Project Phoenix rises from Pateros wildfire ashes

PATEROS – Three miles north of Pateros on Watson Road, a new opportunity for military veterans is rising from the ashes of the 2014 Carlton Complex wildfire. Called appropriately, Project Phoenix, the project is a 1,600-acre agricultural site on Tatley Farms where vets are invited to learn a variety of skills, share work, undergo healing, earn some money, build friendships and put their own ideas and projects into motion.

Project Phoenix is the creation of David Overcash of Woodinville, owner of Tatley Farms and founder of Golden Acts, an organization focused on making the world a better place, one golden act at a time.

Wenatchee resident John Taminjin is managing the day-to-day property operations while efforts are underway to find an experienced orchardist to mentor that part of the enterprise.

Taninjin is a 20-year Army combat engineer who saw action in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Bosnia and Iraqi Freedom veteran.

“I had just ended a position with the Chelan County Housing Authority and was looking for something else,” Taminjin said.

Tony Sandoval, the Chelan County Veterans Service Officer, told Taminjin that Project Phoenix was looking for a manager, so Taminjin assumed the position last May.

Overcash was inspired to start a project farm for vets after a life-changing mission to Guatemala with Medical Teams International where he worked to improve the lives of the indigenous Mayan people.

One of the first projects on the burned-over acreage north of Pateros was planting two 20-acre orchards of cherries and apples three years ago. Taminjin commutes daily from Wenatchee to handle irrigation and other chores that come with a developing orchard. He hopes to find an experienced mentor to help with the orchard practices.

“I have a farming and fishing background,” said Taminjin, “but I’m not an experienced orchardist.”

Taminjin is trying to get the word out to veterans’ groups around the area about Project Phoenix.

“Veterans who want to become entrepreneurs in agriculture and want to try different things,” said Taminjin. “You fit in however you can fit in.”

Vets have already been showing interest in Project Phoenix. One is soon to arrive with a greenhouse operation that just needs the growing space and living quarters to move forward with his dream.

“We have water, land and the facility to encourage collaboration,” said. “This is just a start but can lead to many other things.”

Those wishing to contact Taminjin can call (509) 679-7338 or email him at ttaminjin@gmail.com.

Help available for veterans every month in Chelan

CHELAN - Veterans.  Join the Chelan County Veteran's Service Officer, WorkSource, and SSVF representatives for coffee and organizational information the second Thursday of the month (Sept. 14) in Chelan at the Apple Cup Café from 9 am until 12 p.m.  

If you are a veteran or dependent and are seeking employment, homeless or at risk, want to request a DD214, or talk about potentially filing a VA Disability Claim, join them on these dates for more information. 

For questions call Tony Sandoval at (509) 664-6801 or Bob Goedde at 682-2366.

Thank you for your service.