News

Katie Spier served nearly seven years in the United States Navy. With a strong desire to serve her country, she enlisted shortly after high school. Katie served as a Gunner’s Mate, responsible for the safe care and storage of ammunition and explosives. She spent four years on two guided missile destroyers in Everett, Washington and later in Mayport, Florida. Her last three years were spent at the Naval Station in Brunswick, Maine in the weapons department. In 2010, Katie chose to end her enlistment to pursue a full-time education. Wanting to continue her service, she reached out to The Mission Continues.

Through The Mission Continues, Katie was granted a fellowship at the Wildlife Research Institute in Ramona, California. The Wildlife Research Institute is an organization that conducts research and provides data and education for the use and management of wildlife and wildlife habitats.



At the Institute, Katie assists in compiling, organizing, and entering historical scientific data regarding Eagle territories in her area. She hopes that the data she collects will be published in the near future.

Katie recently led her capstone service project focused on the restoration of tortoise and owl habitats of Ramona, California. The Wildlife Research Institute hosts Salcata Tortoise and Burrowing Owl populations. The tortoises can reach up to 200 pounds, necessitating suitable habitat to support their needs.



Katie and her volunteers helped erect and restore an underground fence around the facility.



Always eager to lend a hand, a number of local Fellows assisted Katie with her project. 





Katie is currently attending National University in San Diego and hopes to one day run her own organic farm.