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Nov. 11, 2026
Source: USDA news release Washington, D.C. - In observance of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Appreciation Month, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas A. Collins, and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler held an event at USDA headquarters to reaffirm their commitment to the men and women who have served to keep our country safe. USDA celebrated the culmination of its "100 Hires in 100 Days" effort to recruit veterans and transitioning service members and military spouses into mission-critical careers that protect America's food supply, strengthen rural communities, and defend the nation's agricultural security. To date, USDA has hired more than 240 veterans and military spouses, more than doubling the original goal. USDA also announced in conjunction with the Department of War (DOW) and the U.S. Forest Service that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop The Gold Star Trails Program. This joint initiative will establish a formal process for naming or renaming select Forest trails in honor of the U.S. Service member who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. By creating lasting places of remembrance on public lands, the program will provide Gold Star Families, fellow service members, and the public dedicated space to reflect on their profound service and sacrifice. "Equipping the USDA with mission-minded veterans who share a profound commitment to our nation has fundamentally strengthened our ability to protect American agricultural security. Our veterans understand what it means to defend a vital frontline and we are deeply honored to invite them to continue to serve in defense of our republic," said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. "I am also proud to announce, in conjunction with the DOW and the U.S. Forest Service, we will honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Our U.S. Gold Star families deserve the ability to find solace in our beautiful public lands that their loved ones gave everything to protect." USDA has also expanded its partnership with the U.S. Department of War's (DoW) SkillBridge Program, which allows eligible active-duty service members to spend up to their final 180 days of military service gaining valuable civilian work experience while continuing to receive full military pay and benefits. Through SkillBridge, USDA is actively recruiting transitioning service members for employment in cybersecurity, data and super intelligence, contracting, and more. USDA and DOW also partner to promote military spouse employment through the DoW SpouseWorks Program. "Veterans dedicated their lives to defending this nation, and now many are helping us feed it. Agriculture offers Veterans an opportunity to build businesses and support their families and communities," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins. "I'm proud to join Sec. Brooke Rollins and USDA to honor the Veterans who found a way to keep serving our country." "On the eve of Veterans Day and every day, the Trump Administration stands united in honoring our nation's heroes. At the Trump SBA, we are focused on putting our veterans first by expanding pathways for them to continue their selfless service to America, from entrepreneurship to federal contracting," said Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "I am grateful to Secretary Rollins for her dedication to both rural America and our veterans, and for recognizing the relationship between working our land and defending it. As the daughter of a veteran who is also a farmer, I am humbled by the opportunity to build our partnership for America's veterans - whether on the farm, on the factory floor, or on Main Streets across the country." Secretary Rollins also announced Richard Lopez as USDA's new Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (MVAL). As MVAL, Lopez will advance veteran advocacy and facilitate veteran pathways to agricultural enterprises, helping veterans access loans, grants, resources to develop business plans, and navigate resources across USDA and the broader agricultural community. Mr. Lopez comes to this role from USDA Farm Service Agency where he served as Regional Beginning Farmer/Rancher Coordinator, where he helped veterans enter agricultural careers. Lopez served for eight years in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Analyst and Staff Sergeant. USDA offers multiple pathways for military-affiliated talent to continue serving the American people while helping protect the nation's food supply, critical infrastructure, forests, and agricultural innovation. Veterans interested in education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities in agriculture can learn more at www.usda.gov/veterans. Tweet |
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