Since 1918, Veterans Day has been a day to honor those among us who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard. Whether serving in combat or in support of those who fight to preserve freedom, the roughly 7% of the American population who have earned the title “veteran” are worthy of our respect and recognition.
Throughout these turbulent times, veterans who farm in Pennsylvania have persevered, growing and raising food for their communities and neighbors despite the rising cost of feed, supplies and fuel. Many also work off-farm, and have met the same challenges you may have — juggling home-schooling and working from home, while also toiling to fill gaps in the food chain during the pandemic. In some cases, all of the above, while also fulfilling National Guard or Reserve duty.
So this November let’s resolve to do more for those veterans who farm or operate food businesses: Let’s buy veteran-grown, veteran-raised and veteran-made. When you do, you’ll be thanking those who continue to serve by feeding America, keeping their own families strong as well.
Find the veteran farm closest to your home at troopstotractors.org. Don’t see one near you? No worries, some of them ship!
Mimi Thomas-Brooker
Hempfield
The writer is project director for the Pennsylvania Veteran Farming Network/Troops to Tractors.