Heroes to Hives
Tom had said he wanted to become a beekeeper for a few years. Marie told him ok but you need to learn how. “It can’t be that easy or everyone would be doing it.” He read everything he could about honey bees, taking a few seminars too. Then in 2016 they found a program called Heroes to Hives. Heroes to Hives is an intense 9 month beekeeping education program, which uses lecture and hands-on educational experiences on managing bee hives over an entire season this included a broad depth of beekeeping knowledge through instruction and mentorship. Tom took the class in 2017 and Marie has taken the class as well since then. They both have learned an abundant amount through this program.
Home Grown By Heroes Certified
The label serves to inform consumers that agricultural products donning the logo were produced by U.S. military veterans. Additionally, farms and agricultural businesses displaying the logo denotes a Homegrown By Heroes-certified operation.
Farm Veteran Coalition
Yes as beekeepers we are farmers. We found the FVC and became member in 2015. We are proud to have received grant funding from their Fellowship and part of their Home Grown by Heroes program.
The Mission of Farmer Veteran Coalition is Mobilizing Veterans to Feed America
We cultivate a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. We believe that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. We believe that agriculture offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits.
Michigan Beekeepers Association sense 2017