Growing a Greener World Season 7 Episode 19 Hope for Heroes: The Farmer Veteran Coalition

In season 7 episode 19 of Growing a Greener World, titled Hope for Heroes: The Farmer Veteran Coalition, viewers are introduced to a group of veterans who have found a new sense of purpose on the farm. With over 2 million veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, many of them struggling to find work, some are turning to agriculture for a career.

Host Joe Lamp'l travels to Davis, California to meet with Michael O'Gorman, the founder of the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). The FVC is a non-profit organization that assists veterans in finding their place in the agriculture industry. Michael started the organization in 2008 after realizing that many returning veterans were dealing with the same isolation and mental health struggles that he had faced after serving in the Vietnam War.

The episode follows the stories of several veterans who have been helped by the FVC. From Chris Roell, who after serving in the army, became a beekeeper and now runs his own honey business; to Clay Burkhalter, who started his own farm after serving as a Marine in Afghanistan. Lamp'l also talks with a group of veterans working together at a California olive farm who have formed a tight-knit community.

The Farmer Veteran Coalition provides support in many areas for veterans looking to enter the agriculture industry. They connect veterans with training resources, provide equipment grants, and offer mentorship programs. The FVC also partners with companies like John Deere, who have donated millions of dollars in equipment and financial support.

The episode also covers some of the unique challenges that veterans face in the agriculture industry. Many veterans have injuries or disabilities that can make farm work difficult. The FVC has a program to assist with these problems, providing adaptations and training to help veterans overcome these obstacles.

Overall, this episode is a hopeful look at a much-needed resource for veterans. It shows how the FVC is helping veterans find a new purpose and build fulfilling careers in an industry that offers a unique sense of community and connection to the land. The show is both inspiring and informative, and highlights a valuable resource for the many veterans who are struggling to transition back into civilian life.