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Subscribe to RSSA program that teaches agribusiness to retired soldiers provides a fresh start for vets seeking a new career. NBC's Miguel Almaguer reports.
By Gene Choo
NBC News
ESCONDIDO - On a sunny, crisp January morning in Southern California, 16 young veterans gathered to learn the finer points of organic farming: how to brew "compost tea" (an organic liquid fertilizer), irrigation, planting techniques and urban crop production.
As they pounded freshly ground compost in a plastic container, one of the students, Anthony Rohrbaugh, stopped to adjust his wool beanie. Rohrbaugh, 27, had completed two deployments with the Marines to Iraq where he fought in the Battle of Fallujah. He credits the farm’s program, Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT), for helping him deal with his post-traumatic stress disorder and transitioning back to civilian life.
"Coming out of the military, it's kinda like a shock," Rohrbaugh said. "[VSAT] is very therapeutic …coming from a combat environment -- I was under a lot of stress. And I suffered from brain trauma. Working with plants and soil really helped me connect not only to myself but also the environment around me."
VSAT, founded by Colin Archipley and his wife Karen, has taught agribusiness skills to more than 60 veterans since it was first established in 2006. These vets are all still working in the agriculture and farm industry.
"The military community has such great talents and work ethic," he said. "And it's not being realized once they leave the military."
Archipley, 30, should know. As a decorated Marine sergeant with multiple combat tours in Iraq, he grew increasingly frustrated with the number of fellow warriors who had honorably served their country only to come home to a nation lacking in opportunities and a coherent strategy to re-integrate these vets back into society.
"They are so much more than just trigger pullers," Archipley said, gesturing to a group of students learning about bioponic farming, an organic method of sustainable farming that recycles water using high-tech greenhouses. "If the American public knew how good these guys are-- I mean, they were in charge of millions of dollars worth of high-tech equipment and leading men in the most extreme environments under massive stress."
At the end of VSAT’s six-week "full impact" training course on the six acre farm known as Archi's Acres, each student must come up with a viable business plan as to how they will utilize their new skills.
Decorated Marine Mike Hanes, a graduate of Archi's Acres, now owns his own hot sauce company. He told NBC News about the challenges he faced after coming home from the frontlines.
"VSAT's idea is to train returning combat vets in agribusiness skills. We want to be an agribusiness incubator that allows these vets to create small businesses across the U.S.," Archipley said. "This not only helps them get back on their feet and make a living, it also contributes to the well-being of our country. It allows them to be a part of something bigger than themselves again."
It's an idea that has taken root across the country with similar programs sprouting up in San Antonio, Texas and Boston, Mass. With more farmers retiring than entering the profession, America's agriculture industry is looking for fresh recruits. According to a 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, nearly 66 percent of small farm operators are over 55 years old and only 4.1 percent are younger than 35 years old. The USDA estimates about a million new farmers are needed over the next 10 years.
"We need this program and other programs like it to create food in this country,” said Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. “The risk is, if we can't produce our own food, we'll be more dependent on importing food."
Coming home after combat: ‘We really struggled’
The journey from dusty Fallujah, Iraq to sunny Escondido, Calif., was a rough one for Colin Archipley. After three combat tours where he experienced some of the war's most brutal battles, Archipley said he felt lost and out of place upon leaving the Marine Corps in 2006 .
"I didn't have a mission anymore and everything I did in the military was mission driven," said Archipley, who suffers from PTSD. "Job opportunities when I got out were few and far between and the skills I learned as an infantryman didn't always translate directly into civilian life."
Getting the proper medical treatment also proved challenging.
"Colin had a lot of stuff from coming back from war," Karen Archipley said. "There were big issues with health and trying to get proper healthcare. We really struggled."
Archipley recalled, "Here you were, living in a ditch, getting shot at and making all these sacrifices and people here didn't even know anything about it. It brought a lot of anger, a lot of frustration. I had to find an outlet, something I could engage in that was bigger than myself."
In 2006, he found that outlet via Karen's lifelong dream: to live on (and own) a farm. Originally, she had wanted to settle in the idyllic Italian countryside of Tuscany. But after spending so much time abroad, Colin wanted to stay at home.
