With support from NMOGA’s Energizing Our Future Fund, Desert Forge Foundation continues to grow as a powerful model of veteran healing through sustainable agriculture. 

In the quiet heart of the Rio Grande Valley, where rows of grapevines stretch toward the sun and the air smells of earth and promise, something extraordinary is growing—not just wine, but healing, purpose, and community. 

Founded by combat veterans in Albuquerque, the Desert Forge Foundation uses agriculture and land stewardship to help veterans heal from trauma, transition into civilian life, and reconnect through service. Their flagship initiative—the Warrior Farmer Project—empowers veterans to restore neglected land, grow sustainable food systems, and build entrepreneurial skills, all while supporting one another through shared experiences. What started as a small community garden is now a full-scale, veteran-led agricultural effort—and it’s flourishing thanks to partnerships with organizations like NMOGA and Casa Rondeña Winery. 

Amidst the lingering impacts of the 2008 housing crisis and the growing mental health crisis among veterans, Victor Versace returned home from his final deployment in 2010 to devastating personal news: his best friend in the Air Force had been killed in action that very day. Six months later, another close friend died. Surrounded by grief and struggling with PTSD, Victor turned to the soil. Alongside fellow veteran Ted Scott, a former Marine and Navy weapons officer, he started a community garden with friends and family. That act of reconnection planted the first seeds of what would grow into the Warrior Farmer Project. 

As the garden grew, so did its reach. Veterans began to take on larger responsibilities—supporting local farmers, assisting with land restoration projects, and helping steward underutilized plots throughout Central New Mexico. What began as a personal path to healing soon evolved into a regional model of veteran-led agricultural renewal. 

In 2024, Ted approached Casa Rondeña Winery, one of Albuquerque’s most respected vineyards, to explore a partnership. “Working with the grapes has a spiritual side to it,” he shared. “They’re resilient—and they remind me to be resilient. They survive and thrive, and that’s a reminder for me to do the same. It’s a lesson from nature about how to conduct yourself.” 

Ted began mentoring under Joshua Franco, Casa Rondeña’s Assistant Winemaker. “These are people who put their lives on the line,” Joshua shared. “I’m working with heroes. This is a wonderful program for any veteran needing connection and support.” 

Soon after, the Village of Los Ranchos offered Desert Forge a unique opportunity: to restore and manage a 20-acre vineyard that had been abandoned for two decades. With training from the New Mexico Wine Association and a warm welcome from Casa Rondeña’s owner John Calvin, Desert Forge accepted the challenge. “John wants Casa Rondeña to feel like a second home for veterans,” Joshua added. 

The men and women of Desert Forge don’t see themselves as recipients of charity—they see themselves as part of a mission that never ended. Jon Roberts, Co-Director of Operations, put it this way: “These veterans have never stopped serving. They give back to one another, build a network of support, and share everything from tools to meals to homes.” 

For JD Marrion, a Major in the Army Reserves who helped Victor start that original community garden, the land itself is a form of remembrance. “Memorial Day represents the heart of America,” JD said. “Working the land fosters connection. You get your hands in the dirt, and you connect with the spirit of your ancestors. That’s honorable.” 

It’s a space that welcomes everyone. 

Daniel Henricks, a civilian volunteer, considers Desert Forge his family. “It’s an honor to work alongside them. Caring for the land gives me peace and pride. I feel connected and responsible for something meaningful.” 

Alyssa Marlar, an Army intelligence analyst who served from 2002 to 2009, survived a chlorine IED blast during her second deployment in Diyala. The attack left her with a concussion and temporarily shut down her respiratory system. 

“Being here helped me heal,” Alyssa said. “Getting your hands in the soil, teaching others how to grow—these are things that bring you back to life.” She now mentors new members, passing down grape-growing skills learned from her grandmother. “We welcome everyone. Vets, non-vets. If you’re struggling, this helps you get out of your shell. It heals your soul to know you’re not alone.” 

Ivan Tafoya, a Navy veteran and former cryptologic technician, battled addiction after his service. Now sober for 15 years and running one of Desert Forge’s farms, Ivan speaks openly about his journey. “Before this, I saw myself as a burden to society. Now I contribute. I tell everyone—dirt therapy is real. It’s good for your mental health.” 

When COVID-19 hit, it could have devastated the project. But NMOGA’s Energizing Our Future Fund provided a vital grant just when it was needed most. 

“That funding helped us survive one of the hardest moments we’ve faced,” said Jon Roberts. “It kept the mission alive.” 

Victor added, “This wasn’t just a grant. It was a lifeline. An investment in healing trauma through community and connection. How many people get the chance to learn agriculture and entrepreneurship from New Mexico’s wine community? That’s what this partnership made possible.” 

If you know a veteran in Central New Mexico who is searching for purpose, community, or healing—tell them about Desert Forge. Whether they’re interested in agriculture, looking to reconnect, or just need a place to belong, the Warrior Farmer Project is here for them. 

To landowners and families: if you have land that needs care, consider partnering with Desert Forge. They’ll restore it with dignity—and use it to restore lives. 

And to our NMOGA members and partners: thank you for making stories like this possible. Desert Forge is proof that when we invest in people, we don’t just support recovery—we cultivate resilience, purpose, and belonging.