Central Oregon Veterans Ranch Gets $5,000 Donation

REDMOND, OR — From Central Oregon Veterans Ranch: Northern Energy has pledged $5,000 towards helping local heroes transition back into everyday life following their time in the armed forces. The donation will fund programs and events for the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch (COVR), “a working ranch that restores purpose and spirit to veterans of all ages."

Area veterans visit COVR’s 19-acres of farm terrain for a chance to learn to raise crops, care for a range of livestock like sheep, cattle and goats, and even sell their fresh produce to local community members. Developing these new agricultural skills has proven to be therapeutic to those adjusting to the life once the tour of duty ends.

Northern Energy’s donation will help fund a new irrigation wheel, which will allow COVR to expand their greenhouse initiative and increase the amount of acreage the nonprofit is currently able to utilize. Existing piping systems used by the ranch restricts and limits the amount of livestock and produce the veterans are able to grow and care for as the equipment still requires manual movement across all 19-acres. The roll out of the irrigation wheel is scheduled for spring 2018.

“Like many of our customers and neighbors, I’ve served in the military and know the time and patience it takes to get back into the routine of everyday life,” said Kevin Karpstein, Operations Supervisor at Northern Energy Redmond office. A Deschutes County Resident since 1972, Karpstein served as a 16R in the military for 2 years. “It is not always a smooth road to recovery. Partnering with COVR and helping facilitate programs that will ease the transition is the least we can do to thank those who have put their lives on the line to defend and protect this country.”

The contribution by the Northern Energy team is part of a larger effort, “From Here. For Here.”, which is a community-based movement to give back to a local cause impacting the region. With nearly 20,000 veterans calling Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties home, Northern Energy’s partnership with COVR will allow the nonprofit’s tranquil healing environment to expand and help even more members of the population.

“It is an honor to be able to serve the brave patriots who have sacrificed to protect our freedom. This is a cause that is close to my heart,” said Kelsey Brown, District Manager at Northern Energy’s Redmond office and Major in the Army Reserves. “We hope this inspires members of our community to become aware and get involved in giving back to our hometown heroes.”

Those interested in supporting COVR can visit covranch.org to learn about one time and monthly donation options. To learn more about how Northern Energy is helping Central Oregon’s veterans and how you can support this cause, contact Kevin Karpstein at (541) 548-7449 or Kevin.Karpstein@amerigas.com.

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