Jan proudly retired after serving 32 years of military service on Active duty, the AF Reserves and the Air National Guard. Throughout her career, she held more than 6 different positions, a reflection of her passion for continuous learning, personal growth, and embracing challenges that others often find intimidating.
She is a disabled Combat Veteran who served in multiple deployments in support of several wartime campaigns. She has been stationed in Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, Ramstein, Germany, Missouri, and Nevada.
Jan retired as the Superintendent of the Inspector General's Office, where she was responsible for overseeing inspections, large-scale exercises, organizational effectiveness, and continuous process improvement. Prior to that, she served as a Force Development Superintendent, helping shape leadership development and career progression programs for Airmen. She served as the Air National Guard Course Director for the First Sergeant Academy, where she helped prepare Senior enlisted leaders to serve as trusted advisors and advocates for Airmen and their families.
"FVC has provided me with a sense of community and connection during my transition from military service to agriculture."
Rooted Urban Farms is a Veteran-owned farming business based in Sparks, Nevada, specializing in hydroponically grown leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens. Their mission is to provide hyper-fresh, locally grown produce while promoting sustainable farming practices that uses less water and space than traditional agriculture.
For Jan, her journey into agriculture started with gardening. As she approached retirement, she knew a major life transition was coming. Like many service members, much of her identity, routine, and purpose had been tied to the military for decades. After years of service, deployments, leadership responsibilities, and the physical demands of military life, she needed something to bridge the gap between who she had been and who she was becoming.
"Many military members share a strong desire for structure and control. As retirement drew closer, I could feel that sense of control shifting as everything familiar was about to change. Gardening became an outlet that allowed me to focus on something productive and positive during that uncertainty. It gave me purpose and accomplishment while helping quiet the noise that often comes with major life transitions."
As a military member, wife, and mother of twin boys on the autism spectrum, life was often filled with competing demands and constant change. Gardening became a place where Jan could find clarity during difficult seasons. What started as a hobby became a source of purpose during her transition from military service.
"I was drawn to hydroponic farming by happen-stance, my parents bought me a small kitchen herb grower, and I was intrigued by how far I could push the possibilities on a much larger scale. Hydroponic farming combines innovation and problem-solving skills I relied on throughout my military career. What began as a desire to grow healthy food for my family evolved into Rooted Urban Farms. While my family prepares to be relocated from Nevada back to Colorado, my long-term vision remains unchanged: to grow Rooted Urban Farms into a place that serves the community, supports Veterans, and creates educational opportunities through agriculture."
