(NAFB.com) – The American Farm Bureau announced that Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter of South Carolina is the second winner of the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. Rutter used his experience to co-found the nonprofit Project Victory Gardens to help veterans transition to civilian life with renewed purpose and hands-on agricultural skills. He also developed Farmer Bootcamp, a nationally-recognized training program for veterans interested in learning about agriculture. He also serves as the founding president of the South Carolina Farmer Veteran Coalition. ”We are honored to recognize Sergeant Major Matthew Rutter for his dedicated service to our nation and his continued leadership in agriculture and community engagement,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. Rutter views agriculture as a platform for transforming lives and communities and plans to use part of the $10,000 cash prize for the award to establish an educational “Coffee and Chores Program” for veterans across the state.