Silent Auction Tree Blog Feature: Veterans In Agriculture (VIA)

Veterans In Agriculture (VIA) are farmers, veterans, agri-business professional, educators, and other service providers dedicated to empowering veterans to thrive in Iowa agriculture. They provide three main programs/resources to help fulfill their mission statement: The Veterans in Agriculture Network, VIA Resource Guide, Rural America Hiring Heroes, and Find a Farmer Veteran.

“Most people are not aware that 46% of our military comes from rural America, while only about 15% of our overall population is from that same demographic. Many of those that are from rural areas have some type of agricultural background,” explained Beth Grabau, former board member. “VIA empowers veterans to thrive in agriculture by either connecting them to the needed resources to be successful in farm businesses, or by linking veterans to agricultural employers for successful careers. This is done through workshops, mentoring, and other classes.”

“Given the work VIA does helping returning military, this year the theme of our tree will be a reference to ‘all roads lead home,’” shares Grabau. They will also use red, silver, and blue ornaments and include “Welcome Home” ornaments featuring each branch of the military.

“All roads lead home and we welcome all those that are returning.”

Veterans In Agriculture are a returning participant to our Silent Tree Auction. Please come to Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 1^st-3^rd to make your bid and support this organization.

For more information on Veterans In Agriculture, please visit their website.