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Growing Veterans growingveterans.org
Headquartered near Seattle, Growing Veterans (GV) seeks to empower vets to (1) grow food, communities, and each other, (2) end isolation that leads to more serious problems, and (3) to make sustainable agriculture the norm. They offer three broad programs: Farm to Market, Peer Support, and Outpost training. Farm to Market provides vets with experience, Peer Support offers the chance for vets to connect with other vets using farms as a medium for building relationships, and Outpost training allows vets to visit a small number of farms across Washington State to build experience and professional connections. Finally, GV offers educational opportunities for vets to use their GI Bill at three local colleges while completing internships at their Northwest farm.
Also working in vets’ favor is the 2014 Farm Bill that designates veterans as beginning farmers if they meet simple criteria, thereby facilitating preferential eligibility for financial assistance. Explore these programs and check out additional programs meant for Veterans who want to start their own agricultural businesses.
Remember, any entrepreneurial endeavor requires research and planning. As a Veteran, you have access to resources to help you achieve success in your endeavors; make use of them.
What Do You Want to Do When You Leave the Military?
There's (most likely) a program for that!
If you haven't considered what you want to do after you leave the military (whether you serve five, fifteen, or twenty-five years), there's no time like the present to start! Starting early means that you can IDENTIFY and TAP INTO available programs for Veterans looking to join the specific career field you hope to join. Do you know that there are programs (privately or publicly funded) to support or train Veterans transitioning into the follow fields:
Government Agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies have invested dollars to train Veterans to join their field. Consider what you want to be when you take off the uniform, and take the time to learn whether a program can support your transition to your new career.
Agriculture (as Brent's shown)
Claims (see page 4)
Education
Construction
Finance
Information Technology
Renewable Energy
Transportation and Logistics