Veterans’ Spirit of Service Renewed in Their Community

Veterans Tsiltiyah Fogle and her husband Charles Fogle have transitioned from military service to a new mission: serving their community and helping those in need. For nearly two years, Tsiltiyah has been the driving force behind the eight-acre Ephrata Farm, just outside Racine, Wisconsin. Here they grow and sell organic vegetables and fruits and raise chickens, all with the aim of giving back to the community.

Mrs. Fogle has been resourceful in securing government assistance that has helped her farm expand. Since the launch of the farm in 2023, they have received financial assistance for high tunnels from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These structures help protect plants from severe weather and enable longer growing seasons, an incredible benefit in Wisconsin's frigid climate. Additionally, Ephrata Farm received start-up support from the Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Monshi "Ram" Ramdass, the USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (MVAL), helps veterans explore ways to launch successful careers in agriculture and has assisted in Ephrata Farm's success by sharing information about USDA programs and resources. The Ephrata Farm team attended a multi-day webinar series hosted by Ramdass designed to provide information about farming to veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. "He has been like a consultant, encouraging us about how we can be more productive as a farm," said Mrs. Fogle.

The Fogles have ambitious plans. They aim to expand the farm, create a nonprofit organization to support veterans and those in need, and establish a whole health community hub that provides holistic wellness. Their dedication to these goals is evident in their pursuit of higher education. Mr. Fogle will soon graduate with a master's degree in nonprofit management, and Mrs. Fogle will soon have her master's degree in chaplaincy.

Giving back is not just a mission statement for Ephrata Farms but something the couple does literally. "Last year, we donated all the produce we picked," said Mrs. Fogle. They look to increase their charitable harvests and monetary donations to nonprofit organizations as they expand and cooperate with other farms.

As disabled veterans themselves, the Fogles are prioritizing improving food security for veterans, who are over seven percent more likely to live in a food-insecure household than nonveterans. Mrs. Fogle summarizes their goals simply: "We just want to help people. This is our purpose with our farm and future nonprofit organization."