By trading mortgages on Karen's home in Los Angeles, they bought a fixer-upper avocado farm in Escondido about 30 minutes north of San Diego on a bluff overlooking Camp Pendleton, a major Marine Corps base. Here, the young couple created Archi's Acres -- an organic hyrdoponic farm that was environmentally safe using 90 percent less water than a comparable conventional farm. They expanded their produce from avocados to kale, lettuce, and their signature product, basil.
But Archi's Acres was more than just a profitable source of income. Colin found solace in the soil and the farm's tranquil surroundings.
"The farm gave me a mission statement," Archipley said. "It allowed us to feel good at the end of the day-- we were helping to feed America."
Colin also wanted to give back to his fellow Marines and service members -- even more so now, after a 2011 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study that reported an unemployment rate of over 30 percent for veterans ages 18 to 24, double the comparable civilian rate.
"These guys were heroes and they were falling through the cracks when they came home," said Archipley. Loyal to his brothers (and sisters) in arms, Archipley and his wife, Karen, decided to take action and created VSAT by securing grant money from the Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit veterans organization through Mira Costa Community College where VSAT's curriculum is accredited and part of the school's agriculture program.
Success story: Mike Hanes, once homeless, finds his calling
One of the program's most memorable graduates is 36-year-old Mike Hanes, a highly decorated Force Reconnaissance Marine who had spent more than eight years engaging in hazardous special operations missions on the distant battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon coming home, Haines said he suffered from depression, a classic symptom of PTSD triggered by a traumatic brain injury sustained in combat.
"I had major anger issues. They were off the charts," Hanes said.
Unable to secure a job, Hanes became homeless for two years.
"I would avoid populated areas and go into the hills where I would find the thickest brush and camp out,” he said. “I would hear voices and animals at night -- it was scary at times. As a Recon Marine, I was used to sleeping with one eye open.”
When his wife divorced him and sought sole custody of his young daughter, Hanes said he knew he had to turn his life around: if not for him, then for his daughter.
While homeless, he enrolled himself in college and got his degree. One day in April 2009 , while walking through Balboa Park in San Diego, he stumbled upon an Earth Day Festival and came upon Archipley's VSAT booth. Hanes liked what he heard -- especially the words of encouragement coming from a fellow combat vet Marine. "But it took him nearly a year to actually come to the program," said Karen Archipley. "He really had trust issues."
"The farm definitely changed the direction of my life," said Hanes. "I mean, if it wasn't for the farm -- I honestly don't know where I would be right now."
After attending the VSAT course, Hanes came up with a business plan to bottle and market his own brand of hot sauce: Forager Mike's Dang!!! Raw Superfood Sauce. The concoction was so good that local Whole Foods grocery stores now stock it on their shelves.
"I never would have thought this would have happened," Hanes said. "I never thought -- sleeping out in the bush, being homeless -- I would have a product there sitting on a shelf in a store!"
Now, as a single father who runs his own company, "When I take my daughter to Whole Foods and I share with her my creation -- she looked up there on the shelves and see my picture next to the bottles and says, 'Hey! That's you!' You know, that definitely brought a smile to my face," said Hanes, his face lighting up. "Made me feel proud again, you know."
For Colin Archipley, that’s what VSAT is all about.
"If we can just help one person be better off than he was before -- then mission accomplished," he said.
Leave a Comment:
Superb kicker tonight on "veterans recovering from their wounds on the farm".... It makes complete sense that the arena of healing for these American heroes would be in a 'field' that's about giving life, creating, generating bounty for others. Huge thanks for the inspiring story.
I agree. I tried the same with landscaping...unfortunately it was in Zone 3 and I starved during the winter. Very healing process to get in touch with nurturing rather than destruction. Thumbs up and best wishes. Buy American Vet will be the next ad slogan!
Thats not what I think it is they are growing in California...is it?
Cheech and Chong..new adventures
Hey "mike277"...It's BASIL...give it a rest, unless you have done a tour or three to "The Stan" or Iraq! Proud of All Marines! This Marine Mom thinks Archipley and his wife deserve big-time metals!!!
One word Bravo!
It's great to see a positive story on here.
