HERO Agriculture

Hope to see you next Thursday.

Who is invited to the 2nd Annual We CARE Vet Fair?
1. All Veterans! Doesn't matter when, where, or how long you served.
2. Current and former National Guard and Air National Guard Soldiers.
3. Current and former Reservists.
4. Military & Veteran Spouse.
5. Adult Children of Veteran.
6. Caregiver to a Veteran.
7. Veteran and Military families.
8. Veteran service organizations, governments, and nonprofits.
9. Social Workers, Counselors, Clinicians.
10. YOU!

Don't miss this free opportunity to learn about veteran benefits, apply for community, state, and federal programs, and meet amazing people from around Northwest Georgia who still believe in America and those who served!

Thanks to Amazon, Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries and Journey Community Food Pantry, NW Georgia Veterans and military families can sign up to receive FREE groceries for pickup at the May 16th Rome, Georgia We CARE Vet Fair! Visit https://rb.gy/xtadn9 before it is too late!

The We CARE Vet Fair is Coming Your Way, NW Georgia! Join us on Thursday, May 16, 2024   Be There! If you or someone you love or care for served or is serving in the military, you need to attend the 2nd Annual We CARE Vet Fair at the Forum River Center

We CARE Veterans Fair
www.heroag.com

Hope to see you there!

What can you expect at the 2nd Annual NW GA We CARE Vet Fair?
Buckle up, Buttercup - it is a long list!

Military History, Volunteer Organizations, Veteran Benefits, Free Haircuts & Shaves, Free Skin Cancer Checks, Panels of Professionals, Rocket League Gaming Tournaments, Free Groceries, Finances and how to manage them, Golf, Free Ice Cream, Coffee and Hugs, Quilts of Valor Presentations, Educational Opportunities, Learn a Trade, Get a Job, Mortgage Help, Relationship Help, Update your Immunizations, Check your Blood Pressure, Have you had your eyes checked? Library Access for the Blind, Disabled, and Abled, Clothing Assistance, Legal Assistance, Well Kit, Mental Health Opportunities, Hold My Guns, Outdoor Fun, Free Gun Safes for Veterans (while supplies last), Veteran Transportation, Veteran VA ID Cards, Drivers License Help, Need a New Social Security Card? Free Life Alarms for Veterans, Banking and Budgeting, Home Repairs, Medical Equipment, Meal Delivery, Protect Against Fraud, Write a Song, Firearm Classes
and many more....

Come to the We CARE Vet Fair on May 16th. This once-per-year event in NW Georgia is open to Veterans, active duty personnel, the National Guard, Reservists, and their families. Everything is FREE! There is no charge for admission, parking, or any of the services or items being given away.

Spring has sprung around the farm. It's been fun meeting all the new babies. ~Anissa
www.heroag.com

Getting excited about this year's We Care Fair in Rome, GA. May 16th, 10 am- 7pm at the Forum River Center. Lots of planning and preparation going on.
We CARE Veterans Fair

Coming to Rome in May. Please mark your calendars now.
www.wecarevetfair.com
www.heroag.com

HERO Agriculture helps Veterans find hope, heal, and build purposeful lives through farming. United Military Care is excited to announce the great folks from Hero Ag will be joining us at the Forum River Center May 16th from 10am until 7pm for the 2nd Annual We CARE Vet Fair. Mama always said a little dirt wouldn't hurt!

Sometimes you just need a helping hand. We've got your back...HERO Agriculture.

www.heroag.com

Save the date.

Our children are our future – and Hero Agriculture recognizes the importance of connecting students to our mission. Even Barbie – the Fainting Goat made a connection last week with students at the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education Pathway Program (CTAE). Hosted by Gordon Central High and Ashworth Middle Schools – Barbie watched as students stopped by our table to meet her and hear about how farming can change a life. Barbie’s brother Ken stayed home to watch over the farm. It is true, Barbie and Ken will faint!

