Farmer Veteran Coalition: Tanks to Tractors

markpeate's Flickr photostream/Creative Commons

The Farmer Veteran Coalition is an amazing organization that provides U.S. veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with the resources, tools and mentorships to help them find employment in farming communities around the country.

I was thrilled to hear about the program this morning on KCRW's Good Food broadcast, and I think the Coalition is a phenomenal way to ensure civilian employment for vets, as well as a healthy physical, mental and emotional outlet to help make the transition from combat life as smooth as possible. 

Additionally the program is helping to reinvigorate the number of U.S. farmers, which has been dwindling in recent decades, and they are particularly focusing on sustainable agriculture.  The Farmer Veteran Coalition is headquartered in northern California, but aims to develop a nationwide network to find employment for 10,000 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other conflicts.

As we approach Veterans Day this year, I think it's particularly important that we seek to find ways to help returning veterans acclimate to civilian life in healthy and productive ways, particularly for those men and women who have served successive tours of duty or those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Check out the Slow Food interview with one of the Farmer Veteran Coalition's staff and use the action link below to help get involved with the Coalition.