I am the mom of a 27 yr. old airforce veteran, Jordan, who is currently in the hospital suffering from PTSD. Imagine as a parent, getting a phone call, and hearing that your child was ganged up on by a group of bullies and beaten to near death for something they didn't do. Then imagaine finding out that the teacher and principal stood by watching and did nothing to help, even though their big brown eyes looked up them, at the people who they trusted and obeyed and would take a bullet for, crying, "Why aren't you helping me?". Then imagine sitting next to your child's hospital bed, as theylay there broken, bloody and maybe handicapped, and with tears in their eyes they said, "Mom, I'm so sorry to put you through this". Then a nurse comes in to ask what address to send the bill to.....
How would you feel? How would YOU feel?
PTSD (or PTSI) doesn't just wound soldiers... It wounds ALL of us.
My son served his country for 8 yrs. with honors and many medals. He spent over 1 year imbedded with the marines at Camp Dwyer in Helmands Province, Afghanistan. Two weeks ago he was forced to separate from the airforce he loves (honorably), because he was now "not being recommended for enlistment". Four days ago, after a massive search, we found him in a hotel room which he had decorated with all of his airforce AND ARMY medals, awards, plaques, his grandfathers WWII B-17 bomber pilot relics and pictures of his daughter. He was going to "check out" dressed in his highly decorated Blues uniform...... with honor.
PTSI is curable! It IS an injury, NOT a disease!
If we drain our cell phone until it powers off, we recharge it! We don't throw it out!! This CANNOT be ignored any longer.
As a mom, who would give anything right now to take my sons place, I am praying someone will read this, who has the authority and influence and courage to make things change.
I am really hoping I can get my son to your farm Karen & Collin. Karen, the way you have jumped in to help us like we're family and old friends, is unbelievable! Thank you so much! I have hope in my heart now that something good is about to happen! :)
Way to go Archie's Acres, and Escondido CA!!!!!!!!!!! This is very inspirational!
My question to you all is this..great story...however...Why are our war vets leaving the military? They are leaving the medical and dental benefits. They are leaving without training our next generation of war fighters.. without their input and training. A huge descion to leave...but why??? That's the question. We need these experienced fighters for the next conflict. They are our next generation fighters. Why are our ground fighters leaving? Many will say "It wasn't for me," I think the real story is deeper than their choices to leave the service. No way killing is fun.....but why are our true fighting warriors just walking away.....food for thought. Thank you.
For most, they are tired of war, and want nothing else to do with it. You are right that killing is no fun, but also seeing your buddy or buddies get their legs blown off ain't fun either.
Medical and dental benefits are nice things and it is very rewarding to say, "I am in charge of these young troopers and have an positive impact on keeping them sharp, keeping them alive." But it's getting harder to do with all the back to back deployments. The best advice I ever received after a deployment was taken right from an airline safety brief: "Always place your own mask on before assisting others." There comes a point when you've given all you can, and you need to take a knee and get yourself straight. Continuing on when you are no longer effective is sometimes selfish, and it can hurt the organization. It's not weak to say, "It really is time to hang up the uniform and return to the world." We have plenty of leaders to train our young troopers, and you really need a lot of energy and motivation to keep up with this generation!
Also I left the Air Force in 2010 because the manning in my career field had me working 60-80 hours a week at times with no sort of compensation. I figured if I was going to work overtime I might as well get paid for it. Also I was tired of playing office politics in the military.
Maybe they've had enough?
Jeffrey, the military always loses SOME of its NCO'S, some officers and the enlisted ranks from E1-E4. No matter what benefits you have had, there are times when you want to pursue other things. As at the end of WWII, vets go out and took advantage of the GI Bill, thats why I got out in 1980. Others may have had more stress, depends on where you were, what you did, and how you were able to manage everything. Family support or lack of is also a key. How many re-enlist after i hitch? How many after 2 hitches? I managed 2 active and 2 in the reserves and I couldnt deal with the politics in the reserves. It was who you knew and who came to your party or who invited you to their party.
