great for your career goal, and can be a lot of fun!

One other thing to think about. Not all 'Park Rangers' are law enforcement. Other major categories are 'Interpretation' and 'Maintenance'. Interpreters (that is natural and cultural interpretation not language) are the teachers and tours givers and such. These often do not have the same two year citizen requirements as law enforcement.

Best of Luck!

great minds think alike! :mrgreen:

Todd

Seasonal Park Ranger, Wilson's Creek NB, NPS

**Erisianmonkey** · 28th February 08, 01:28 PM

I'll second Dave's mention of the CAP. I was a cadet when I was in high school. Not only do you get the chance to serve the community, if you so chose, you could volunteer to work with the cadet program which has the additional benefit of allowing you to be a good mentor for kids. It's not just a flying thing either. There are jobs for every talent from administration to radio tech. It's a great organization.