By Kaitlyn Eichelberger
Whether you’re seeking a hobby in gardening or a career in agriculture, Operation Welcome Home invites everyone to participate in its upcoming Veterans Agriculture Training Program Workshop.
Led by Lewis Jett, a horticulture specialist with the WVU Extension Service, the workshop will be from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Thursday, at the organization’s high tunnel at Mylan Park. Although veterans are the primary audience, all community members are encouraged to attend.
From counseling resources to employment assistance, Operation Welcome Home strives to support veterans in a variety of ways.
“Our goal is to provide for veterans who are in need of employment resources,” said Tiffany Summerlin, Operation Welcome Home’s executive director. “We have a strong network of connections of employers and other agencies in our region. This makes it easier for us to break down some barriers that may be present in their job search.”
A range of topics will be discussed at the workshop, including pest management, planting leafy greens, and harvesting crops. This may include lettuce, swiss chard, and tomatoes.
“[Jett] gives a great background on all of the crops, how long it takes to plant and harvest them, and what types of foods or dishes you can make with each of the plants,” said Summerlin.
Operation Welcome Home and the WVU Extension was a natural partnership, said Summerlin, due to Operation Welcome Home’s desire to support veterans and the WVU Extension’s local expertise.
The subject of agriculture was chosen for a few reasons. Not only is West Virginia an agriculture-rich state, said Summerlin, but agriculture is something many veterans feel drawn to.
“There are quite a few veteran farmers in West Virginia,” Summerlin said. “It’s definitely an option that veterans just kind of have a natural propensity to, in general. It’s a task, and everything has a purpose, and it’s very satisfying. You put the work in and you create something.”
Larry Michael, an Army veteran with 26 years of service, has participated in multiple agriculture workshops held by Operation Welcome Home. Michael owns a farm and began attending the workshops to expand his agricultural experience.
“It’s awesome,” Michael said. “Lewis is extremely knowledgeable.”
In previous workshops Michael attended, participants had the opportunity to plant crops and set up the hydration system.
Michael described the variety of community activities hosted by Operation Welcome Home, including the golf classic scheduled in October.
“Operation Welcome Home has a lot to offer,” Michael said. There’s something for everyone.
The workshop isn’t just an educational opportunity, either — it’s a chance to interact with others.
“The goal of the workshop is to bring veterans together,” said Summerlin. “We want to be a place for veterans to gather and learn from one another.”
Opening the workshop to the community strengthens the opportunity available to veterans, Summerlin said.
“Anyone that’s interested is welcome to come and work hand-in-hand with the veterans,” Michael said.
Space in the workshop is limited; reserve your spot by emailing tiffany@welcomehomewv.com or calling 304-816-4854.
Visit Operation Welcome Home’s Facebook, facebook.com/welcomehomewv, or website, welcomehomewv.com, for more information on their services and events.
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