Spend any amount of time talking to farmers, and you’re sure to hear some inspiring stories: people working with their hands… people working with nature… people working for better communities. And while growing food is often something that’s passed down from generation to generation, some of the best stories come from men and women for whom farming is a second career.
And there’s a growing legion of farmers who are putting down roots and feeding this country… after defending it in uniform.
Army Veteran Michael Reynolds with daughter Katie is thriving after he found a new purpose through farming.
If you are a veteran or know someone who is, you know deployment to hostile territory can be challenging and frightening at the very least. The physical and psychological details of such duty for those veterans coming home can be equally if not more traumatic.
For many, one of the biggest challenges upon return to the states is that you’re not the same person. From physical limitations to emotional scars, re-entering the workforce and life as it used to be, is not the same. And it’s those changes that often make it difficult for those seeking employment, to find meaningful work and a purpose in life.
Fortunately, there are many organizations that have formed in recent years to address these challenges. Many exist specifically to help returning veterans find that purpose and renewed sense of self-worth, and validation.
The owner of the farm where the seed for the Farmer Veteran Coalition was planted, Jim Cochran (L) stands with FVC Founder, Michael O’Gorman (R)
One such organization is the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). In this episode, we feature them and its founder, Michael O’Gorman in a firsthand account of how and why it was formed. From the early days and endless miles, with Michael driving to see how the FVC could assist a returning veteran to
enter a career in agriculture or farming, to where they are today, and the literally thousands of veterans they’ve helped to find new life in a meaningful career in farming.
We also feature the touching and impactful stories of three beneficiaries of FVC’s efforts. Their stories are just the tip of the iceberg of so many more like them.
Our entire crew was honored to work with these incredible veterans and thankful we could help tell the story of their good work, along with the organizations that helped make it so.
On a personal note, our entire team here at Growing a Greener World was deeply touched by the work of the FVC, its founder and staff, and especially those veterans we had the honor and pleasure of working with as we produced this episode. Our lives were touched in an indelible way. We are grateful to everyone involved in allowing us to tell their stories.
And special thanks to all our veterans, past, present, and future. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for your service. We are especially thankful to those of you who are finding new opportunities to feed our country, after serving it in uniform indeed.
Helpful links related to this episode:
Kubota Tractor – Geared to Give program
Veterans Farm (blueberry farm mentioned in this episode)
Our episode 318 on Veteran Farmers (featuring Adam Burke mentioned in this episode 807)
Hello JOE, I’ve watched your programs on Saturday mornings , for years, because I grew up on a farm . This Saturday Morning show was on this subject . !!! …4-14, 2018
I hope you will not mind that I’ve shared this link , with any and all VETERANS on my
personal F B Page tonight .
GH, Thanks for watching and thank you for sharing the link about the Hope for Heroes episode number 807. We appreciate you helping to spread the word about one of the great programs available for veterans and hope it will inspire others too.
Dear Joe: I was very touched by your program on wanting to help Vets that are returning to civilian life. We are a retired group that is interested in helping in some way to encourage them. After all, they put their lives on the line serving us, the least we can do is support them in getting their lives back to a normal life & feeling good about it. Who do we contact in getting the ball rolling? We live in Iowa. We also know of someone that needs help with farming in Estees Park, Co. Would apprec –
iate any help/info you could send our way.
Thanks for the wonderful job you are doing. We are avid watchers of your program.
Linda & Bing
Linda and Bing, Thank you for watching and thank you for your support of veterans. The best place for you to start is the Farmers Veteran Coalition. https://www.farmvetco.org/about-us/ They have good information and resources for veterans. Let me know if you have additional questions.
Just watched part of this episode. I only have 16 acres and my work is irrigation. Since having some bad experiences with men I had to baby sit (weren’t really interested in doing something) I have been working alone for the past 6 years. My work is seasonal but when real busy could use help. It isn’t hard work as long as you don’t fight it or try to get it done all at once. I have no idea on how to go about finding veterans that might want to work with me.
Chris,
As far as finding veterans that may want to work with you, I would contact the Farmer Veteran Coalition https://www.farmvetco.org/
and they should be able to help you or direct you to someone in your region that can help. Best of luck!