Hero Agriculture, along with other allies in and around the community, made connections with students through a tiny goat! Our purpose; educate young boys and girls toward the field of farming. Perhaps our connection that day will also inspire students to develop an understanding of how hard work, dirty hands, a nurturing and loving spirit for animals can and will feed the masses in their communities one day. We trust they also walked away with the knowledge of how our farm is not just a farm – it’s a classroom where men and women who wore the uniform of this nation come to find a renewed purpose.
www.heroag.com

For more information about the Pathway Program, click the link below.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=888476939952941&id=100063719283467&mibextid=Nif5oz

There’s a wonderful and powerful movement that takes place when people care enough to spread a few words, share a message or get their hands dirty in the rich soil. Last week, we posted the article published in Georgia Magazine about the evolution of Hero Agriculture. Within a few short hours there were dozens sharing the message, and spreading the news that there’s hope for every veteran despite all those acronyms; PTSD, TBI and others. This movement will and must go on and with your help and support – we can plant much more than a row of beans and squash. We can plant promise for another day.

To everyone who stops by our page, Website, or calls out for help in some way for yourself or someone you love – THANK YOU. Let us be UNSTOPPABLE in 2024. That happens with you!

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202311/index.php

www.heroag.com

When you think you’ve lost it all – where do you turn? Do you ever feel hopeless – and question who cares and who can help? As a veteran, have you had feelings of being robbed after giving so much for your country. You are not alone. Hundreds of veterans have very similar thoughts. The farmer – Mike Reynolds - had those feelings. It’s how he found hope in the rich soil. It is why he founded HERO Agriculture (Honor, Education, Resilience and Obligation). Where do you turn? To a farm in Calhoun, Georgia, where seeds are planted to give you hope, a garden of purpose and another day of opportunity. Georgia Magazine captured how one man did lose so much and regained much more by helping veterans to help veterans.
Click the link below to access the article.
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202311/index.php #/p/Intro

www.heroag.com

”No one who fights for this country should have to fight for a job, a roof over their head, or the healthcare they need when they come home.”

In Cherokee County, Georgia, a monument stands as a tribute to our veterans – many who do come home from war to find the fight is even tougher. At Hero Agriculture, we understand that fight. During this Christmas-time and as the year comes to a close, we continue our fight to help those who come to us with the desire to find new purpose. The fight will never be over as long as one veteran is in need. The work we do here on the farm brings hope to the hopeless, drives fellowship to the lonely and stands as a witness that despite a traumatic brain injury, PTSD and other personal challenges – we can prevail.

A new season emerges even in the hard soil of Winter. It is a season of hope. From Hero Agriculture – may your holidays be filled with warmth and gratitude. God bless you!
www.heroag.com

Emory University has launched a new program – Master in Business for Veterans! VETLANTA hosted their fourth quarter summit last week to celebrate this new opportunity. The keynote speakers brought an incredible message to the more than 250 in attendance; Veterans have everything they need to transition from their military life to their new civilian life with leadership skills, discipline and dedication.
Michael Reynolds spent time with the speakers to share how Hero Agriculture helps in that transition process for those who need a little extra support, encouragement and hope.

A West Point graduate who took his leadership skills to the business world of cars to become the President and CEO of Mercedes Benz, Stephen Cannon did not stop there. Currently, Mr. Cannon serves as the Vice Chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment to include Mercedes-Benz stadium, Atlanta Falcons, United Soccer and PGA TOUR Superstore.

Colonel (Ret) Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor recipient spoke to the audience about his own lack of knowledge in the business world. Colonel Jacobs had everything else he needed from the battlefields of Vietnam. Today, Colonel Jacobs travels the world encouraging veterans to use their tried-and-true skills to transition into whatever business endeavor they choose.

