Disabled Vet & family in dire need.
Donation protected
To whom it may concern,
Bottom line upfront: My family and I, need HELP to build a home on the land we have purchased in Parsonsfield, ME.
After the culmination of affects from my military/war related disabilities led to my inability to fully preform normal work activities; My wife (Alice) and I (JP) are transitioning a career change to farming. I suffer from PTSD, Sleep apnea, back/knee/shoulder issues, etc. which is all rated at 70% by the VA and soon to be increased (after an re-exam last month) to either 90 or 100% disabled. I have been unemployed since 05JUN2016, and since we have been scrambling to establish a new home and life here in Parsonsfield, Maine. We have invested our life savings in the down payment of 126 acres and have run in to several "road blocks" in the building of our home. I am a very proud person and to ask for help from anyone is an extremely emotional trying event. That being said we need HELP, and in a hurry, or we will soon be homeless; living out a substandard camper with no running water or waste facilities; with two dogs and a cat to boot. We have exhausted most of our funds and are unable to hire the help we need.
Since the acquisition of our land I been living in a primitive campsite on the property, while my wife continues to work in North Carolina and pack our belongs (our lease ends the end of this month). For the past three weeks, I have devoted all my time prepping the land/the home foundation and volunteering at the York County Shelter Program (YCSP)- Ray Angers farm (http://www.yorkcountyshelterp rograms.com/ray-angers-farm/); which provides a holistic approach to recovery. The old farmhouse is owned by YCSP and provides 2 permanent housing rooms and 10 half-way house beds, for a total of 12 males. It is located in Newfield, Maine, the Farm provides individual bedrooms with community living space. Residents in the half-way house program must have a substance abuse diagnosis and an interest in continued treatment. The Farm offers a working, therapeutic environment with gardens, animals, and job responsibilities to help clients learn new skills and enhance the recovery process.
I believe in selfless service above all else! I am a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, Elks Lodge, a past member of the VFW and American Legion, and have spent countless hours volunteering with habitat for humanity; veteran homes; and the homeless. Finally after such devotion, we are in a situation where we need the help we hold so important to provide.
We desperately need help with the following:
Lumber and materials for;
1. Wall framing
2. Roof framing
3. Wall boarding/vinyl siding.
4. Installation of insulation/dry wall
Additional needed construction items which will incur funds:
1. Tilling of fields (tractors/labor needed)
2. Building out buildings/pens for goats/chickens/pigs. (lumber/labor needed)
3. Constructing posts/fencing (labor, chainsaws, fencing needed)
4. Hoop house construction (PVC pipe, PVC 45 degree connectors, Polycarbonate Panels)
4. Establishing a Hops field; Digging post holes for telephone pole sized timber (this will be the infrastructure for the hop fields). (Skid Steer with auger (14” and 18”), Telehandler (forks and man basket), Tractor, Shovels, Come-alongs, Cable pullers, Hammers, T-post (metal fence posts), Field Marker, Cable Spooler, Water Wagon, Tampers, 90 Degree Level, Large Flat Bed Trailer, Disc needed)
Overview of the hops fields are here http://msue.anr.msu.edu/u ploads/234/78941/Hop_Intro_-_2 _Hopyard_Preplant_Preparation_ and_Setup_-_Dan_Wiesen.pdf
Funding/Donations:
1. Install a well system for running water on the property (estimated at $5,000)
2. Install a septic system for waste disposal (estimated at $5,000)
3. Purchase/Install a solar electric system (estimated at $3,000)
A bit about us;
Alice; is a British citizen, born in Switzerland, raised in Germany and now a Permanent Resident of the United States (if that's not an interesting start to a story I don't know what is). She worked a the head Laboratory Technician for a Neurological/Pathological lab in Germany from 2004-2014, a University grad prior to that. Her family resides in both England and Germany and she is quite well traveled and educated (most of her family has graduated from Oxford). She currently works at a local Humane Society and has always been an avid animal lover (we both have had English bulldogs for years). She's got quite the green thumb and has eagerly been exploring the United States (with me) over the past year. She is the most patient person in the world and just being with me is evidence of that fact!
