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
Farmer Jeffry Mitchell with the Mississippi Farm Bureau joins us for a spring planting update from the southeast region as drought, input costs, and fertilizer access complicate crop progress.
April 06, 2026 02:04 PM
·
North Carolina Farmer Trey Braswell joined us to discuss the White House Easter Egg Roll, his company’s continued involvement, and efforts to expand access to eggs nationwide.
April 02, 2026 03:58 PM
·
New Nebraska wildfires near containment, but damages still mount for ranchers across the region.
April 02, 2026 11:32 AM
·
Widespread drought and extreme weather leave producers managing limited resources
April 02, 2026 11:19 AM
·
Cooperatives may need changes to attract younger producers.
April 01, 2026 02:44 PM
·
Jose de Jesus explains the National Pork Board’s new campaign, “Taste What Pork Can Do,” which aims to build long-term engagement with Millennial and Gen-Z consumers.
April 01, 2026 01:16 PM
·
