To the members, chapter leaders, partners, and fellow veteran-serving organizations across our national network.
Military service and the weapons of conflict are changing. The injuries and experiences connected to modern warfare are changing as well. I believe the veteran-serving community should begin considering what this means for the next generation of veterans, many of whom are already entering our offices and programs.
At a recent partner convening, one spoken message could not leave my heart: “The veterans have not changed, but the battlefield has.” Simple and true – it made me realize that Veteran Service Organizations cannot prepare for the future simply by improving the programs of the past. We must look ahead, understand how military service is evolving, and ask whether our organizations are ready to serve veterans whose experiences may differ from those of previous generations.
Modern conflict is increasingly shaped by drones, surveillance systems, cyber operations, artificial intelligence, long-range weapons, and rapidly changing threats. The traditional idea of a clearly defined front line is becoming less relevant. Service members in logistics, intelligence, medicine, communications, transportation, air defense, and many other roles may experience intense operational stress outside what was once considered a conventional combat position.
These changes may affect how some veterans transition, learn, work, and pursue their next mission. Like today, some may return with visible or invisible effects of service, but new weapons and technologies can also bring different patterns of injury, including brain injuries, hearing changes, chronic pain, disrupted sleep, or difficulty concentrating. No two veterans will experience military service or transition in the same way.
Like every generation before them, these veterans will bring leadership, discipline, resilience, adaptability, teamwork, and a strong commitment to service. What may be different is the technical experience they bring. Many will have worked with autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, cyber operations, advanced communications, and unmanned aircraft. They will have solved complex problems under pressure and developed skills that can help shape an incredible future for American agriculture.
Since its founding, the Farmer Veteran Coalition has helped veterans apply their military experience to agriculture while supporting the essential role food production plays in national security. Our responsibility has always been to recognize veterans’ strengths, remove barriers, and create pathways to success.
Agriculture offers purpose, structure, independence, connection to the land, and an opportunity to continue serving. For many veterans, farming and ranching are more than careers. They provide a new mission and another meaningful way to contribute after military service. However, agriculture can also be physically demanding, noisy, isolating, and financially stressful. That is why veteran agriculture programs must remain flexible, accessible, and responsive.
VSO’s need to ask better questions about what helps members participate and succeed. Do they learn best through hands-on demonstrations, written materials, shorter sessions, virtual training, or individual coaching? Is scheduling, transportation, technology, physical access, or the learning environment affecting participation? Would they like help connecting with trusted services, benefits, or community resources? These questions are about improving how we serve.
Our programs may need to provide more than one pathway for participation. Shorter sessions, repeatable modules, visual guides, online options, flexible scheduling, quiet learning spaces, and stronger mentorship could help more veterans benefit. Future efforts could combine adaptive agriculture, peer support, mentorship, technology, family education, and direct connections to trusted resources.
Many of our members lead their own nonprofits, mentor veterans, serve on boards, develop programs, and shape policy. Veterans have a natural desire to support one another, and I hope this encourages all of us to consider whether our programs are ready for the years ahead.
The next generation of veterans will bring new experiences, skills, and perspectives, along with the leadership, resilience, and commitment that have always strengthened our communities. Yes, precision agriculture, robotics, remote monitoring, automation, and artificial intelligence will create new opportunities. These technologies can reduce physical demands while allowing veterans with advanced technical experience to lead agricultural innovation.
No organization can do this alone. FVC will continue to strengthen partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Vet Centers, AgrAbility, rehabilitation programs, and peer-led networks. We will make sure that every chapter knows how to connect veterans with trusted resources on the veteran and agriculture side.
Our responsibility is to make sure our programs are ready for them. By preparing today, we can help ensure that the next generation of veterans has the opportunity not only to enter agriculture, but to lead it.
I am always willing to receive feedback from stakeholders on all matters affecting our FVC family. Please do not hesitate to contact me at Jeanette@farmvetco.org. Only together can we make the impact needed to be successful in our mission.
Thank you for all that you do!
Jeanette Lombardo
Chief Executive Officer
Farmer Veteran Coalition
