Our nations integrity is founded from every single soldier who has ever committed and sacrificed their service to protecting ours. We are grateful for what has and will continue to be, because of our Military. In wishing our veterans a Happy Memorial Day, we want to draw attention to ways we can help them.
In various discussions with Military Veterans, we have heard about waste products quite often. Increasing conflicts and militarization escalates leftover surplus and biproducts, think plastics, food waste, plastics, chemicals, tires, batteries, etc. It weighs heavily on the service members who devote so much time to our country, then to see how negatively impacting their duty can be on our Earth.
Researchers are currently in discussion on replacing imported polyesters and polymers used in military vehicles with hemp products. The military has interest in using hemp for belts, uniforms and seat covers. This option not only provides a more environmentally friendly aspect, but it will also help stimulate our own economy. Soldiers would much rather see the military invest in U.S. production than overseas companies. Hemp fiber is also a safer option, the fiber is less reflective than polymer threads, it doesn’t shrink, nor melt to a plastic substance when burned – making it the better personal safety option for a soldier.
And, while the original draft of the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper, the use of hemp paper in the Military has gone away. Investing in new “greener” materials within the forces is soon, with paper products, packaging and even building materials using hempcrete. Hemp was the past and is in the near future – the now starts at home with your crop.
There are currently in place many grants and organizations to help veterans become farmers; Veterans to Farmers, Coalition of Veteran Farmers, and Hemp 4 Warriors, to name a few. These groups are invested in assisting with all the unknowns of farming for first time farmers, to those who left a farm to return to one. Each state has multiple sources, and they will offer support in the legalities and financial aspects of farming hemp. Found in many of the articles on veteran farmers, is the therapeutic output they get from agriculture. Soldiers must transition from a “combat-ready” state of mind to a civilian lifestyle and the changes of the two worlds can not only mentally, but physically drain them. Agriculture is goal driven from start to finish, which is the lifestyle the forces instill, as well as feeling of still giving back their services to the country.
Giving back to their country is one of the most essential aspects of the military. A soldier’s selfless contributions for us are unending. Hemp farming can provide all the above, the therapy as well as an economic means for living post active duty, it is favorable to our environment in the field in addition to the products generated from the harvest, which can also aid in decreasing Military waste.
To the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that our democracy would be upheld – we honor you. Your memorial is forever embedding in all United States citizens hearts. Your life made the dreams of others a possibility and that should never be taken for granted. We hope to always honor the active and nonactive service members and wish everyone a safe, joyful, Memorial Day.