Michael Veltkamp

Michael was born and raised in Ripon, California, in the heart of almond country. He grew up in a community of strong Christians and attended a church with a heart for missions. After graduating high school, he spent a few years in and out of college and working part time for his father in construction and agriculture as he sought a direction for his life. During that time he participated in multiple mission trips sent out by his church, one of which took him to the Flying H Youth Ranch. The church in 2019 had just rediscovered a long history with the ranch, and this began a tradition of sending volunteer teams each summer for a week of service.

Michael had never really felt himself settle anywhere at home, and after his fourth return trip to the ranch, he decided that now was as good a time as any to try something new. He had fallen in love with the work and the community of believers on the ranch, and after some deliberating and praying, he ended up moving to the ranch in January of 2024. He now works full time on the maintenance team for building and grounds. Though not excellent at any one thing, he has found that exposure to multiple aspects of construction, mechanics, and heavy equipment has helped prepare him to face and tackle many of the projects that need attention on the ranch.