Local business, organization donate to Vets on the Farm program

For centuries, United States veterans have fought for freedoms on American soil and overseas. But for many, after their military service has concluded, they find themselves without jobs or specific skills to enter directly into the workforce.

The desire to assist veterans transition into new careers is the motivation behind the Vets on the Farm program.

The vision for the program is to help veterans transition back into civilian life and into a career where their hardworking attributes are not only beneficial, but necessary.

The Spokane Conservation District began the mission to create the Vets on the Farm program to provide veterans with chances for education, partnership and employment in agricultural industries.

Farmers and veterans share many traits, and having a strong work ethic is the most crucial. The program allows veterans to use the skills they already posses while receiving an education in conservation. The end result is intended for veterans to have employment in farming or the agricultural community.

The program quickly gained support from area businesses and individuals who signed up to be sponsors and partners with the project. {{mor}}

In Valleyford, Washington, a farming operation called Emtman Brothers Farm donated two acres for farming ground to be used through the project, as well as a 1954 International Farmall tractor.

The tractor needed the mechanical components replaced, and after the mechanical portion had been completed, the tractor needed to be improved and brought back to its former glory.

Flash’s Auto Body Shop, owned by Ryan and Brian Borth, quickly agreed to complete the task at no cost to the agency. After extensive work on the tractor, the shop was able to take the rusted equipment and transform it into a sleek and impressive tractor.

The tractor underwent a complete transformation during the restoration project. Flash’s restored the key components of the tractor including the seat and council, as well as completed a customized paint job.

While the crew restored the tractor to it’s former color, Flash’s also put a finishing touch on the project to make it stand out and recognize the country’s servicemen.

On the sides of the tractor, they completed a multiple colored camouflage design to represent the troops.

The tractor serves as the centerpiece of discussion at public events and parades, which the Spokane Conservation District attends with the tractor in tow and information regarding the Vets on the Farm program. The tractor will be featured on Saturday, Sept. 5, in the Ritzville Community Parade on Main Street.

The transportation of the tractor to the parades and events is partially made possible because of a $500 donation from the Ritzville Classic Car Club.

Vicki Carter, Director of the Spokane Conservation District, said the donation was extremely beneficial and allowed the group to attend multiple promotional events throughout the summer.

The Vets on the Farm program is geared at providing education, partnership, employment and outreach for veterans returning to civilian life.

The educational component of the program is provided by programs and curriculum through Washington State University and Spokane Community College.

The program is also geared at helping farmers, as family farms continue to struggle and fewer of the younger generation are returning home to continue the operation.

The goal is to fill the void for both farmers and veterans, and create a thriving agricultural community based on hard work and dedication to service.

For more information about the Vets on the Farm program, visit http://facebook.com/Vets

OnTheFarm or http://SCCD.org.