Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1996 until 2004. USS Saipan LHA2 radio men third class surface warfare pin two Mediterranean deployments, one to Kosovo and one to the Congo.

"The Farmer Veteran Coalition has given me the training and the connections to start an organic farm after graduating from Center For Land Based Learning and receiving my California certification for farm manager! I’ve also got the chance to speak on a board with the founder of FVC during a seminar called Armed to Farm."

Richard is a 90% disabled veteran and has tried numerous things to help with his disabilities but farming and beekeeping has been the best therapy so far. He also works with other veterans tending to the land and working organically to provide vegetables and fruits to other people.

"To me, being the next generation of the American farmer is very prideful. I feel it's a unique occupation that very few people are able to do. Obviously you’re not in it to get rich, but you enjoy working hard and tending the land whether it’s hearing the sounds of nature or the gratitude people have when they buy your produce, especially if it’s the older generation where it’s needed for their house. It feels like you’re actually doing something awesome for another human being. I think American farmers are the best farmers in the world. I think California has some of the best land to farm and the U.S. government continues to help out veteran farmers."