Louisiana native Chris Wright was used to being a part of a team during his years in the Air Force. He joined a new team with Farmer Veteran Coalition in January, becoming the nonprofit’s Fund Development Manager.
“I learned about FVC through a friend and was immediately drawn to applying since I am able to assist my brothers and sisters in arms,” said Chris, who served 24 years active duty. “I have enjoyed being part of a team again; it is what I was missing after I retired.”
Chris served 24 years active duty, retiring in 2016 from Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.
While in the Air Force, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in criminal justice administration through Park University in Parkville, Missouri. He had international assignments that included Turkey, as well as deployments to Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, along with other locales.
In his new role at FVC’s national headquarters in Waco, Texas, Chris will work to increase sponsorships, partnerships and donors as ways to broaden the support to FVC’s members.
Born and raised in Central Louisiana, Chris graduated high school in 1991 and joined the Air Force two years later. Both of his grandparents served in the U.S. Army during World War II and his father served in the Air Force during Vietnam.
“I have no experience in agriculture other than always being intrigued by it,” he said, adding that he was starting to learn more about ranching and beekeeping from a close friend who is also retired USAF.
Chris has an adult son in Louisiana and an adult daughter in South Carolina who is a medical laboratory scientist.
In his downtime Chris enjoys amateur radio, earning his operator’s license in 2020 and becoming active in his local club in Louisiana. He is anxious to find a local club now that he’s living in Central Texas. He also is a member of the Louisiana Metalsmiths Association.
“I had just begun my journey to learn blacksmithing techniques and I am looking forward to continuing it since my move to Waco,” he said. “I Like to hunt and fish and have done so in many places around this nation.
“Upon retiring I began to make woodworking projects and enjoy the hobby as well … although nothing is ever square.”
