Today's Returning Veterans are Poised to Become the "Next Greatest Generation"

 The RSF Garden Club recently held its annual "Ramblin' thru the Ranch" garden tour and bazaar. (I was a docent at one of the gardens.) This year the club brought Archi's Acres to the bazaar. Karen and Colin Archipley (he is a returning vet) started this organic farm which now sells produce to local organic grocery chains Jimbo's and Whole Foods Markets. This hand-on farming really has been so successful and seemed to help returning vets regain a foothold on life back home, so the next step was for Archi's Acres to partner with Univ.of Cal.SanMarcos to offer "Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training" (VSAT) to active-duty military and returning veterans. VSAT is a 6-week full-impact training course designed for transitioning military to the private sector. The military taught these folks strong discipline and management skills so this is almost a natural for the vets. Before each student graduates they must present a viable business plan. The VSAT brochure reads: Our country needs one million new crop producers. "Sustainable organic agriculture will help America regain its economic footing. Who better than our military to play a major role!" We believe that our focus on veterans, agriculture and life skills is one that will ultimately prove to be of benefit to America. "VSAT opened my eyes to food production as a way to continue serving my country and securing our nation's future." Thus, "[T]oday's returning veterans are poised to become the "next greatest generation." The Garden Club that week awarded 2 ($4500) scholarships to 2 soldiers, and will award 3 more with the next graduating class. Makes me very proud. To read more go to www.archisacres.com.