Today, we salute Army Veteran Joe Ricker. Joe served in the Army for 30 years, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in his local community and across the country. Joe started At Ease Orchard, a nonprofit that introduces veterans, first responders, and their family members to beekeeping and other farm activities. He also founded Veterans IN Farming, which provides veterans in Indiana with training and support to succeed in farming. He’s involved with Heroes to Hives through Michigan Food & Farming Systems, which uses beekeeping to help veterans achieve financial and personal wellness. Because of all this and more, Joe was awarded the first-ever Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. Congratulations on your award, Joe, and THANK YOU for your service.
