Damon Smith stepped on the sandy soil of Southern Iraq during “Operation Desert Storm” as an 18-year-old US Army Medic. His job was to save lives, and therefore he bore witness to what so many medics know; the horrible toll of war on humanity.
The combat took a psychological toll on PFC Smith in the form of the PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He returned home to his shattered post-war world of night terrors, fits of rage, depression and thoughts of suicide. With a loving wife, support from friends and a chance to find some perspective, Damon has embarked on a fascinating new mission in the last few years focusing on healing through gardening and what he calls “Seed Justice”.
During his service, Damon treated injured local Iraqi people, often referred to as “collateral damage”. He was profoundly moved by the simple grace of sharing a meal of their making, even in the midst of such dire circumstances. He began to learn of the pride and determination of people in war-torn nations to keep their ancient heritage of seeds and food intact and alive.
This image of such devotion to soil, seed and harvest has stuck with Damon. He began to garden with that kind of reverence in mind nearly 20 years ago, sometimes finding solace in the middle of a frightful night by actually lying down between the garden rows.
Educating himself about the seed and food heritage around the world, Damon has found a handful of sources and contacts for what he calls “Conflict Seeds.” Respecting cultures, heritage seed stock and foods from past and present war regions like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Japan, Korea, South Sudan, Palestine, Israel, Honduras, Vietnam and Native American tribes; Damon has been growing these wonderful vegetables, medicinal plants and flowers for a few years now; and this year was able to construct a model Peace and Unity Garden for these special, heirloom plants.
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