A calm, quiet morning is something Mike Russell does not take for granted after serving just over 21 years in the Army.
The Army led Russell to realize his love of nature, as he reflected on peaceful mornings.
“The Army gave me my love of the outdoors,” Russell said. “Peaceful moments on guard, … just before sunup— I’d sip coffee from my old Stanley thermos, and it was quiet. You’d see the forest come alive when the sun rose in the morning, and you’d see all sorts of critters would appear. I loved it. … I still love it.”
Upon retiring, Russell knew he wanted to find a way to continue serving in a different capacity.
He sought peace of mind and wanted to work in a different branch of federal service.
He thought the National Park Service was the perfect fit.
After realizing his new goal required a degree, Russell actively worked to obtain the qualifications he needed.
However, during his last semester in college, he was devastated to learn that the Department of Government Efficiency had begun conducting mass layoffs across federal agencies, including national parks—the same jobs he was aiming for.
“I was pretty heartbroken about this,” Russell said. “I felt like the Lord had closed the door on that dream. My wife said to me, ‘You know Texas has parks, right?’ So, I applied and started as a seasonal last June.”
He began as a seasonal worker,
