Tina Alvey
The last time James Childress was in Washington, D.C., he was a fourth-grader on a field trip. This summer, the 20-year-old Beckley man returned to the nation’s capital with a more important mission — testifying before a congressional subcommittee on national parks, forests and public lands.
The opportunity presented itself when Childress’ supervisor requested he represent the 29,000 workers of the Citizens Conservation Corps and speak in support of HR 1612. The bill expands the authorization of the secretaries of agriculture, commerce and interior to provide service-learning opportunities on public lands, help restore the nation’s natural, cultural, historic, archaeological, recreational and scenic resources, train a new generation of public land managers and enthusiasts, and promote the value of public service.
A CCC employee since 2007, Childress is assigned to the maintenance crew at the mine academy near Beckley.
“I was chosen (to testify) because I’ve worked the longest for the CCC,” Childress explained. “And I had a (varied) background in what I’ve done.”
Fresh out of high school, Childress began his CCC work at the New River Gorge National River. Working in teams of four or five, under the direction of a team leader, he and his co-workers planted trees, maintained trails, restored historical buildings and built bridges.
The following year, he was assigned to a spray crew, learning how to safely apply pesticides to invasive plant species that threaten native flora.
Childress testified, “I have ... developed a number of skills that will help me in the workforce, such as teamwork, problem solving, personal responsibility and pride in workmanship. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve leaned a lot more about myself — what I like and want to do, and what I can achieve if I focus and push myself to do it.”
He added, “Because of this experience, I now have a greater respect for the natural beauty in our public lands, which will make me a better steward of those lands. I hope that this bill passes so more young people like me can have the same opportunity.”
While on Capitol Hill, Childress met with Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.
“I thought my testimony went pretty well,” Childress said.
He now hopes to pursue a college degree in mechanical engineering, in part funded by an AmeriCorps education award.
— E-mail:
talvey@register-herald.com