Lt. General (Ret) Ken Keen is the inspiration for the Master in Business for Veterans at Emory and spoke about the tools all veterans need to learn, work and live. As with the previous two speakers, LTG Keen agrees that every veteran has a toolbox full of skills earned while serving. The Master’s program will add another tool to that box. LTG Keen will visit Hero Agriculture in the New Year. We welcome his insight and support for the veterans finding their new true north on a farm in NW Georgia!

https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/front-office-roster/steve-cannon

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/jack-h-jacobs

https://goizueta.emory.edu/masters-business-veterans

www.heroag.com

It is beginning to look, feel and even smell a lot like Christmas – for some. For others, it can be a time of loneliness, blanketed by struggles. Our veterans can become susceptible to a variety of stresses; financial, mental health, social isolation, to name just a few.

As you prepare for this special season; Santa, presents, a warm fireplace with family and friends gathered ‘round – please remember our brothers and sisters whose holidays may not be jolly and bright. How can you help? If you know someone struggling, add them to your Christmas card list, your prayers, or drop off a warm meal. Often, their name may be on a list at a local American Legion or VFW Post asking for a little help for their children.

In this season of giving, remember our veterans. If you or someone you know just needs a friend, reach out to HERO Agriculture! We are here through all the seasons of life.



www.heroag.com

There are times that our work takes us away from the farm to help other veterans or simply to connect with leaders to tell our story. In the last two weeks, there has been little sleep for Mike Reynolds. During the week of Veterans Day – Mike spoke at Mannington Mills in Calhoun, GA.
The following day, a group of veterans who generally meet at the library in Calhoun were invited to the farm. On Veterans Day, Mike was honored by the city of Dalton as the Grand Marshal in the Veterans Day Parade. Closing out Veterans Day, Mike and his wife Kim attended the Georgia Veterans Day Ball at the Galleria in Atlanta.
Following Veterans Day, Mike drove to Washington DC; while Rick Cobb and Matt Mirtes spoke to a crowd of veterans and non-veterans about the mission of Hero Agriculture at the Dalton Elks Lodge. While in DC, Mike met with several veterans in the academia space attending the Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference.
He presented the keynote address to all those attending and met with several political leaders to discuss veteran issues. Several university leaders met with Mike to discuss the possibility of developing an app that could help keep veterans safe and reduce su***de by identifying several indicators as early warning signs.
After driving back from DC, Mike met with executive leadership at Mohawk and the CEO of Tunnel to Towers. Before the end of the week, Mike was meeting with Lt. General Burke Garrett – from Emory University’s PTSD Program. Together, Mike and Lt. General Garrett walked the farm and discussed how to build a relationship to help our veterans.
To highlight a very busy couple of weeks, Mike met with a 91-year-old veteran spouse to help resolve immigration issues and get her Georgia driver’s license renewed.
The farm is always calling and now it’s time to begin renovating some of the land to create additional pasture space. And, we’re just getting started. Every connection we make, every hand we shake, helps us to help another veteran. It is our mission at Hero Agriculture – one veteran at a time!

“Miles to go before I sleep.” Robert Frost
www.heroag.com

DUKE’S OFFERING ‘THANKS FOR GIVING’ MEAL ON THURSDAY: Derrick Williams at Duke’s, located at 1201 Dews Pond Road in Calhoun, is offering a free, CARRY-OUT ONLY meal to anyone in need on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 23) from 12-3 p.m. or until the food is gone!!! ***This offer also goes out to all first responders on duty Thursday!

Mike was honored to speak for the Farmer Veteran Coaltion in D.C. this week. He made connections with members working in academics, government, as well as other farmers who are all working to prevent veteran su***de.

What does it mean to honor a Veteran? Stated simply; to demonstrate high respect or great esteem!

Saturday, Nov. 11 – at 11:11am, will you pause, if for only a few moments, and remember a veteran(s) in your life or community.

