09/22/2026
Honored to be recognized by the Georgia Veterans Day Association. Thank you!
2026 Marvin Myers Leadership Award
The Georgia Veterans Day Association is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2026 Marvin Myers Leadership Award is MSG (Ret.) Mike Reynolds, United States Army.​
Mike Reynolds is the Founder and Chief Farming Officer of Hero Agriculture, a nonprofit organization that uses farming to help Veterans find hope, heal, and build purposeful lives after military service.
A paramedic, firefighter, combat Veteran, and retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant, Mike never intended to become a farmer. His journey to agriculture began after he was injured during a deployment, chose not to disclose the extent of his injuries, and ultimately faced the possibility of losing the career and identity he had built through military service. His experience of overcoming those challenges and finding a renewed sense of purpose ultimately led him to farming.
Mike joined the U.S. Army after dreaming of becoming a paramedic since the age of four. During his military career, he served as an Army Flight Medic around the world, including four years as the Flight Medic for the 4th Civil Support Team/Weapons of Mass Destruction (4th CST/WMD) at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Atlanta.
While deployed to Iraq in 2009, Mike sustained a traumatic brain injury during an incident involving his Humvee ambulance. His recovery was marked by a series of setbacks and disappointments that eventually led him to realize he would not return to his career as a medic.
At one of the lowest points in his life, Mike began volunteering at a farm simply to stay busy. What began as a way to fill his time soon became a source of healing and hope. He found comfort in the rhythms of farming, the interaction with animals, and the sense of purpose that came from meaningful work. Through farming, Mike discovered a new path forward and a renewed sense of purpose.
In 2020, Mike founded Hero Agriculture to help other Veterans discover that same sense of hope, healing, and purpose. Today, he draws on his experiences as a Soldier, medic, first responder, and farmer to create opportunities for Veterans to reconnect with themselves, their communities, and a meaningful purpose beyond military service.
Mike Reynolds will accept the 2026 Marvin Myers Leadership Award at the annual Freedom Ball taking place on 7 November 2026 in the Oceans Ballroom at the Georgia Aquarium.
