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Veteran Farmer encourages other military veterans to give farm life a try

Posted at 8:04 AM, Mar 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-07 09:04:00-05

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Charley Jordan says his life in the military prepared him for life on the farm.

"We persevere. We always give it everything. Give it our all," said Jordan.

Jordan owns the "Circle J Ranch" an hour outside of Nashville where he raises chickens and cattle, grows flowers, fruit and vegetables.

The veteran farmer first joined the army in 1989. In-between his tours Jordan developed a love of the land.

"Farming for me has given me a source of relief, a source of therapy," he said.

Now, he's retired from military life but has grown into a new role.

"I'm the founder and president of the Tennessee Farmer Veteran Coalition chapter," he said.

The coalition has more than 600 members from across the state.

Jordan spends his time encouraging other vets to give farming a try. He's also a member of "Homegrown By Heroes" - a program designed to promote products made by active duty or veteran entrepreneurs. .

"Every veteran wants purpose in their life. Everybody wants that," he said.