Hello friends and family,

 As many of you know, I have been attending Carry the Load for 12 Years now. I participate in the Dallas Memorial Day relay every year, and as of 2016 the nonprofit I founded (Farmers Assisting Returning Military F.A.R.M.) became one of the many partners with Carry the Load. Together we have worked to bring back the meaning of Memorial Day and to honor those who gave their lives for the freedoms we have the pleasure of experiencing every day. F.A.R.M. also works to raise awareness for veteran-based issues. As well as fundraising, to be able to continue F.A.R.M.’s mission of integrating returning veterans into society and finding new purpose in the field of agriculture. Providing them a new mission of taking on the current issues of food insecurity. We facilitate this by providing educational workshops and internships in a work intensive, yet therapeutic farm setting. All the while helping veterans reestablish those close bonds they had during their time on active duty in the military, which provides them with a new peer support network.

 For those of you who do not know me you can check out my bio on our website here, https://www.farmingveterans.org/founders.html

 This year, I will be carrying SFC Bryan Heath Hays. Of which I had the absolute pleasure of serving alongside on our 06-08 tour in Iraq. He was among the best of the many combat medics I have served with. He is missed every day. F.A.R.M. annually carries all the men lost to 1-9 Cav 2004-2005 and 2006-2008 and the great many that fell thereafter.

 Farmers Assisting Returning Military (F.A.R.M.) serves our nations Veterans by helping them find peace, purpose, and opportunity through therapeutic agricultural training. F.A.R.M. began as a program that introduces veterans to the many therapeutic benefits and structure of farming, better known as agricultural therapeutic rehabilitation or "dirt therapy". By renewing a veteran’s mission and purpose, the program addresses the disturbing trends of veteran homelessness, and the high suicide rate. Our founders proved first-hand, the effectiveness of peer-to-peer dirt therapy with their own personal health and healing experiences. F.A.R.M. has been recognized by companies, universities, foundations, and individuals for its non-clinical approach toward assisting veterans. The organization’s success is based on veteran reintegration into civilian society through farming, job training, and a holistic approach in combating the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury, PTSD, stress, anxiety, and depression.

 Together we can honor and celebrate the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes — military, veterans, first responders and their families. Remember, honor, and celebrate our nation's heroes by participating in the event and raising funds to support organizations which help heroes and their families.

 Please help me and the team reach our goal this year by donating through the provided link to help F.A.R.M. continue its mission to educate and grow the new farmers of the future. The very veterans who have already served and continue to serve every day with un waivered commitment and leadership. I would personally like to thank you in advance for your support and commitment to our nation’s veterans.