JP; I have worked in the service of our country for the last 16 years, with 8 combat deployments and have lived primarily overseas my entire career; 12 years in the United States Army, 2 years in the Defense Intelligence Agency, and last 2 years in the US Special Operations Community. I am 34 years old and have a extensive background in Project Management and Intelligence Analysis, primarily throughout my career I've been in charge of various multi-million dollar (manpower extensive) projects throughout the world. Through those deployment and years spent deployed I earned several meritorious awards but most rewarding was changing peoples lives for the better. Hard work, long hours, and waiting for initiatives to come to fruition are second nature for me - to stand idle by in any endeavor would probably drive me insane.
Honestly, I was a city boy growing up and never gave farming a second thought, until attending a Wounded Warriors deer hunt hosted by a Farmer named Rob Elliot (a fellow veteran farmer). We discussed his transgression to Farming and the values in growing and providing for a community and after much self reflection I realized I have yearned for an opportunity like this since leaving the military. That deer hunt was the most peaceful weekend I have had in years; being in touch with nature, surrounded by animals; and at peace with what I realize now is my future career. To quote a bit from the veteran farms website:
When I first got home I talked with my wife about these aspirations and being the loving woman she is, she placated me by suggesting we start small (she's a smart lady). So we started growing tomatoes. Then peppers. Then the Co-op. Then the books came. Then farm tours. Then symposiums....and so on. We both realize that is a lifestyle that requires hard work, patience, and most importantly the benefit to what we deem as true freedom = Sustainability (for both ourselves and the community). We've started slow, we're debt free, and though I don't think you can ever be fully prepared feel that all life changes will have unexpected challenges and costs and we are ready to face them.
For the past year I have been interested in learning about self sustainability and we have invested time and money in the education process; A few weeks ago we both graduated from NCAT's "Armed to Farm" program (https://www.ncat.org/armedtof arm/). We have; joined the Farmers Veteran Coalition and Farm Stewardship Association, attended Sustainable Agriculture conferences, enlisted the help of a Farmer "mentor", worked with our local Co-op representative (Moore County NC), started an extensive garden, read countless books (on sustainable agriculture and methods of farm business planning), visited farms, and talked with other Veteran Farmers. In other words, we are taking this transition seriously and are as prepared as possible given the circumstances..
We understand the average American farmer is 58 years old (according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture) that farmers over 55 control more than half of the country's farmland, and one in two is likely to retire in the next decade, and there has been a decline in the number of new farmers joining the rank - we want to carry on this time honored lifestyle for our generation! We LOVE the New England area and have invested our savings to start our new homestead/home in Maine near the New Hampshire border (Parsonsfield, ME).
Farming takes more physical and mental effort, perseverance, and sacrifice than almost any type of work. Yet its rewards go far beyond financial success. Farmers find inspiration through working outside with nature, creating life, and providing services vitally needed by society.
Veterans make excellent farmers. They are not afraid of difficult tasks, they stand up when they are knocked down, they understand the need to be acutely aware of everything around them, and most of all, they are driven by doing what is right for their country.
Farming, like the military, is one of our last great meritocracies; one is judged based on actions, not words.
We would like to raise:
1. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, mushrooms
2. Chickens (for both eggs and consumption)
3. Goats (milk and consumption)
4. Pigs
5. 1-2 Cows
6. An apiary
Plus a cash crop to sustain our income throughout the year. Both Hops (as I am an avid brewer); in our research the area was once prided in providing Hops for the Eastern part of America, and have expanded to the possibility's of "designer" garlic's, or oyster/shiitake mushrooms.
Eventually, we would like to have a few "cabins" on the property to allow other veterans who suffer from mental or health problems to heal through farming; it truly is a medicinal practice! We will allow veterans (along with their families) to work on the farm for room and board until they are on their feet enough to transition into the regular civilian world.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Warmest Regards,
JP & Alice Espinosa
Bottom line upfront: My family and I, need HELP to build a home on the land we have purchased in Parsonsfield, ME.
