Aug. 2026 - From Serving My Country to Serving This Land

Serving my country taught me a lot about life.

It taught me discipline, perseverance, responsibility, and the importance of being part of something bigger than myself.

But one of the greatest lessons I carried out of military service was this: A life of purpose is a life spent serving others.

I still believe that with everything I've got.

These days, my uniform looks a little different. Most mornings, you'll find me in work boots, covered in dirt, trying to figure out what needs planting, fixing, watering, or tending to next.

And I'll tell you what, farming will humble a man in a hurry.

But this farm has always been about something much bigger than growing food.

I have a vision for what this place can become.

One of the things closest to my heart is creating opportunities for fellow veterans, especially those struggling with PTSD and the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life.

As a veteran myself, I understand how important it is to have purpose, community, and a place where you feel like you belong.

I believe there is something powerful about working with your hands, being outdoors, caring for living things, and seeing the results of your hard work.

My hope is to one day welcome veterans onto this farm to work alongside us, learn new skills, build friendships, and find a little peace in the process.

Not because farming is a cure for the wounds people carry, but because I believe meaningful work, connection, and time spent in God's creation can be part of a person's healing journey.

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

I also want this farm to be a place where children can come and learn.

I want kids to get their hands dirty. To plant a seed, watch it grow, learn where their food comes from, and understand why healthy soil and responsible farming matter.

There's something special about seeing a child's eyes light up when they discover something new about the natural world.

And I believe those experiences can plant seeds that grow into a lifelong respect for the land.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

Beyond veterans and children, I hope this farm becomes a welcoming place for anyone who needs a little encouragement, connection, or a chance to slow down.

A place to learn. A place to serve. A place to grow.

A place where people from different walks of life can come together around something good.

I don't have every detail figured out yet. There's a whole lot of work between where we are today and where I hope to take this farm.

But I've learned that you don't have to see the entire road to take the first step.

You just have to be willing to answer the calling.

I was proud to serve my country, and I'll always carry that with me.

Now I hope to continue that service in a different way, by caring for this land, growing wholesome food, and creating a place where others can find purpose, encouragement, and community.

Because to me, this isn't just about growing a farm. It's about growing opportunities to serve.

God bless,

Jonathan