Proudly served with CSC 1/41 INFANTRY BN, CSC 3/67 ARMOR BN, 60TH ORD GROUP, and the A**holes with the 425th Civil Affairs Company (USAR)
Also, Jeffrey, if you'll notice: Many of the people involved in this program seem to have PTSD to some extent. Some worse than others. They're at the point where they really just can't be in the service anymore, so it's good that some of them have found new opportunities through the VSAT.
What a wonderful story. Archie's Acres could pave the way for many farming communities nationwide. What a nurturing way to re-integrate their lives back into society. A way to provide new vocational skills. Every vet has the right to come home and leave the war behind them. Gardening will provide them a wonderful gift - the restoration of the five senses.
I think that's a very inspiring and fantastic idea. Much like you have to have training to be in the military, those who come back from the war need training to be a part of society again. My hat is off to the men and women in our military, thank you for serving our country.
I salute you veterans!You did a great job serving our country.I still can't believe some Liberal hippies have no respect for you guys and say that you are a bunch of baby killers and spit on your faces.
Find one. Find a "liberal hippy" who "spit on [their] faces." Hate to break the news to you, but it is "liberal hippies" who have been asking questions about why the VA hospitals are in such disrepair and why it is that veterans have to wait so long for help with their PTSD and other issues.
I realize that there are people who post primarily to earn a living--a penny a post, I think it is--but could you at least confine yourself to reality? Even Vietnam war veterans never got spat at--not a single documented incident, ever. It's an urban myth that really needs to die for the sake of young men like these.
I am delighted that these young men will reach out for help--even if they will only reach out to other former service members. Something needs to be done to enable the vets who have found a niche to help other vets--as I don't think that these young men (and women) will reach out to anyone else. It's frustrating for those who would like to help, but who are mistrusted by these former service people. But, if they will only trust "their own"--perhaps the best we can all do is to help these people to help the vets.
If I ever see a bottle of Forager Mike's Dang!!! Raw Superfood Sauce--I'll be sure to buy a dozen.
Its not all that clean cut. I have to agree that some of the liberals are behind this, but it is usually liberals with military background. I proposed working with returning vets and mentioned this program at a board meeting of our local farm incubator and one of the board acted shocked. I have meet that uncomfortable look from the leftys who don't know anyone who has worn the uniform. To show how little people here understand what is going on, all the services are cutting people. This is huge, I talked to a young vet yesterday about this program at a Job/internship fair. My farm is barely surviving after my reserve duty requirements, but going to see if we can get more going on here for vets. But it is like all farming, its though to make a living on a small place. One of the ironic things I have heard is that if you have a farm, you don't need a job, most small farms need the off farm income to survive.
Bean-"find One"
All you have to do is type "protester spits in soldiers face" in the google bar.I'm sure you'll find a lot more liberal hippies actually doing this than you expected.You-tube has plenty.
This is the coolest story I have seen on here in a long time. I'm a retired vet myself, and studying agriculture at Central Texas College, and learning gardening small scale at my home. This is really a great idea, we need people to grow food for the nation, and us vets are used to working outside with our hands. What a perfect mix!
CTC at Fort Hood? I took classes way back 30 some years ago... Saw its now a full 4 year college. There are days I miss central Texas, from Belton Lake to Copperas Cove to Harker Heights. Hope you have a good day. CSC 1/41 INFANTRY, CSC 3/67 ARMOR (2ND AD - HELL ON WHEELS)
Yup Charley, I retired out of Hood in 2009, after 23 yrs and some change. This area is a hell of alot different than you would remember, most of the open land and farms and ranches is now look alike housing subdivisions, and Harker Hts and Killeen are pretty much 1 and the same. Take care buddy! ( I retired out of 3D ACR, but I went to war with 11th Avn Regt, 6th U.S. Cavalry. I was a support Maintenance Team chief out of 3rd Coscom, Germany)
I loved this story - it's amazing how many of our current vets are such leaders and are giving a hand up to their fellow soldiers. The next wave of farmers could be our vets today.
It's nice to see a main story about rebuilding and moving on. It's nice that there are these programs in place for returning troops! There are few things more theraputic than gardening. It's good for the environment, the soul and good for hungry people wanting organic options! Also,nice to see all the positive comments. the comments especially about war subjects seem to get a bit heated. We can come together over things like this!
