veterans

Imagine you are 18 years old, from a rural town, and figuring out your next steps. You want opportunities to learn, meet new people, and travel the world.

To ensure that veterans have opportunities to enter high-demand career fields, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leverages apprenticeship programs. USDA recently strengthened its Commodity Food Grader’s Apprenticeship Program by expanding its scope from regional to national. As a result...

Joe Ricker, a man of many titles including colonel, veterans outreach coordinator, nonprofit founder, farm owner, consultant and beekeeper, has consistently dedicated himself to helping service members thrive. His collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been a key factor in...

Just outside of Fayetteville, North Carolina, veteran farmer Jim Hartman embodies the resilience and resourcefulness of the honeybees he tends to. His success in building his honey business stems from his proactive approach of seeking out government funds, a trait that has been instrumental in his...

At the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), we understand the essential role that veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members can play in revitalizing and strengthening our agricultural industry. This is one of the reasons we provide a range of training resources and support...

Retirement – for many – is a time for reconnecting with what you love and who you love. Laura Cristobal-Andersland and David Andersland have spiced up retirement with their seasoning business, Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts.

Many veterans and military spouses search for careers that can accommodate their health and physical needs. At the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), reasonable accommodations can be arranged to help employees succeed in the workplace.

Georgia native Topeka Ham found a new calling serving the American public through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) after 26 years in the South Carolina Air National Guard.

The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Military Veteran Agricultural Liaison (MVAL) offers assistance to veterans that can lead to permanent employment or help in starting an agriculture-related business.

Virginia native Michael Reese wanted to see the world, meet new people, and secure funding for college. Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, he served in the United States Navy for 30 years from 1989 to 2019.