Dear USDA Employees,

Veterans Day provides us with an opportunity to recognize the service of those who answered the call to protect our democracy and express our heartfelt gratitude for their service and sacrifice. As we approach Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for the selfless dedication and honorable service rendered by our veterans. Did you know that there are approximately 18.2 million veterans in the United States and more than 12,000 veterans employed by the United States of Department of Agriculture? These remarkable men and women have served our country with valor by protecting our freedoms and upholding the values we hold dear.

A veteran’s dedication to our nation extends far beyond their military service as veteran service members positively impact our mission of supporting American agriculture, rural communities and the well-being of our fellow citizens. Of the 3.4 million agricultural producers across the nation, 370,619 are veterans or are currently serving in the Armed Forces. These veterans and service members farm 129,144,965 acres and account for $41 billion in agricultural sales. In all, approximately 11.7% of veterans are farmers (2017 U.S. Census Bureau Study). At USDA, we have the privilege of working with and serving a remarkable community of veterans. For example, in 2023, USDA invested $27.6 million in grants to 41 organizations in 27 states for their efforts to provide outreach and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers through the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. In addition, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture is investing $5 million to support 11 projects focused on veterans through the Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans program.

The contributions of our veterans at USDA, and those who have received support through any USDA programs and services, are both significant and invaluable. The skills, discipline and unwavering work ethic of each of the veterans who chose to continue their service through USDA strengthen our organization every day. Veterans bring unparalleled depth to our policies, programs and initiatives, which enhances our ability to serve the American people effectively.

On this Veterans Day, let us pay tribute to all veterans for their courage and sacrifice. I invite you to take the time to participate in our Veterans Day activities, starting tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET at our Veterans Day ceremony, and culminating in next week’s Veterans Fair (three days of daily webinars to honor and share information and resources to support our USDA veterans and military families).

It is an honor to work alongside veterans and witness their extraordinary dedication firsthand. Their unwavering commitment to democracy inspires us all to reach for excellence. Thank you for your service to our nation and for embodying the very essence of what it means to be a servant leader.

In recognition of your exceptional support to veterans and as veterans, I am pleased to authorize a two-hour early release for employees on Thursday, Nov. 9.

Wishing you a memorable and meaningful Veterans Day.

Sincerely,

Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack
Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small

Additional Resources

For additional information about the USDA Veterans Employee Organization, please contact President Roger Loesch.

For more information about the USDA Military Spouse Association, please contact cofounder and President Christine Tomkus.

For USDA Veterans observances and resources, please visit the OneUSDA intranet and AgLearn.

For more information about our employee resource groups and other civil rights announcements, please visit the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.

See this and other announcements on OneUSDA.