This sounds noble and therapeutic, but how about offering something more substantial than training in an industry that lacks any real opportunity for a better life. Just look at the bureau of labor statistics website and see for yourselves:
Job Outlook
Job opportunities for agricultural workers occupations should be abundant because large numbers of workers leave these jobs due to their low wages and physical demands. Little or no change in employment is expected over the 2008-18 decade, reflecting in large part the outlook for farmworkers in crops, nurseries, and greenhouses, who make up the largest majority of all agricultural workers.
Don't kid yourselves. The economy stinks and trying to portray this kind of program as a way for vets to re-enter the civilian workforce is a joke. I'm sure it's fun and relaxing, but once they leave it reality is going to remind them that in order to make a decent living in an even tougher climate, with no real end in sight for the next half decade or so, they are going to wish they had invested their time and energy into something with an actual return on investment. Go ahead, say it's about the intrinsic value. The unemployment lines are long nowadays.
How about offering something better than the Chapter 33/post-911 GI Bill, which I currently use and think is a step down from my old Chapter 30 GI Bill. The government can do much more for these vets besides offering them a brief reprieve from reality. Give them an education free of charge. Tuition costs are astronomical. Fix the VA health care system and offer them health care for at least the same amount of time that they served if they don't qualify with a service-connected disability. Health care costs are astronomical. Allow them to draw unemployment benefits beyond the 99 week limit. Unemployment rates are astronomical. And do all of this without all of the bureaucratic nonsense attached. There are countless ways to help these vets. Don't get me wrong, my hat goes off to the individuals who establish these programs, but our country owes its combat veterans so much more.
You missed the entire point Slim. These folks need to experience success now and at a comfortable pace. Their sense of self worth has to be restored. Success will bread success later on. Archipley is helping them relax and gain confidence. These are all good men and women who have proven beyond doubt their abilities to function under the most difficult circumstances. Now they need to fall back a bit and regroup before moving forward in life again. Thank you Colin and Karen. You are doing the Lord's work and may you be forever blessed.
Semper Fi
slim the thing is we as a nation have forgotten our agricultural roots, and it's gonna be our downfall. I know I'll never get rich doing this, but if I wanted to get rich, I wouldn't have made a career out of the Army while all my old friends were off making their careers in their chosen fields. Am I probably on the low wage end of my graduating class. Yup. Would I change it? Hell no! Look at how bad our food supply has gotten, and how many people can barely cook let alone do anything resembling manual labor. Sooner or later the technology is gonna let us down, and people will need to know how to work the land and live off it.
Hot.
I'm waiting for the illegals to start posting about how Americans won't do these types of jobs.
These jobs are small-scale, organic farms. They are something that can be run by just a person or two, and they market their produce at farmer's markets or Whole Foods (that dang hippie business) where those tree-huggers like to shop.
These are not businesses where people work from dawn to dusk on acres and acres of land, harvesting the same crop. They are people who live and work in pleasant climates with manageable crop sizes. Such small-scale farmers are more at risk from the agricultural giants who employ the undocumented workers.
A hydroponic farm is fantastic in terms of producing really high-quality produce--and those who can afford it will buy it. But, these things are small scale because not enough people will buy such a product at an increased price, no matter how wonderful it tastes. This is a niche market--but a good one for vets (especially those with brain injuries or PTSD) to fill. Perhaps the Agriculture Department needs to start training vets and preferring vets for programs that support such mom&pop farms.
Organic food is also expensive, whereas factory farming is low-margin and thus depends on dirt cheap labor. Sound like a different type of factory process that has been moved overseas?
Great story - have been waiting/hoping for something along these lines. This is good stuff, exciting, can see little cottage industries of all kinds, all over the States, taking back/creating jobs. Love that it's about vets, but of course such is not limited to vets.
Yes, organic food is more expensive - but it's worth it. The taste difference alone is dramatic but of course the health benefits are huge. Recently did a taste comparison with store bought apples and tomatoes vs organic and organic won hands down. My 9 year old lit up and said he now understood why a tomato is a fruit.
beanathome, you hit the nail on the head.
