Lloyd served in the United States Army as Specialist with the 314th Chemical Company and was deployed to Basrah, Iraq. During his deployment, his unit was responsible for hazardous environmental cleanup missions, including the removal of waste from landfills and areas affected by continuous oil fires that burned throughout the year.
They were also tasked with entering and cleaning CONEX containers that housed various chemicals and materials left behind by previous units. These experiences exposed them to challenging environmental conditions and hazardous substances while carrying out their mission.
"My military service instilled in me resilience, discipline, teamwork, and a strong commitment to serving others — qualities that continue to guide me today."
"The Farmer Veteran Coalition has played a significant role in the growth and success of our agricultural business. The Fellowship Fund was the first grant we received, providing critical support that helped us establish and expand Honey Bee Goode. As a veteran, the support and encouragement from the Farmer Veteran Coalition gave us the confidence and resources needed to continue growing our operation. Today, we are committed to educating communities about the importance of honey bees, pollinator conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Through educational programs, community outreach, and beekeeping experiences, we strive to make agriculture accessible to people of all backgrounds while continuing to serve our community beyond our military service."
Honey Bee Goode is a veteran-owned beekeeping and agricultural education business based in Berwick, Maine. They manage honey bee colonies that support local pollination while producing raw local honey, beeswax products, and other hive-related goods. Their mission extends beyond beekeeping — they are committed to educating communities about pollinator conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agriculture.
Through school presentations, library programs, community events, and hands-on educational experiences, they help people of all ages understand the critical role honey bees play in our food system. As a family-owned operation, they are passionate about connecting agriculture, education, and community while inspiring future generations of beekeepers and environmental advocates.
"After military service, agriculture became a way for our family to find purpose, healing, and a new mission. As a disabled Army veteran, I transitioned from serving overseas to serving communities through beekeeping, pollinator education, and sustainable agriculture. Honey Bee Goode began as a way to reconnect with the land, support honey bee health, and create something meaningful for our family after leaving the city of Atlanta. Beekeeping allowed us to combine environmental stewardship, education, and entrepreneurship while continuing to serve others in a new way."
"Farming continues my sense of service by allowing us to educate, feed, and uplift our community. Through Honey Bee Goode , we teach children, families, schools, and community groups about honey bees, pollinators, agriculture, and the importance of protecting our food system. As a veteran, service did not end when the uniform came off — it simply changed form. Being an American farmer means being a steward of the land, a protector of pollinators, and a contributor to local food security. It means building something that supports our family while also creating opportunities for others to learn, grow, and connect with agriculture."
