Jamaal joined USDA-FSIS as a resource management specialist, where he enjoys meeting new people and helping personnel out in the field. He joined the Army in 2001 where he was deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom before he was honorably discharged. 

Tracy Fox’s father instilled in her a life-long desire to serve - whether in uniform, in government agencies like USDA or through volunteer work. She has taken that passion with her to her work at USDA’s Office of Congressional Relations where she works to promote and help support policies and programs that make it easier to have access to healthy, affordable food and safe places to be active.

Are you a transitioning veteran or military spouse interested in farming, ranching, or career opportunities at USDA? Or a veteran or military family seeking information on home loans and food nutrition resources? Don’t miss this month’s events, designed to support and celebrate you! This month’s events offer workshops designed to provide valuable resources for veterans and military families, covering topics such as transitioning into agriculture, home loans, food and nutrition, and career opportunities at USDA. Join us throughout November, as we honor National Veteran and Military Families Appreciation Month. USDA is proud to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of our veterans and the families who stand beside them. This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” pays tribute to the 18.2 million veterans who have selflessly served our nation, along with the families that support them. Mark your calendars and register for the events below as we express our gratitude and help you explore valuable resources and opportunities! Beginning Farmer & Ranching for Military Families: Farm Service Agency Loan Changes  Thursday, November 14, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST    https://lnkd.in/e2B2w-7R    Veteran & Military Family Home Loan Options, and Food & Nutrition Resources  Wednesday, November 20, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST    https://lnkd.in/eYXdeYNW    USDA Serves Those Who Have Served: USDA Opportunities for Veterans and Military Families  Thursday, November 21, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST    https://lnkd.in/eat5dGbz

“I had a plan, or maybe it was more of a dream,” said Brad Fourby, Navy veteran and owner of Leafy Green Farms in Kansas. “The moment I saw a shipping container farm is how the idea for my farm started.” USDA provided guidance and resources that helped him improve his knowledge base in the early stages. “The USDA puts out an extraordinary amount of educational material” he said. “Watching webinars, reviewing web pages, and connecting with USDA staff helped jumpstart my experience.” Learn how USDA helped Brad jump-start his farm: https://lnkd.in/eQa7Cryh

As part of a panel that included representatives from multiple USDA agencies, USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (MVAL) Monshi “Ram” Ramdass (2nd from left) spoke to an audience of veteran farmers, other veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members at the recent Farmer Veterans Coalition Stakeholders Conference in Kansas. They shared information about the opportunities that USDA offers to veterans who want to pursue careers in agriculture, including information on loans for beginning farmers and ranchers, conservation programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, value-added producers’ program, urban agriculture, crop insurance, and employment opportunities. 

Roger Loesch played a vital role as one of the Emergency Management Specialists, assisting communities impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.  He is also the vice president of the USDA Veterans Employee Organization, a non-profit organization that aims to support the Secretary of Agriculture on various issues related to recruiting, retaining, developing and advancing veteran employees.

From military service to public service, Master Sergeant Martinez continues to serve her nation at USDA & in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Her military experience & roots in agriculture have uniquely prepared her for the International Affairs Advisor role in USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist. Read more about her story here: bit.ly/3UH7WZf #USDAScience

Matthews Smith  currently manages the daily operations of a subcabinet staff office to include budget, compliance, personnel, procurement, and training. He served in the U.S. Army with the 4th Battalion 31st Infantry Regiment and was stationed in Fort Drum, NY.

Exciting IT Cybersecurity career opportunities are waiting at USDA! Join us for our Recruitment and Hiring Event on November 19th and 20th, from 10 AM to 6 PM CST, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. We’re looking for talented individuals to fill full-time on-site, telework-eligible roles in technical audits, security controls and risk management.  If you’re a U.S. Citizen or National with at least one year of specialized experience, we want to meet with you! This event is open to the public as well as CTAP, RPL, and ICTAP employees. These positions are GS 12-13 level pay scale, with a salary range of $86,962-$134,435 per year.      Important Information: 🔹 Please bring two copies of your resume and one form of photo ID.  🔹 This is an in-person event, and qualified candidates should plan on interviewing on-site.  🔹 First consideration will be given to applicants that apply to the announcement AND attend the USDA Recruitment and Hiring Event.   🔹 Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to attending the USDA Recruitment and Hiring Event. How to Apply:  Click on the links below to apply. Submit applications between Nov. 18-22, 2024  🔹 IT Cybersecurity Specialist (RSK) GS-2210-12: https://lnkd.in/gesNVNtJ  🔹 IT Cybersecurity Specialist (RSK) GS-2210-13: https://lnkd.in/gj23EpEP  🔹 IT Cybersecurity Specialist (ANA) GS-2210-12: https://lnkd.in/gRTN_8cu Take the next step toward a fulfilling career at USDA, where you can make a difference every day!    We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We're kickstarting our new campaign with a SNAP Retailer Training Guide series! Whether you're a current or aspiring SNAP retailer, this guide has everything you need. Find the Retailer Training Guide here: https://lnkd.in/eWQAKQv6