2. ELMO

3. Secretary Perdue’s Video on Veterans

4. Why Veterans? There are approximately 22 million Veterans in the U.S.
19 percent of the military come from rural America
Approximately 4 million live in rural America
Veterans want meaningful work and quality of life that can be achieved through farming, ranching, community leadership or owning a small business
USDA Needs Veterans so that, together, we can:
Preserve and strengthen rural communities
Restore and conserve the environment
Veterans have characteristics needed in agriculture, agribusiness and in rural business: Dependability; Integrity; Decision making; Leadership; Adaptability; Tenacity; Attention to detail; Discipline; Teamwork

5. DoD Skill Bridge Program
USDA Apprenticeships
Agricultural Commodity Graders
Wildland Firefighters
Food Inspectors
Ag Boot Camp
FSA – direct loans in FY18 over 82 Million and Guaranteed over 76 Million to Veterans
Collaboration/Networking with
Department of Labor (Apprenticeships)
Department of Defense (DoD Skill Bridge Program)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VBA and VHA)
National Association of State Directors of Agriculture
National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs
National Association of State Workforce Agencies
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) – American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans

6. And who likes change??
A baby with a wet diaper

7. USDA Service Centers: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
THANK YOU!
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We are not trying to sell you on farming, ranching or owning a small business. If that’s the path you choose for yourself and your family, we want to make it easier for you. Come visit us!