Edward M. Farmer

Edward M. Farmer was born in Park Ridge, Illinois, and grew up in Crete, Illinois. During his senior year of high school, he enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard as a field artillery cannon crewmember. In August 2001, he commenced basic and advanced training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he was present during the September 11 attacks. Upon completing his training, he returned to Illinois and began his studies at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.

In 2004, during his senior year, Edward's National Guard unit was federally activated to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. His unit received cross-training as infantry mortar men and was deployed to Iraq. There, Edward participated in both offensive and defensive combat operations and was awarded the Army’s Combat Infantry Badge for engaging enemy forces. He also earned an Army Commendation Medal for his role in training the Iraqi Army. Edward returned from Iraq in May 2005 and completed his bachelor's degree at Illinois State University.

Pursuing his passion for law, Edward attended Valparaiso School of Law in Indiana. Post-law school, he embarked on a career focused on veteran legal issues. His initial role was with a national veteran disability law firm, where he managed numerous VA disability appeals at various levels, including the Regional Office, Board of Veterans Appeals, and Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Currently, Edward owns a law firm dedicated to VA Disability Benefits and Military Discharge Upgrades. He also serves as the Senior Staff Legal professional at the Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic, where he handles disability appeals, discharge upgrades, and veteran diversion court cases. His extensive experience and personal military background uniquely position him to advocate effectively for veterans.