Commissioner Nikki Fried Honors Sergeant Robert Timmons as Veteran of the Month

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced Sergeant Robert Timmons, Vice President of the Veteran Garden Project  as the November selection for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Veteran of the Month. The Veteran of the Month program, established by Commissioner Fried shortly after taking office, recognizes veterans who have excelled in agriculture or in service to fellow Floridians and honors the contributions that the men and women in uniform have made to our state.  

“As we approach Veterans Day, it is an honor to recognize Sergeant Robert Timmons as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ November Veteran of the Month for his service to our nation and dedication to agricultural sustainability,” stated Commissioner Fried. “His commitment to providing supportive environments that promote healing for veterans and their families is incredibly unique and innovative. We are proud of Sergeant Timmons and his continued efforts to educate communities about sustainability while supporting and empowering Florida veterans.”

Background: Sergeant Robert Timmons is a U.S. Army veteran who dedicated seven years to military service. Born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida, Sergeant Timmons joined the Army in 2005 as a Food Service Specialist in Camp Casey, South Korea. Sergeant Timmons went on to serve as the driver for the Ft. Gordan Brigade Commander. In 2007 he was later reclassed as a Military Intelligence Specialist and deployed with a military intelligence team to Afghanistan in 2007-2008. Sergeant Timmons was awarded four separate Army Commendation Medals and a Combat Action Badge during his Army service. In 2012, Sergeant Timmons medically retired from the U.S. Army and returned to St. Augustine.

A photo of Sergeant Robert Timmons is available for download here. 

Sergeant Robert Timmons and his wife founded the St. Augustine nonprofit, Veteran Garden Project  to promote post-military healing and help veterans transition after their military service. The organization promotes this mission through the holistic healing of veterans with garden therapy while growing organic food to feed their local community. At the Veteran Garden Project, Sergeant Timmons plans and manages building projects and assists in educational initiatives.  

The Veteran Garden Project has installed nine organic gardens since 2018, and they are currently working on two new garden projects. Before COVID-19, the organization met regularly for potlucks, volunteer meetings, and educational workshops for military veterans. Despite these challenging circumstances resulting from the pandemic, the Veteran Garden Project continues to move forward with its mission to promote healing for Florida veterans.

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