Garrett proudly served more than ten years in the United States Army, including combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq in both infantry and field artillery units. He began his career as a Cannoneer and Senior Trainer, executing fire missions and supporting high-tempo combat operations in complex environments. These experiences strengthened my tactical expertise, resilience, and ability to lead under pressure.
As he progressed to Section Chief and Squad Leader, he trained and mentored over 100 Soldiers in tactics, operations, and professional development. He graduated 2nd out of 100 at the BasicLeaders Course and later earned Honor Graduate distinction at the Advanced Leaders Course. He mentored 15 Soldiers to promotion while maintaining high standards of readiness and accountability.
In addition to combat leadership, Garrett served as a Security Manager responsible for over 300 Service Members and maintaining Secret clearance compliance. As a Safety Officer and Unit Prevention Leader, he developed safety programs, conducted investigations, and administered substance abuse prevention and drug testing programs. He was also certified in Sexual Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP), providing advocacy and resource coordination.
Garrett's military background reflects discipline, service, and a lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans and their families.
"The Farmer Veteran Coalition has had a powerful impact on both my personal development and my agricultural journey. The stories and news featured on their website have inspired me by highlighting fellow veterans who successfully transitioned from military service into farming and ranching. Reading about their resilience, innovation, and commitment to the land has reinforced my belief that agriculture is a continued mission of service, purpose, and stewardship."
"The educational resources available through the Coalition have also motivated me to grow my agricultural goals with structure and intention. Information about business planning, funding opportunities, grant programs like the Fellowship Fund, and veteran-specific training resources has helped me better understand what it takes to build and sustain a successful agriculture business. Their website provides practical tools while also showing real examples of veterans overcoming challenges and thriving."
"Most importantly, the Farmer Veteran Coalition has given me a sense of belonging within a community of veterans who share similar values of hard work, discipline, and service. Seeing the success stories and learning from others’ experiences has educated me, inspired me, and strengthened my determination to pursue agriculture as both a profession and a continued way to serve others."
After completing military service, Garrett developed a strong interest in agriculture because of his lifelong connection to the outdoors and the purpose he found in natural environments. Hunting and outdoor activity has helped him manage symptoms associated with PTSD by giving him a constructive and calming space to process his experiences.
"Agriculture, particularly deer farming, allowed me to turn that connection into a productive mission. Working with wildlife and managing a farm gives me a continued sense of purpose while allowing me to contribute to sustainable food production and agricultural innovation. Deer farming combines my leadership experience, love for wildlife, and commitment to helping others through responsible animal husbandry."
"Farming allows me to continue my sense of service by contributing to food production, supporting veteran entrepreneurship, and promoting responsible agricultural and wildlife stewardship. My military experience instilled a lifelong commitment to serving others, and agriculture provides a mission-driven path where I can continue that service in civilian life. Through my deer farming operation, I am able to support sustainable livestock production while helping meet the growing demand for high-quality agricultural products such as antlers, venison, and genetics."
Garrett's farm also supports innovation in herd health management by focusing on genomic-informed breeding strategies that promote disease resistance and long-term sustainability. This approach reflects the same discipline, planning, and operational leadership he practiced during his military career. Farming gives him the opportunity to contribute to local agriculture, support economic development, and provide responsibly raised wildlife products.
"Being an American farmer means resilience, independence, and stewardship of the land. Personally, it represents a continuation of service by helping feed communities, protect natural resources, and support the outdoor traditions that helped me transition after military service. Agriculture allows me to honor the woods and outdoor environments that played an important role in managing my PTSD and maintaining personal balance."
