After eight years in the US Marine Corps, including an Iraq deployment, Travis Appel found a new calling in farming after studying at the University of Arkansas. An internship at a personal farm sparked his passion for growing crops. He began with strawberries and pumpkins before expanding into tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra, watermelon and cantaloupe. Speaking to USDA NRCS Arkansas, Appel also highlighted farming opportunities for veterans returning from overseas.