Karen proudly served in the United States Navy, where she developed a strong foundation in discipline, leadership, and resilience. Her time in service taught her the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and staying mission-focused under pressure. She had the opportunity to work alongside dedicated service members, gaining both professional skills and lifelong values that continue to guide her today.
"The Farmer Veteran Coalition has had a meaningful impact on both my life and my agriculture journey. As a veteran transitioning into farming, it gave me something incredibly important: direction, purpose, and a sense of community again. Through their programs and resources, I’ve gained access to valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and support that has helped me grow not just as a farmer, but as a business owner."
"Their mentorship and veteran-to-veteran connections make a huge difference, because you’re learning from people who truly understand both the military mindset and the challenges of agriculture. For my farm, New Beginnings Farm, the impact has been both practical and personal. Programs like their Fellowship Fund provide critical support helping veterans obtain equipment, supplies, and resources that can move a farm forward in ways that might not otherwise be possible, but beyond the tangible support, the biggest impact has been the sense of purpose. Farming has given me a new mission continuing to serve by feeding my community and the Farmer Veteran Coalition reinforces that mission every step of the way. Agriculture has become not only a livelihood, but also part of my healing journey, especially as I continue to recover and grow."
New Beginnings Farm is a small, family-owned and veteran-operated farm built on resilience, purpose, and the idea of truly starting over. What began as a fresh chapter for Karen's family has grown into a working farm where they pour their hearts into everything they produce. They specialize in homemade sourdough bread, a variety of baked goods, and fresh produce grown right on their land.
"After my military service, I was searching for a new sense of purpose and direction. Agriculture gave me that mission again. Starting New Beginnings Farm allowed me to channel the discipline and resilience I learned in the Navy into something meaningful for my family and community. Farming has also been a big part of my healing journey, especially while recovering from a TBI. Working the land, raising animals, and producing food from sourdough bread and baked goods to fresh produce and hatching chicks, quail, and ducks has given me structure, peace, and purpose. It’s more than a business it’s a new beginning and a way to continue serving in a different way. Being outside, working with my hands, and focusing on daily tasks has provided a kind of peace and structure that I didn’t realize I needed. There’s something powerful about watching things grow, whether it’s crops, animals, or even yourself."
Farming allows Karen to continue serving in a different but equally important way by providing fresh, quality food to her community and supporting others who are starting their own agricultural journeys.
Whether it’s through sourdough bread, baked goods, homegrown produce, or hatching chicks, quail, and ducks, Karen takes pride in knowing her work directly impacts and nourishes others.
"Being an American farmer is deeply personal to me. It represents hard work, resilience, and the freedom to build something meaningful for my family. After my military service, farming gave me a new mission, one rooted in caring for the land, feeding people, and creating a life of purpose. It’s a way to continue serving, just in a different uniform."