After the culmination of affects from my military/war related disabilities led to my inability to fully preform normal work activities; My wife (Alice) and I (JP) are transitioning a career change to farming. I suffer from PTSD, Sleep apnea, back/knee/shoulder issues, etc. which is all rated at 70% by the VA and soon to be increased (after an re-exam last month) to either 90 or 100% disabled. I have been unemployed since 05JUN2016, and since we have been scrambling to establish a new home and life here in Parsonsfield, Maine. We have invested our life savings in the down payment of 126 acres and have run in to several "road blocks" in the building of our home. I am a very proud person and to ask for help from anyone is an extremely emotional trying event. That being said we need HELP, and in a hurry, or we will soon be homeless; living out a substandard camper with no running water or waste facilities; with two dogs and a cat to boot. We have exhausted most of our funds and are unable to hire the help we need.
Since the acquisition of our land I been living in a primitive campsite on the property, while my wife continues to work in North Carolina and pack our belongs (our lease ends the end of this month). For the past three weeks, I have devoted all my time prepping the land/the home foundation and volunteering at the York County Shelter Program (YCSP)- Ray Angers farm (http://www.yorkcountyshelterp rograms.com/ray-angers-farm/); which provides a holistic approach to recovery. The old farmhouse is owned by YCSP and provides 2 permanent housing rooms and 10 half-way house beds, for a total of 12 males. It is located in Newfield, Maine, the Farm provides individual bedrooms with community living space. Residents in the half-way house program must have a substance abuse diagnosis and an interest in continued treatment. The Farm offers a working, therapeutic environment with gardens, animals, and job responsibilities to help clients learn new skills and enhance the recovery process.
I believe in selfless service above all else! I am a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, Elks Lodge, a past member of the VFW and American Legion, and have spent countless hours volunteering with habitat for humanity; veteran homes; and the homeless. Finally after such devotion, we are in a situation where we need the help we hold so important to provide.
We desperately need help with the following:
Lumber and materials for;
1. Wall framing
2. Roof framing
3. Wall boarding/vinyl siding.
4. Installation of insulation/dry wall
Additional needed construction items which will incur funds:
1. Tilling of fields (tractors/labor needed)
2. Building out buildings/pens for goats/chickens/pigs. (lumber/labor needed)
3. Constructing posts/fencing (labor, chainsaws, fencing needed)
4. Hoop house construction (PVC pipe, PVC 45 degree connectors, Polycarbonate Panels)
4. Establishing a Hops field; Digging post holes for telephone pole sized timber (this will be the infrastructure for the hop fields). (Skid Steer with auger (14” and 18”), Telehandler (forks and man basket), Tractor, Shovels, Come-alongs, Cable pullers, Hammers, T-post (metal fence posts), Field Marker, Cable Spooler, Water Wagon, Tampers, 90 Degree Level, Large Flat Bed Trailer, Disc needed)
Overview of the hops fields are here http://msue.anr.msu.edu/u ploads/234/78941/Hop_Intro_-_2 _Hopyard_Preplant_Preparation_ and_Setup_-_Dan_Wiesen.pdf
Funding/Donations:
1. Install a well system for running water on the property (estimated at $5,000)
2. Install a septic system for waste disposal (estimated at $5,000)
3. Purchase/Install a solar electric system (estimated at $3,000)
A bit about us;
Alice; is a British citizen, born in Switzerland, raised in Germany and now a Permanent Resident of the United States (if that's not an interesting start to a story I don't know what is). She worked a the head Laboratory Technician for a Neurological/Pathological lab in Germany from 2004-2014, a University grad prior to that. Her family resides in both England and Germany and she is quite well traveled and educated (most of her family has graduated from Oxford). She currently works at a local Humane Society and has always been an avid animal lover (we both have had English bulldogs for years). She's got quite the green thumb and has eagerly been exploring the United States (with me) over the past year. She is the most patient person in the world and just being with me is evidence of that fact!
