VIDEO: From the front lines to the fire line. A local wildland firefighting crew is provides a transition for veterans into civilian service. They play a crucial role in protecting public lands during severe wildfire seasons. The Vegas Valley Veterans Hand Crew has a common trait: military service. The 20-person crew was established in 2012 and is one of the first three BLM veteran crews to be commissioned. “The primary mission that the crew has is to transition veterans from the military service into civilian service and provide them a glide path into federal service, employment opportunities and allow them to seek permanent employment if they choose that route,” JP Blair, the superintendent of the Vegas Valley Hand Crew said. Blair says the role has changed his life after serving in the military.