As Colin Archipley says, American veterans are seen today either as victims or heroes, but never as skilled individuals with years of valuable training. Colin served three tours as a Marine in Iraq and fought in the second Battle of Fallujah, one of the bloodiest in the history of the Marine Corps. But transitioning back to civilian life for Colin and his Marine Corps buddies wasn’t simple. One holiday season, three of Colin’s closest friends took their own lives. Just before his third deployment, Colin and his wife Karen bought a small property in the coastal mountains of southern California. Once back in civilian life for good, Colin immersed himself in hydroponics and before long, was supplying basil to Whole Foods. Determined to make a difference for other ex-Marines, Colin and Karen started offering an intensive course in agriculture to Marines from nearby Camp Pendleton. Nearly a decade after the formation of Archi's Acres, ‘The Farm’ chronicles the journey of one of its most recent classes. The veterans we meet offer an intimate view of the challenges they face while trying to navigate the return to civilian life. The Farm is a compelling look into how this nation’s warriors can be welcomed home and the extraordinary power of farming to heal the wounds of war.
Directed by Shawn Efran
Watch the Film
COMPANION PIECE: The El Paso Story: Journey from Military Career to Civilian Career
Meet the veterans and military spouses in El Paso, who, with the help of Prudential’s sponsored employment and training programs, are translating their skills into meaningful careers.
Directed by Shawn Efran
Watch the Film