Take the time for a phone call, card or perhaps a home cooked meal to say “thank you” for thinking of me when you raised your hand and took a vow to serve this nation. While Veterans Day is on the calendar once in 365 days – the men and women who sacrificed while wearing the cloth of this nation, did so every single day they were in the military. As a reminder, Veterans Day is a time to honor those living among us. They are our neighbors, the man in line at the grocery store with his beloved Vietnam hat, or prosthetic leg. He/she is the farmer in the field working to find a way back from a horrible deployment that left him different than when he raised his right hand.

There will be parades and events throughout the country on Saturday. Take your children, parents, grandparents and friends – and stand with others to honor those who vowed to stand for you – in war and peace time. To honor is to love.

“For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do.”

www. Georgiaveteransday.org/parade

Sharing for our local library.

Courage and bravery are words associated with those willing to put their lives on the line for our country. But, courage and bravery are also needed off the field of battle. The transition out of military uniform can be met by a list of challenges whether from injuries, traumatic experiences or just adjusting to civilian life again. Every soldier has a story about their experiences, sacrifices, and more. And, at times, that story is overwhelming and difficult for friends, family and the cashier at Walmart to understand. Today, many veterans are facing mental challenges that can often lead to them asking whether their life is worth living. IT IS.

If you know someone who is questioning their worth – please let them know that their story is not over. Reach out to someone. Connect with Hero Agriculture and we can provide resources to help you or someone you know to continue writing their story.
www.heroag.com

Life on a farm has its benefits; but those benefits don’t come without hard work. The veterans that visit and work with Mike Reynolds at Hero Agriculture come to understand that while there’s fresh air, exercise, and problem solving built into a day’s work; they also come to appreciate the land and animals and the sheer satisfaction of what the hard work produces. With the changing of seasons, it’s time to reseed the pastures. Every action on a farm results in a benefit to the land, the animals and, of course, those whose tables are made full by what the farm produces. If you’re a veteran looking for a new purpose in your life, reach out to Hero Agriculture.
www.heroag.com

“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.” – George Washington

With Veterans Day right around the corner (Nov. 11), how will you honor those who raised their right hand?
Today, many of our veterans are struggling – from the Vietnam era to Afghanistan and Iraq. Some face post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, illnesses caused by toxic exposure and other injuries that can show up years after service time. As we look toward Nov. 11, think of ways that you can honor a veteran. Perhaps there’s a veteran in your community who needs a ride to a Veteran Service Organization to submit benefit papers. Or, do you know a veteran who is suffering with an emotional or mental crisis? You can honor that veteran by simply listening and perhaps referring him/her for help.
At Hero Agriculture, we strive to help our veterans in many ways – on our farm where veterans work together planting a garden, building fences or simply connecting them to resources matching their needs. Also, all donations to Hero Agriculture help us to continue serving and honoring our brothers and sisters who need us. Feel free to share your ‘honor’ stories.

"Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as best he can, the same cause." —Abraham Lincoln

www.heroag.com

Do you think the goats recognize the teacher in me? Looks like there will be a few more kids on Reynolds Farm before too long. ~Anissa
www.heroag.com

While getting a haircut at the local salon, a mom expresses concern about her son - an Army veteran who is experiencing lots of anxiety. The haircut comes with advice and a referral for the mom. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. The next day, the veteran connects with Hero Agriculture. A spouse shares her own anxiety about a husband’s challenges in finding new purpose for his life after ten years of service in uniform. A friend tells the spouse that there are veterans helping veterans at Hero Agriculture. Word spreads that there is help, hope and opportunity for healing on a farm in northwest Georgia. One person can make a difference for another and another and another.
www.heroag.com

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Mother Teresa

Last week several veterans with Hero Agriculture came together to help one of our Vietnam veterans.

A support pole in his barn broke, and we worked to stabilize the barn so we could safely remove everything from it. We shored up the structure until more permanent repairs can be made in the future.
At the end of the day we were able to enjoy dinner together and talk about life during and after our time in the military.
www.heroag.com