Amber served in the United States Army and deployed in support of both OIF and OEF. Her time in the Army reinforced the values of discipline, resilience, adaptability, and service — qualities that continue to guide her every day on the farm.
Military service taught Amber how to solve problems under pressure, work as part of a team, and stay committed to a mission even when conditions are challenging. Those lessons have been invaluable as she has transitioned into farming, where every day brings new obstacles and opportunities to learn.
"Serving my country was an honor, and I'm grateful to continue serving my community in a different way by producing wholesome, responsibly raised food and helping others reconnect with where their food comes from."
When Amber decided to leave her career and pursue farming full-time, she knew she was trading a predictable paycheck for a dream that would require faith, grit, and hard work. Like many beginning farmers, she quickly learned that passion alone doesn't buy equipment or infrastructure.
"The Farmer Veteran Coalition came alongside me when every investment mattered. Receiving a Fellowship Fund award wasn't just about purchasing equipment — it was someone saying, 'We believe in what you're building.'"
Because of that support, Rustic Roots Heritage Homestead is growing in ways that will have a lasting impact. The equipment funded through the Fellowship Fund will help improve efficiency, expand their poultry products, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the family farm.
"The Farmer Veteran Coalition isn't simply helping veterans start farms - it is helping veterans build a new purpose. I'm proud to be one of them."
Rustic Roots Heritage Homestead is a veteran-owned regenerative farm in the mountains of North Carolina. They specialize in pasture-raised poultry, raising Freedom Ranger chickens and heritage and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys with a focus on animal welfare, soil health, and transparency. The livestock are rotationally grazed, and they use regenerative practices to improve the land while producing high-quality food.
Beyond feeding their community, they are passionate about educating others. Through social media, live farm cameras, farm tours, and community events, they invite people to see exactly how their food is raised and to reconnect with the farmers who produce it. The mission is simple: raise food with integrity, steward the land responsibly, and leave both healthier than they found them.
Military service taught Amber discipline, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving something greater than herself. After her military career, she realized she wanted to continue serving — but in a different way.
"Agriculture gave me that opportunity. Farming allows me to care for the land, raise healthy food with integrity, and nourish my community while living out the values that shaped me in the military. Every day brings new challenges, but that's part of what I love about it. Building Rustic Roots Heritage Homestead has given me a renewed sense of purpose, and I can't imagine doing anything else."
"My uniform may have changed, but my heart for service hasn't. As a farmer, I have the privilege of serving my community by producing honest, nourishing food and caring for the land so it's healthier for future generations. To me, that's a responsibility I don't take lightly. Being an American farmer means embracing hard work, resilience, and faith. It means being a steward of God's creation, feeding families, and contributing to the strength and independence of our nation. Just as I was proud to serve my country in uniform, I'm proud to serve it today by helping build a stronger, healthier, and more self-reliant community — one harvest at a time."