I thoroughly enjoy watching your show. I am very interested in finding some heirloom tomato seeds. Could you please suggest a good supplier.
Thank you.
Ingrid,
Here is a link for Seed Savers, a good source for heirloom seeds. https://www.seedsavers.org/
I know you’ll enjoy their offerings.
Hello Joe. My father was a veteran of the Korean war. I am not a veteran, but I have an 80 acre farm that could be certified organic and I also raise sheep. I have an empty house on the farm that could be used by newly returning vets that are truly interested in farming right here in the beautiful Ozarks of Missouri. How would you suggest I get started finding vets that are interested?
Thanks,
Sheryl
Is there an organization that assists GI’s in acquiring land and equipment for farming. I would like to contribute to cause to show my support and respect for our GI’s.
Hi Gary. We’re only familiar with The Farmer Veteran Coalition. I’m not sure how much of what you are wanting to do they get involved with. However, I’m sure they are connected with organizations that might be able to help. Reach out to them at http://www.farmvetco.org. Thanks for writing and good luck with your efforts.
I just discovered your show and love the mission of helping the world while living in the world! I need to find ways to get involved!
Thank you, Marilee. Glad you found us! I’m a firm believer we start at home and in our local communities and lead by example. it’s the collective efforts that matter. If we all do something, it really does add up. I’m very happy to try and help get the word out through the people and places we feature on the show. I’m especially glad there are people like you that will carry the torch! Thanks for finding us and writing!
I too am a vietnam veteran, I also was tearful after watching your show on veterans. My daughter and son-in-law have a dairy farm in southeastern Iowa, always needing help with chores. My son-in-law is very knowledgeable in the dairy business. The pay is great, however it is hard for them to get help. I know they would be willing to share their expertise in dairy farming, which could be a win – win for them as well as any veteran willing to learn and earn some income. If you know who they can contact, I would greatly appreciate your help. I know they can certainly use the help and would like to help a vet.
Thank you Dennis. Please reach out to the Farmer Veteran Coalition directly. They are best equipped to know how you can help or make the appropriate connections. Here’s their website: http://www.farmvetco.org.
Contact SCC/VA might be a veterans w could go to school part time and receive their benefits at the same time. Ideal for some one with PTSD.
I am a veteran. Not of any war, but I did serve. I am running a start up and am in the process of aquiring a piece of land where we can have a farm and animal sanctuary. And help or guidence would be greatly appreciated.
Eric Jackson
Joe, I watch your show form Puerto Rico on WTJX, St. Croix, USVI. I spoke with my VA counselor in Ceiba, PR, VA hospital facilities, he told me that there is a vet that has a proposal for a similar project in my town of Luquillo. I served 7 years in the US Army I was a sgt., I have a BBA and I’ve been wanting to use that knowledge in one of these projects. I gave my counselor this show as a reference to see if such project comes to fruition. Also, a friend of mine is trying to start a similar project for homeless people using facilities from schools that have been closed.
I give a lot of workshops on organic gardening in our area. I served 6 years in the reserves and would be glad to help anyways I can. I have a Ph.D. degree in Agriculture Education and grew up on a dairy-hog – beef farm in Ohio. If any vet in Illinois would like help in gardening or farming, I would be happy to share my knowledge. Thank you Joe for your work.
Episode 807 was remarkable! I had a “lump” in my throat as well. I’m a Navy veteran from 1960 thru 1965. I sure wish FVC had been around back then.
This was one of your BEST programs ever.
Thank you and your staff.
Thank you Jerome! We know how you feel about the lump in the throat. The entire shoot over multiple days and cities was like that for us. I’m so glad you took the time to share your thoughts and that you enjoyed this show. Thanks again for writing.
Thank you for reporting on another successful program for our veterans. they deserve our help.
I am a Vietnam vet. I help run a Farmers market call. Newtown Farmers market in Sarasota Florida. We are a SNAP Farmers market in a undeserved community in a food desert. Please give more information about vet Farmers and Farmers market.
Touched by their inspiring stories. so proud to have them all as fellow Americans. And you too Joe for the shows you produce that actually show and teach how to grow much loved veg and flowers, trees everything.
Thank you Marie! I agree about being proud to have these and many more great Americans serving on our behalf.
Thanks Joe.