About Us
Thousands of veterans die by suicide every year because they lose hope. Hero Agriculture understands.
The Start of Hero Agriculture
Mike Reynolds founded Hero Agriculture in early 2020, following a long recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained while deployed to Iraq as an Army medic.
Mike's recovery included a series of disappointments that led him to realize he could never be a medic again. At his very lowest, he volunteered at a farm, just to keep himself busy. He was surprised to find comfort in the rhythms of farming, interaction with animals, and purposefulness of the work. It gave him hope and, eventually, new purpose as a farmer.
With many people’s help, Mike found hope and rebuilt his life. He created Hero Agriculture to help other veterans do the same.
What Drives Us
Vision
A world without veteran suicide.
Hero Agriculture uses farming to help veterans find hope, heal, and build purposeful lives.
Mission
Values
Honor: We recognize the sacrifices of those who have served.
Education: We help veterans rediscover purpose.
Resilience: We believe every veteran can master their new normal.
Obligation: We do this until everyone gets home and we end veteran suicide.
Our Hero Agriculture Core Team
Founder & Chief Farming Officer
Mike Reynolds
Mike’s career as an Army Flight Medic spanned the globe, including almost four years as the flight medic for the 4th CST/WMD at Dobbins ARB in Atlanta. After he sustained multiple injuries while deployed to Iraq in 2009, the Army forced Mike to retire after 17 years of service. During his long journey to recovery, he found new purpose through farming and in 2020, created Hero Agriculture to help other veterans do the same. Mike lives in Calhoun, GA, where he and his wife, Kim, operate their 82-acre farm with their children, Katie and Camden.
Outside Counsel
Nate Tyre
Nate is a veteran of the United States Air Force and an attorney with Alston & Bird LLP, where he represents financial institutions in transactional and regulatory matters, including general corporate governance. As a flight and missile combat crew commander in the Air Force, Nate led teams of airmen responsible for the safety, security, and launch of our nation’s intercontinental nuclear missiles. Nate believed in Hero Agriculture when it was just an idea and helped Mike navigate the complexities and paperwork of creating a nonprofit.
Executive Director
Anissa Mirtes
A retired third-grade teacher for Gordon County Schools, Anissa serves as an unflappable force multiplier for Mike. She also uses her extensive experience in teaching and mentoring to support and advocate for Hero Agriculture veterans. Anissa is active in her church and enjoys volunteering at hot air balloon events locally and in other states. She and her husband, Matt, a Marine Corps Veteran, live in Calhoun, GA, and have three adult children, Colter, Maggie, and Josie.
Our Board of Directors
Rick Cobb, Chair
Rick served in the 82nd Airborne Division and 57th Medical Detachment and is now Project Support Coordinator-Paramedic at Floyd EMS. He also serves as Vice-Chair of NWGA EMC Inc. 501c3. Rick joined the Hero Agriculture Board because of his respect for veterans, having grown up in a family full of them, including his dad, Thomas Cobb (Army), brother T. Michael Cobb (Navy), Uncle Ronald Hughes (Navy, retired), Roy Hughes (Army WWII) and Marvin Hughes (Army WWII, Died of Wounds, Holland, 17 December, 1944). He and his wife, Elaine, have four grown children, including a son who was in the Marines, and seven grandchildren.
Stacy Campbell
Stacy is Director of the Institute for Leadership Advancement at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. She discovered Hero Agriculture while serving as Executive Director of Kennesaw State University's Coles Scholars Program and looking for a local entrepreneur her students could work with when their study abroad was cancelled during the pandemic. She brings expertise in business, psychology, and organizational behavior as well as a cadre of talented students. Serving on our board is a way to honor her dad, Eddie McIlraith, 101st Airborne. Stacey lives in Athens with her husband, Keith, two girls McKinley and Charlotte, and their dog, Murphy.
Barrett Carter
Barrett is a Residential and Land Real Estate Agent with The Meridian Way Real Estate Group based in Cobb County, GA. A finance, real estate, and land management expert, he also sits on the Board of Directors for the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation and the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Commission. Barrett is active in his church, community, and business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. He and his wife, Kimberly, live in Smyrna, GA, with their two children, JB and Annelise.
Matt Mirtes
Matt served in the United States Marine Corps as an Intelligence Specialist and is now a Technology Support Specialist for The Dixie Group, Inc. As a veteran who had to adjust to life after the Marines, he understands the importance of helping other veterans find their new purpose after military service. Matt and his wife, Anissa have lived in Calhoun, GA, for 27 years and recently bought their own farm. Matt is active in his church and enjoys spending time outdoors.
Bill Gleaton
Bill is Chief Financial Officer for Material Handling Inc. A Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant, he brings business and finance expertise and a passion for working with nonprofits. Bill lives in Dalton, GA, with his wife, Amy, and their daughters, Abby and Bailey, where he is active in his church and enjoys golfing and time with family. The Gleatons have long been friends of Mike and his family and have been witness to Mike’s life journey.
Nonprofit Status
Hero Agriculture is a 501(c)(3) public charity incorporated in the State of Georgia and exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donors can deduct contributions to Hero Agriculture under Internal Revenue Code Section 170.
