SIOUX CENTER, IOWA (RFD-TV) — From the farm fields of the Midwest to the skies over Vietnam, one Iowa man’s story is a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice, and home.
John De Groot, a lifelong farmer near Sioux Center, once served as an F-100 fighter jet crew chief during the Vietnam War. His remarkable journey — from maintaining aircraft in combat zones to tending crops in the heartland — is now honored in a museum exhibit dedicated to his service.
Saluting American Heroes on Veterans Day
As we mark Veterans Day, we at RFD-TV want to extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served — especially the men and women of Rural America who continue to inspire us through their dedication both in uniform and on the farm. Find more tributes to American Heroes and veteran stories like John’s at the link below:
READ MORE: AMERICAN HEROES
Raulston Acres Christmas Tree Farm in Rock Springs, Ga., has been in the same family for three generations.
December 05, 2025 04:59 PM
·
Reed Marcum started hosting a toy drive in 2015. Since then, he has distributed thousands of toys across his home state of Oklahoma and in Texas and Arkansas. Now serving in the Army, Reed’s family and local 4-H chapter are running the event.
December 05, 2025 04:20 PM
·
Henning Strauss, CEO of STRAUSS, joins us to share his company’s commitment to crafting tools that farmers wear.
December 04, 2025 12:53 PM
·
Rooster is a full-time farmhand, right-hand man on Shawn Raff’s cattle and dairy operation in Eatonton, Georgia.
December 04, 2025 11:48 AM
·
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
December 04, 2025 11:02 AM
·
Buzzard discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor and the importance of sharing authentic stories about agriculture.
December 03, 2025 03:10 PM
·
Strong demand supports sweet potatoes, but grading challenges and rising costs weigh on returns for Southeastern growers.
December 02, 2025 06:17 AM
·
Cargill’s commitment to keep plants open helps preserve competition as Tyson removes capacity amid historically tight cattle supplies.
December 01, 2025 03:55 PM
·
Brooks York with AgriSompo joins us to offer an update on what agents are prioritizing as the calendar year winds down.
December 01, 2025 03:06 PM
·