BLM employee couple brings veteran skills to public land management

BLM employee couple brings veteran skills to public land management

Nov 11, 2024

As we mark Veterans Day, let's honor those who have served our country.

BLM Colorado River District Administrative Assistant Nic Hope and Lake Havasu Field Office Contact Representative Annie Hope bring expansive veteran experience to the management of public lands in Arizona.

Nic and Annie Hope's service became a journey together during high school at Taylorsville, Utah, where they met through the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC).

In June 2000, shortly after graduating, they both enlisted in the U.S. Army. Their commitment to service was further solidified when they married in August 2001, hosting a backyard wedding attended by close family and friends.

Annie and Nic on their wedding day on Aug. 25, 2001.

Prior to their marriage, the Army stationed them at separate bases: Annie at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos), Texas, and Nic at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), North Carolina. In January 2002, Annie was reassigned to Fort Liberty, allowing the couple to reunite. However, their time together was brief. Nic deployed to Afghanistan in July 2002, returning in January 2003 where he served as squad leader performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Shortly after his return, Annie was deployed to Iraq in March 2003, serving until February 2004. Nic then deployed to Iraq in August 2003, overlapping with Annie's deployment, and returned in April 2004.

Annie near the Hands of Victory in 2003.

During their deployments, both faced the challenges of military life. Annie served as a medic with the 28th Combat Support Hospital (CASH) in Iraq, providing critical care to both U.S. soldiers and Iraqi prisoners of war. She worked in a fully equipped hospital setting, handling a range of medical situations, including mass casualty events like the Al-Rashid Hotel bombing. In Iraq Nic served as a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief, responsible for aircraft maintenance, passenger safety, and operating as a gunner during missions. His duties included transporting dignitaries and conducting insertion missions.

Nic in front of 151 ARW at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Salt Lake City Utah in 2022.

The couple's first four years of marriage were marked by frequent separations due to their service commitments. Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a family life under such conditions, they decided to transition out of active duty in 2004.

To continue serving while seeking more stability, they joined the Utah Air National Guard. Nic completed 18 years with the Guard, culminating in a total of 22 years and one month of military service. Annie served for eight years before focusing on raising their three daughters: Bailey, Kylee, and Tracy.

Annie at then Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) 2000

Now, the couple works for the Bureau of Land Management Arizona: Nic for Colorado River District (CRD) and Annie for Lake Havasu Field Office (LHFO).

As LHFO contact representative, Annie greets all our visitors with a warm smile, provides them with relevant information, connects them with the correct specialist in our office. She also assists with commercial leasing issues in collateral role while that position is vacant.

"Annie brings an exceptional level of dedication and professionalism to our team at LHFO," reflects CRD District Manager, William Mack, Jr. "Her ability to connect with visitors and provide them with the information they need, all while maintaining a warm and welcoming demeanor, reflects the outstanding service ethic we value at BLM. We're proud to have her on our staff."

Nic is a CRD administrative assistant He serves in many roles including property management, timekeeping, travel arranging, etcetera. Nic is also currently in a detail as a telecommunications specialist.

"Nic's commitment to excellence in his role as CRD administrative support assistant is truly commendable," said Shanin VanBuskirk, CRD administrative officer. "He seamlessly balances multiple responsibilities while also lending his expertise to other duties during critical projects. His reliability and skill have made a significant impact on our district."

Nic at Al Taqaddum Airport, Habbaniyah, Iraq, in 2004.

The Hopes exemplify dedication to both their country and family, having navigated the complexities of dual military careers while building a life together.