FORT SILL, Okla. July 31, 2015 -- Passion.
Although a great characteristic to have in most professions, it is arguably a requirement when it comes to being a Soldier.
While the passion to serve our great nation is evident in Soldiers' lives, they often have other passions that have to be put on hold until the completion of their service.
This is not necessarily true for everyone as I believe I'm a perfect example of merging two passions in a complementary way.
I work in the Fires Center of Excellence plans section and have faithfully served the Army while starting my own farm near the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
Farming has been in my blood from my earliest memories. I was raised on a 2,000-acre farm in Iowa that was co-owned by my father and uncle. Like many young adults, I left home to attend college, but then extended that time away by earning a commission in the Army via an ROTC scholarship.
Now, with my military career ending, my motivation to return to farming was two-fold. First, I wanted my daughter, Emma Carol, to learn the same values, work ethic and dedication that I received on my parent's farm. Second, I wanted to honor my father and his brother, both dedicated farmers who died in separate farming accidents.
I established the Heinzeroth Cattle Company in 2004 with six head of cattle after returning from my second Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment. That small herd has since expanded to 50 cattle which I raise on 550 acres of owned and leased land.
When I retire, this ranch will be my next full-time career. It's my intent to breed my livestock, creating quality calves to sell. This will take cash to realize, but that's OK as I'd rather invest in my ranch than in the stock market.
Throughout my Army career, I had guidance to help me succeed, and now as I step into a new pair of boots the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) has already helped me settle in.
The FVC assists veterans who want to pursue a life of agriculture once their military service is over. I recently received a grant from the coalition to purchase a Priefert Cattle Chute. The chute will help me to safely build my operation much faster than what I first anticipated. Naturally, safety appealed to me especially as it is a hallmark of Army training and operations.
I first discovered the FVC through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through their fellowship program, the FVC has provided more than $600,000 to 120 people in over 35 states.
In a sense the FVC and the USDA became partners in my ranching business, but solely in an advisory capacity. When I first started the ranch, I researched opportunities and assistance programs before visiting the local USDA office. Through their help, I received assistance in making capital improvements to my land and secured a loan.
This was especially helpful in the current economic climate as banks normally don't want to absorb the risk that comes with granting loans to first-time farmers.
This was a significant financial windfall for me, but the USDA went a step further when it provided disaster assistance during the recent drought. Without the USDA, I would have been unable to buy the hay needed to feed my cattle.
As I begin my ranching days, I can look back and be thankful for an Army career that taught me the patience needed to handle red tape. For me, it really has been similar to the red tape a person has to go through for any USDA program.
I've come to realize having a plan was essential to getting my ranch started on solid financial footing.
Whatever path you choose to pursue after your career is over, begin by researching that next career path early. If possible, interview professionals already in that field and gain their wisdom and expertise that helped them achieve success. Also, join professional organizations in that field of interest. This will help you network and stay current on what is going on.
Over the years I've come to realize I was fortunate to grow up on a farm as that feeling of working close with the land became something I now love.
If you don't know where life will take you next, take a look inside and remember: If you find something you love to do, you will never have to work another day the rest of your life.
I know as I love this ranch and the opportunities which arise each day I wake up.
For you Soldiers approaching your transition from military to civilian life, the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) staff at Fort Sill is ready, willing and able to help in developing transition plans. They provide a variety of transition services and have numerous resources available. You can begin receiving their services 24 months before retiring. For those of you leaving the service before you're retirement eligible, you may begin using SFL-TAP services 18 months prior to separation. Retirees are eligible for services through the program for life and other veterans can receive assistance for up to six months after their separation date.
For more information about the program, stop by the Welcome Center Bldg. 4700, Room 314 or call them at 580-442-2222.
Social Sharing