To take things to the next level, throw in chickens and eggs. Throw in delivery. I can see a mom and pop operation spreading the word, getting a client base of 50 or 100 customers that they cater to. I would love to be such a customer and know lots of others that would too. Organic food, meat, eggs - place an order that's delivered once a week or every other week - and pay accordingly for such a thing. To know I'm getting great food for the family, helping a local and all that goes with it is worth the "extra" money.
Simple marketing and basic neighborly customer service would be all it would take. Let people know the biz exists, love/believe in the product/method and be likeable. I might have such a biz around the corner from me, but am busy as most people are and just don't know it. Love farmers' markets but they take time and they're an event that kills the whole day. Give me a list of items, a way to order from home and I can rock and roll. If I got a knock on the door or a flyer from such a company, that could "sell" me on local, organic, American owned/operated, etc., etc. - I could easily be a lifetime customer. Would order all I could from that biz, whatever they had/was in season and hit the grocers for the rest.
For someone young, full of energy, that could pull together family/friends to help them pull off such a small operation, they could do very well. Maybe find someone with some acerage to lease/share even to minimize startup. I imagine they would have more customers than they could shake a stick at.
"You have chickens, eggs, this and that veggies/fruits, organic and you deliver to my area every other Wednesday? I can order online, pay with a credit card and flag things I want delivered on a regular basis with every delivery?" Yeah, I would be hooked.
Man, in any decent size city, if you can't find 50 or 100 people to sign up for something like that - you just ain't tryin'.
Heck, someone could probably set up a website, do the marketing, hire a delivery driver and be the middle person to the farmer even and have a pretty good little biz. If I were 20 years younger...
...and speaking of hydroponics, just think of all the people who could be employed or re-employed if medical marijuana were legalized on the Federal level. No more south-of-the-border gang crap to deal with. Let the Feds secure the border, and leave marijuana growers the hell alone. They're just Americans growing a domestic cash crop for domestic sale. And cannabis will grow literally ANYWHERE. If George Washington could grow it, why can't WE?
Well, I can because I have a state MMJ permit, but everyone should be free to grow whatever they want as long as the product is generally accepted as safe. (Unlike tobacco, which has been proven to kill.)
Last I checked military service was voluntary. It was when I joined. I'm pretty sure the percent of combat veterans who came back from the "first" gulf war with PTSD was probably <1%. I was there....then.
I feel that all should serve and I respect and admire all that do. Those that feel they don't need to serve and/or are better "served" by not serving...I have no respect for.
But, If you look into Archie's Acres I think you'll see that it is nothing more than another taxpayer paid for entitlement program to "train" people who are already neck deep in entitlements.
PTSD is the new 'welfare' for veterans. All sorts of people are making very good livings off the billions the US govt. spends on this ailment.
the fog of reality
And here we have a teabagger that doesn't support it, no indication that he every served. As I said earlier, it is not clear cut. As for a tax payer paid entitlement, the feds are doing nothing in this area that I am aware of.
Have to apoligize, Doug does say he is a Desert Storm Vet, but that rollover was different from what is going on now and he should know it. There were no IEDs when he was there, it was a turkey shoot, not combat. Coming from another vet, his attitude is insulting. Odds are you didn't lose a comrade to live fire. Just because you were in the sand, doesn't mean you walked in their boots.
Doug1372, "I respect and admire all that do (serve)" is just patronizing. Most vets don't seek treatment for PTSD. Those that do probably need it. The purpose of most VA treatments is to reintegrate vets back into society. You view that as welfare? By the way, not since WW1 have such a large numbers of vets "returned home" to find such little opportunity. You have no idea what that does to their morale.
I think this is a great relaxing program for the vets back from war, I am a 20 year military retiree and Its stressful at times in military. it will help those with ptsd. Reminds me of a episode on that TV show "happy Days" that was on in the 1970's. Where fonzie had a problem with his temper, and the Docter told him to help control himself , to build bird houses as a hobby, so he did till he couldnt take anymore and back on with the leather Jacket and into fighting again Lol
It sounds like it might help them. If it does great idea.
If it gives them a little sanity. Maybe we return to the old Roman legionary system, where retirees get land to farm in peace after giving the best years of their lives to the service.
were the legionnaires volunteers?
