What happens when an Army Ranger trades combat deployments for seeds, livestock, and 38 acres of Georgia farmland? In this episode of RealTOC, host Cameron Hardin sits down with Jon Jackson, a former member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, scientist, farmer, homesteader, conservationist, and founder of STAG Vets and Comfort Farms. We start the day at Comfort Farms, where Jon gives us a firsthand look at the place he built after leaving the military. Named in honor of his Ranger brother, Captain Kyle Comfort, the farm has become much more than a place to grow food. It gives veterans a place to work, reconnect, slow things down, and find a sense of purpose outside the military. Jon takes us around the farm to meet heritage sheep, chickens, pigs, rheas, and other animals that play a role in his approach to regenerative agriculture. He also explains why preserving old genetics, protecting the soil, and understanding where our food comes from matters to him. Then we head back to the studio, and the conversation goes much deeper. Jon talks about joining the Army at 26, earning his place in the 75th Ranger Regiment at 30, deploying repeatedly, and ultimately earning a Bronze Star for his work. He also opens up about PTSD, the difficult transition that came after his military career, and the search to figure out who Jon Jackson was when being a Ranger was no longer his entire identity. That search eventually took him around the world. Jon began spending time with indigenous communities, studying traditional agriculture and searching for ancestral seeds connected to his own heritage. One of those discoveries was a rare variety of African okra that he named Motherland Okra. Its story eventually came full circle when seeds were distributed around the world and reached people in Africa who remembered the same variety from their grandparents. It’s a conversation about military service, identity, food, history, science, struggle, and finding purpose after the uniform comes off. As Jon puts it, you can’t grow in comfort. Growth happens when you’re willing to get in the dirt. Subscribe to RealTOC for more conversations with veterans about the stories, experiences, and lives that exist beyond the uniform. Support Jon's Mission: To learn more about Comfort Farms, support veteran programs, or see how you can get involved, visit the Stag Vets website at stagvetsinc.org. Connect with RealTOC: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtocpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtocpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtocpodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realtoc Website: RealTOC.com Connect with Jon Jackson: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comfortfarms2016 Website: https://www.stagvetsinc.org/ Nominate a veteran to be a RealTOC guest: https://bit.ly/4bIczd7 Find the Best Deals and Maximize Your Benefits: Veteran Auto Insurance Rates: https://bit.ly/4rCwuA6 Buy a Home with $0 Down (VA Loan): https://bit.ly/4bi5pO0 Compare Home Insurance Rates & Save: https://bit.ly/3PfSFyH Top Credit Cards & Perks for Veterans: https://bit.ly/4cY013P Support Veteran-Owned: 30% Off Black Rifle Coffee (Code: GET30): https://bit.ly/4sNxNx0 30% Off BRCC Subscriptions (Code: COFFEE30): https://bit.ly/3PglBqe Special thanks to Gunner Gear: https://gunnergear.com/ #VeteranStories #RegenerativeAgriculture #Homesteading
