From Farm Fields to Fighter Jets: Honoring Iowa Air Force Veteran John De Groot

One Iowa man’s story is a powerful reminder of service, sacrifice, and home.

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

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