Steven joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2001 and served as Direct Air Support Net Operator. He is a combat veteran having served in Iraq in 2004-2005 in both ground-based missions and airborne missions, mostly providing close air support and casualty evacuations for ongoing combat operations and convoy support.

"The FVC has enabled me to quickly find resources to assist in questions about my farm. As a first-generation farmer, I find the tools and collected resources extremely helpful. With my state, Massachusetts, getting its own chapter I anticipate a greater impact on its usefulness in the near future."

Gallery Meadows Farm is currently in its early days of establishing their products and at this time produces mostly farm stand goods.

"Knowing where and how our food was raised became very important to us. We looked for years for the right property. When this property became available we had to jump at the opportunity. Our intent is to provide a combined cultural and farm experience through sharing our passion for artwork and farming with the surrounding communities. We are still in the beginning phases of developing the experience but are excited at the prospect."

"We currently give back to the veteran community through our nonprofit, Warrior's Art Room, where we provide a therapeutic approach to veterans and their families in the creation of art. What we hope to do is tie our passion for art and our love for farming into an experience that can be shared with the greater community. We will be providing fresh farm-raised products and goods while also providing an onsite art gallery complete with art installations featuring local artists as well as veteran artists alongside works from our private collection. Personally, animal husbandry is extremely rewarding. Farming demands routines, schedules, and discipline, much like serving in the armed forces did. It provides a quality of life that one must experience to appreciate."