Open house planned for new center as work continues
An open house meet-and-greet session for the new Camp Ponderosa Veterans Retreat and Learning Center in the Swan Valley is set for noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the center, 34891 Montana 83 near Condon, about 50 miles from Kalispell.
Participants will be able to tour the camp and future learning center and learn about the Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down & Food Pantry’s vision for transforming the property and the lives of the veterans they serve.
The project is being led by Veterans Stand Down founders Allen and Linda Erickson, who purchased the buildings and facilities of the long defunct Swan River Correctional Training Center and are transforming it into a facility for veterans. The annual lease for the property, which is school trust land, is $19,000.
“It is our dream to create a live-in treatment facility in which veterans can receive counseling and group therapy, along with peaceful recreation in a scenic environment,” Allen Erickson said in an earlier interview with the Daily Inter Lake.
Veterans also will be able to learn job skills and get instruction with looking for jobs and writing resumes, with help from qualified professionals.
The Ericksons have been spending whatever spare time they have on weekends at the old “boot camp” refurbishing the facilities, and have received assistance from many volunteers, including the Montana Conservation Corps.
This week Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, will provide assistance and support to Camp Ponderosa through a five-day operation that begins Thursday.
Team Rubicon will be providing wildfire mitigation to the 80-acre site. The facility and grounds have been vacant for over 12 years. This operation includes chain-saw work and the felling or removing of hazardous trees. Team Rubicon also will use the project to train chain-saw operators for disaster response in Montana and nationwide. The organization performs its services at no cost to those affected, thanks to the generosity of donors.
Team Rubicon will provide also volunteer management; anyone in the community interested in volunteering can sign up Friday through Sunday. Team Rubicon recommends that volunteers have work pants and sturdy boots. However, all other personal protection equipment will be provided.
The North West Montana Veterans Camp Ponderosa has many other unmet needs. If you are unable to attend the work days, consider contacting the Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down to find out how you can help. Call 406-756-7304 or visit the website at www.veteransfoodpantry.org .
“Camp Ponderosa will become a place for veterans from all over to come and rest and recharge – we are happy to be helping the folks from the Northwest Montana Veterans Camp Ponderosa get the camp ready for occupancy,” said Team Rubicon’s Operations Incident Commander David Puerner.
Team Rubicon is a nonprofit organization offering veterans a chance to continue their service by helping those affected by disasters, and also themselves. Programs and services are made possible by the support of individual donors, corporate partners and the dedication of volunteers across the country. To join or support Team Rubicon’s mission, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.