CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA – US Navy Petty Officer 2^nd Class Hospital Corpsman Melissa Neal served multiple tours in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and Norway before she was medically retired with 100% permanent injuries in 2018. She started F-Hof Farm where she and her husband Aaron, also a veteran, breed Kiko goats for meat and breeding stock for sale, as well as producing free-range eggs. Using her childhood experience on one of the largest dairy farms in Pulaski County, Virginia and drawing on her military values of discipline, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving, Melissa is determined to carve out a successful farm to produce high-quality, nutritious food for all.

This month, Work Vessels for Vets purchased a 2024 Kubota RTV from a local veteran to accommodate Melissa’s injuries as she works full time on the farm.

The volunteers of Work Vessels for Vets have learned that it is more than just an award of equipment to these injured American servicemen and women. This unique charity delivers real tools of change, keys to a new future and often a personal lifeline when needed most. In turn, these American heroes inspire change by building companies, some now worth millions. They create jobs for their fellow veterans and their communities.

All they really need is a hand-up.