Meet the Volunteers
Chad Hansen of Anchorage, AK
Chad Hansen grew up on a farm in the Big Sky Country of Highwood, MT. His willingness to help others is as big as the sky in which he now makes a living as a pilot for UPS Airlines.
For two planting seasons, Chad has traded the inside of a cockpit for the inside of a tractor cab... traveling from Alaska at his own expense to volunteer for Farm Rescue. Strong and reliable, Chad is quick to say he receives more than he gives when helping farm families.
Thank you, Chad, for your commitment to Farm Rescue and the many fields you have planted on our behalf. Read more about Chad below... his own words give great insight into the man he is!
Q: What is your work/career background?
A: I am a pilot for UPS.
Q: What prompted you to join the organization?
A: Growing up on a farm in Montana, it's nearly automatic to lend a hand and help a neighbor. Sometimes you have the resources and sometimes you don't. Farm Rescue has a lot of neighbors, and all its members and supporters supply the means by which I can lend a hand. All I had to do was show up. So I did.
Q: What is your favorite Farm Rescue moment or memory?
A: Each family and case we attend to hold specific memories for me. The personalities, attitudes and strength of those who find themselves at a sudden, unforeseen disadvantage are truly remarkable. As is often the case in these types of instances, those giving aid receive more than the balance in return. But I would have to say that working with Smokey Wright stands out. He's a true salt of the earth. We had to replace a fuel filter one day while transporting the tractor. Within minutes, perfect strangers were eager to help. We were back on the road in no time. But that is how it goes when you hang around Smokey. Even the worst problems make you smile. I suspect he does that for a lot of folks.
The Limkes: Farm Rescue's First Volunteer Family
Dedication to family is the only way to describe Jack & Genita Limke's volunteerism with Farm Rescue. Not only does this selfless couple travel thousands of miles annually (sometimes more) from Bardstown, KY, to help farm families in need, they bring their young daughters to help as well!
From the very beginning in 2006, the Limke family has been an invaluable asset to Farm Rescue. Genita brings as many skills to the field and off the field as Jack, and both are largely responsible for Farm Rescue's success today.
Thank you Jack, Genita, Megan and Anna for the hope, comfort and laughter you bring to farm families when they need it most!
Q: What is your work/career background?
A: Jack grew up on a farm in Carpio, ND, and worked for neighboring farms as a teenager. He ran heavy equipment for seven years and has been a commercial airline pilot for the last 24 years. Genita is originally from Portland, OR. She taught for 10 years before becoming a mother. Now, she stays busy being a wife, mother and homeschool teacher.
Q: What prompted you to join the organization?
A: Bill told Jack about the organization during a long flight they were both on and asked Jack to volunteer! Since Jack grew up on a farm, he had farm experience and wanted to help. But he didn't want to be so far away from home without his family, so Genita and daughters have been tagging along on most trips!
Q: What is your favorite Farm Rescue moment or memory?
A: Our whole family has very fond memories of spring planting in 2008 when we "lived" in the Farm Rescue field trailer for about a month, traveling from farm to farm. We so enjoyed getting to know the farmers and their families by being right on their farms. Our children enjoyed the new experiences at each farm, always wanting to stay because "this is the best farm ever." Yet, each farm was unique and exciting, with new adventures awaiting us. The last farm we volunteered at in northern North Dakota was quite an inspiration to our family. We saw how self-sufficient it is still possible to be, from beekeeping to breadbaking to cheesemaking to homeschooling! The lessons learned from that trip are still discussed among our girls!
Charles Bartsch: ND Team Leader - Harvest '09
When it comes to Charles Bartsch, so much of who he is can be defined by his voice.
Yes, there is that delightful German brogue from a man who was actually born on his family's farm in Bergen, ND... a place where he grew up and raised his children as well. Yet it is not the brogue that defines Charles. It is the kindness in his voice. Unbelievable kindness.
This fall, Charles has taken the lead in North Dakota by overseeing harvest operations for Farm Rescue. His gentle and patient demeanor has been invaluable when dealing with Mother Nature this fall. Thank you, Charles, for your tireless and capable assistance to Farm Rescue and families on the land!
Q: What prompted you to join the organization?
A: In January 2008, Gene Spichke was working in the Farm Rescue booth at the ag show in Minot. We started visiting about volunteering for the organization. The very next day I had a call from Mary Kropp at the office in Jamestown. She sent me an application and the rest is history.
Q: What is your work/career background?
A: Worked part time in construction in earlier years while helping my family on the farm, eventually taking over the farming/ranching operation full time and continuing for the next 42 years, when I retired. On the farm, I raised beef cattle as well as wheat, canola, peas, sunflowers and other various small grains.
Q: What is your favorite Farm Rescue moment or memory?
A: When you see the smiles and tears on the faces of the farm families you are helping, you can see that they truly appreciate what we are doing for them. Working with the volunteers and having a great time together makes the work easier, too.
