The lessons learned growing up on his family’s multigenerational crop and livestock farm in eastern Iowa shaped a military career that has taken Navy Lt. George “Jake” Swenka around the world.

The son of Johnson County Farm Bureau members Steve and Amy Swenka, Jake learned at an early age that chores had to get done regardless of the weather or how he felt. Now a Navy helicopter pilot and instructor, Swenka says he often shares the importance of a strong work ethic and personal responsibility with younger pilots. 

“I always say...