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
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman joined us to discuss planting progress, crop trends, grain movement, and farmland market activity in Iowa.
April 22, 2026 03:43 PM
·
The massive Morill wildfire left Nebraska ranchers facing major losses, as relief funds and federal aid step in to support recovery efforts.
April 22, 2026 01:12 PM
·
Processing slowdowns and invasive species add pressure during peak harvest
April 22, 2026 12:57 PM
·
Campustown Showdown Founder Christian Calliham shared a sneak peek, explaining how the upcoming Iowa stock show evolved from its sister event, the Aggieville Showdown in Kansas.
April 22, 2026 12:07 PM
·
After a challenging year, Georgia pecan growers are looking ahead with cautious optimism as costs and global tensions weigh on the future of the crop.
April 22, 2026 12:03 PM
·
Shells from restaurants are collected, cleaned, and returned to the water, where they can support new growth.
April 21, 2026 04:10 PM
·
