On Monday, I had the opportunity to meet with several inspiring Service members and launch an expanded collaboration between USDA and the Department of Defense at a Transition Assistance Program class hosted at the Pentagon. This collaboration will integrate agriculture into the career training and counseling programs Service members receive as they transition out of the military. Information about USDA resources and programs will now reach 200,000 transitioning Service members every year.
It’s exciting to see veterans — many of whom come from rural communities — drawn back to the land, and USDA is here to provide support for military veterans and their families, from nutrition assistance to rural rental housing and homeownership opportunities. In conjunction with Monday’s announcement, USDA also launched a new website, www.usda.gov/veterans. This site is specifically designed to educate veterans about USDA programs and the support available for all active duty military and veterans.
Let’s keep the conversation going! Join me at 11 a.m. Eastern on September 17 for a Google+ Hangout, which will feature veteran farmers and veteran training organizations who will provide insight into challenges and opportunities in farming and ranching. Ask questions of the panelists by leaving them in the comments section below or by using #NextGenAg on Twitter. Be sure to RSVP to attend the event on our Google+ page and tune in live on Thursday by visiting the USDA Google+ page or www.usda.gov/live. We can’t wait to hear from you!