JP; I have worked in the service of our country for the last 16 years, with 8 combat deployments and have lived primarily overseas my entire career; 12 years in the United States Army, 2 years in the Defense Intelligence Agency, and last 2 years in the US Special Operations Community. I am 34 years old and have a extensive background in Project Management and Intelligence Analysis, primarily throughout my career I've been in charge of various multi-million dollar (manpower extensive) projects throughout the world. Through those deployment and years spent deployed I earned several meritorious awards but most rewarding was changing peoples lives for the better. Hard work, long hours, and waiting for initiatives to come to fruition are second nature for me - to stand idle by in any endeavor would probably drive me insane.
Honestly, I was a city boy growing up and never gave farming a second thought, until attending a Wounded Warriors deer hunt hosted by a Farmer named Rob Elliot (a fellow veteran farmer). We discussed his transgression to Farming and the values in growing and providing for a community and after much self reflection I realized I have yearned for an opportunity like this since leaving the military. That deer hunt was the most peaceful weekend I have had in years; being in touch with nature, surrounded by animals; and at peace with what I realize now is my future career. To quote a bit from the veteran farms website:
When I first got home I talked with my wife about these aspirations and being the loving woman she is, she placated me by suggesting we start small (she's a smart lady). So we started growing tomatoes. Then peppers. Then the Co-op. Then the books came. Then farm tours. Then symposiums....and so on. We both realize that is a lifestyle that requires hard work, patience, and most importantly the benefit to what we deem as true freedom = Sustainability (for both ourselves and the community). We've started slow, we're debt free, and though I don't think you can ever be fully prepared feel that all life changes will have unexpected challenges and costs and we are ready to face them.
For the past year I have been interested in learning about self sustainability and we have invested time and money in the education process; A few weeks ago we both graduated from NCAT's "Armed to Farm" program (https://www.ncat.org/armedtof arm/). We have; joined the Farmers Veteran Coalition and Farm Stewardship Association, attended Sustainable Agriculture conferences, enlisted the help of a Farmer "mentor", worked with our local Co-op representative (Moore County NC), started an extensive garden, read countless books (on sustainable agriculture and methods of farm business planning), visited farms, and talked with other Veteran Farmers. In other words, we are taking this transition seriously and are as prepared as possible given the circumstances..
We understand the average American farmer is 58 years old (according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture) that farmers over 55 control more than half of the country's farmland, and one in two is likely to retire in the next decade, and there has been a decline in the number of new farmers joining the rank - we want to carry on this time honored lifestyle for our generation! We LOVE the New England area and have invested our savings to start our new homestead/home in Maine near the New Hampshire border (Parsonsfield, ME).
Farming takes more physical and mental effort, perseverance, and sacrifice than almost any type of work. Yet its rewards go far beyond financial success. Farmers find inspiration through working outside with nature, creating life, and providing services vitally needed by society.
Veterans make excellent farmers. They are not afraid of difficult tasks, they stand up when they are knocked down, they understand the need to be acutely aware of everything around them, and most of all, they are driven by doing what is right for their country.
Farming, like the military, is one of our last great meritocracies; one is judged based on actions, not words.
We would like to raise:
1. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, mushrooms
2. Chickens (for both eggs and consumption)
3. Goats (milk and consumption)
4. Pigs
5. 1-2 Cows
6. An apiary
Plus a cash crop to sustain our income throughout the year. Both Hops (as I am an avid brewer); in our research the area was once prided in providing Hops for the Eastern part of America, and have expanded to the possibility's of "designer" garlic's, or oyster/shiitake mushrooms.
Eventually, we would like to have a few "cabins" on the property to allow other veterans who suffer from mental or health problems to heal through farming; it truly is a medicinal practice! We will allow veterans (along with their families) to work on the farm for room and board until they are on their feet enough to transition into the regular civilian world.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Warmest Regards,
JP & Alice Espinosa
Organizer
Jp Espinosa
Organizer
E PARSONFIELD, ME