Archie: Dear US Govt (taxpayer), I am a veterean with PTSD. (receiving disability) I propose a program to help rehabilitate veterans with PTSD.
US Govt: Archie, since you are a veteran and have PTSD we will fund your program. (with taxpayer money) PTSD is a huge buzzword and the lobbyists are killing us with this.
Archie: Thanks Uncle Sam. (now receiving disability and a government grant to fund his rehab project).
Archie: Veterans/volunteers of the battlefields of Iraq and Afganistan.....I am here to help rehabilitate you. If you have PTSD and are receiving a check from the government I will take your education benefits (GI Bill) and allow you to attend my vocational training. It will cost you nothing because the US Govt (taxpayer) is footing the bill.
so....Archie is well on is way to the American dream. A millionaire in the making. At the expense of everybody else. (who actually pays taxes.....)
I apolizge again, you do have anger issues, here, help me plant this apple tree, you see the VA anywhere? Of course not.
Doug,
As a fellow Veteran of both Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom AND as a taxpayer you know what? I say way to go Archi! The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are different experiences than Desert Sheild/Storm. I don't care if my tax money goes to helping these Veteran's recieve help for PTSD or whatever. In fact, I am all for it! I would rather my tax money go to helping a fellow Vet heal from whatever war wounds he/she may have than have it go to some sleazy politician's personal agenda. Also, I did not read anywhere in this article where it states they take GI Bill benefits in exchange for this service. Why would anyone criticize a program that is helping our warriors heal?? If your military service was all smiles and joy I am happy for you, but not every deployment is so you have no right to discount the issues of these Vets until you experience what they did. And even then you have no room to talk. Every person deals with things diffrently. That's what makes us unique individuals. Maybe you can survive mortar attacks or IEDS without having issues, but not everyone can. You have the right to your opinion, but I feel your opinion is skewed.
As far as Archi's Acres goes, this is a great idea. Thank you for giving these Vets a fighting chance!
Doug1372, "I respect and admire all that do (serve)" is just patronizing. Most vets don't seek treatment for PTSD. Those that do probably need it. The purpose of most VA treatments is to reintegrate vets back into society. You view that as welfare? By the way, not since WW1 have such a large numbers of vets "returned home" to find such little opportunity. You have no idea what that does to their morale.
Nothing like nature to bring you back to a peaceful place in your mind.
I wonder what OBAMA did with all his illegal wetbacks that were working in agriculture. He must have given them a high paying government job with benifits!!!!! Nothing but reverse discrimination from that black @!$%#!!!!
The VA in North Hills, California is selling off it's property illegally to a private firm that will provide low rent studio apartments to drug and alcohol addicts of which are not Veterans at all. The cost to renovate each apartment is $330,000.00 each! The construction contract did not go out to bid but went to this private company owned by the private firm coercing their way into the VA. There is a infinite trust forever in effect which specifically states this land is never to be used for anything other than Veterans of foreign and domestic wars. Currently there is a lawsuit filed against the West Los Angeles VA to not allow the same from happening there. We need to stop this illegal operation immediately and give this facility back to the Veterans who need the most!!
In TV Tropes, we call this Call to Agriculture.
Im a vet, on social security disability, not a service connected disability. This has given me more ideas.
Ive been gardening for veggies for 10 years, and hydraponic (sp?) might be a good idea to grow veggies.
No major land needed, can be done some indoors (live in Pacific Northwest still colder outside).
Thanks for the idea.
How about pulling your heads from your butts and stop paying farmers to NOT grow food or to destroy crops, JUST to keep the market prices higher...greed runs the USDA head offices...not rational thinking and concern for the starving poor.
Ever think of that DC...instead of turning soldiers in to slaves to work on farms, you could stop wasting the tax dollars of the american citizens?????
My parents grew up on farms during the Great Depression and they stressed that when Americans ceased understanding where our food comes from and how it is produced America will be in serious trouble. They taught me to grow vegetables, raise rabbits for meat and then after high school the United States Marine Corps taught me more.
Semper Fi Archi!
We must stand behind those who have stood up for us,an provide them whatever is needed to get their "normal" lives back!My son has just returned and as a combat vet We know the emotions and feeling held inside.My family and I thank you for your service to our country!We are forever in your debt!