Veterans Finding Solace on the Farm

In Texas, veterans are finding that farming is a good way to happiness. Frank McCaffrey reports on how veterans are finding solace on Texas farms.

Enrique Gonzales served in the late 1960s and early 70s, seeing action in Vietnam. According to him, “I think that military training helps a lot in whatever field anybody goes into. If he is a veteran, I guarantee you, in my opinion, that helps a lot.”

Ricardo Pena says that U.S. military training in the field, in such places as Vietnam, helps with farming. He adds that it is beneficial for veterans who want to get over their combat experiences. He states, “They want to stay away from the people. So they decided, ‘you know what, we’re going to go, we’re going to work the land’... keep their mind off the PTSD.”

Pena says that any veteran who wants help with setting up a farm should call their county Veterans Office for guidance.

Related Stories
Texas Farm Bureau intern Jazmine Gutierrez-Davila uses her background and bilingual skills to connect kids to agriculture while attending Rodeo Austin’s Livestock Show.
Dry conditions remain a concern as Texas farmers prepare for another planting season.
Longview FFA gives students practical experience from meat processing to floral design in their unique curriculum.
Son of a South Dakota Rancher, Kolt Mendenhall is turning his lifelong passion for riding into a collegiate career, committing to Southeastern Oklahoma State University next fall, bringing years of ranch experience to the collegiate arena.
South Texas farmers face worsening drought as Mexico falls short on water payments, leaving producers struggling for irrigation under the 1944 treaty.
Rodeo Austin exhibitor reflects on years of showing and the routines that get her ready for the ring.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
RFD+ EXCLUSIVE | This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement, and the development of a variety of American industries and agricultural ventures.
Griddle Nation is a celebration of griddle-loving home cooks across the nation.
In the harsh Australian Outback, water drillers Danyelle and Anthony Haigh give up their nomadic life of searching for water for cattle ranches, to offer their two sons, Heath and Theo, a more settled life. They swap water drilling for something they’ve never done before – farming.
“Texas Our Texas” – a magical place. A place of land and legend. A place like no other. People come here to touch it, to feel the passion, to soak it in and be a part of it. Hosted by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. Let’s ride!
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.