Randy Tunstall: Steps Up to Serve Those Who Serve

Randy Tunstall: Steps Up to Serve Those Who Serve

A four-day blizzard and a chance encounter on Facebook led GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops volunteer Randy Tunstall to land an opportunity to promote the program, and his recent commitment to it, on a local news broadcast.

Tunstall, himself a veteran as well as a volunteer firefighter, is the owner of Outdoor Independence LLC, a lawn and landscape maintenance firm based in the northeast Wisconsin city of Neenah. The five-year-old business employs fifteen individuals and services a largely residential clientele.

He recently came across GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops on a Google search. “I had been thinking that  I would like to get involved in a program that helps veterans or the military through my business, and a friend of mine who works in a nonprofit suggested I do some internet searching,” says Tunstall. “I found it and after I did some reading up on its work, it seemed like all the things they were doing was exactly what I was looking for.”

Tunstall signed on to the program earlier this year and is still awaiting his first client, but he has been looking to be proactive.

“We’re not a big center for military bases around our area, but we do have National Guard here that deploy randomly all the time,” says Tunstall. “So, I plan to get some information to the armories in our local area –  we have two of them and I want to be sure that they’re aware of the program so we can help when the opportunity arises.”

Which brings the story back to the local news coverage.

“It actually it fell into our laps,” he laughs. “I can’t say it was something that we pursued, but once it was presented to me we were able to jump on it.”

Like many municipalities, Facebook Community pages provide not only a window into what’s happening in neighborhoods. It is also a way to connect with television news producers who scour Facebook for interesting news stories.

“Every week someone at the local station puts out a request to members to find out what’s happening in the neighborhoods, and what we want them to report on. So, I commented on one of them,” says Randy Tunstall.

Tunstall provided information on SnowCare for Troops and included a link to the company’s website.

“As I mentioned, we were in the midst of a blizzard, so snow removal was on everyone’s mind,” he says. “The next morning, I got a call from a reporter telling me they wanted to do a story and would I be willing to be interviewed. They came out that day, and I was on the five o’clock news that evening!”

Tunstall is looking forward to providing snow removal and landscape care to a military family, not only to help but to demonstrate patriotism by supporting soldiers.

“I want in part to be able to show to the community that patriotism still exists in our country,” he says. “Our volunteer soldiers sign a check that is ultimately payable with their lives, and that is something that I deeply value as a veteran and first responder. Giving back in this way is very important to me.”

Why Are Green Spaces Essential for Military Families?

For military families, green spaces are more than just grass and trees – they provide comfort, stability, and a sense of home in the face of frequent relocations and deployments. Parks, lawns, and well-maintained landscapes create safe, inviting environments where families can relax, connect, and recharge.

Beyond their emotional and social benefits, green spaces play a vital role in community health. They help cool urban areas, improve air quality, and reduce energy consumption, making neighborhoods healthier and more resilient.

Through GreenCare for Troops and GreenCare for Communities, Project EverGreen and its nationwide network of professional volunteers work to ensure military families have access to these essential outdoor spaces. By caring for lawns, landscapes, and community parks, we enhance the environment while providing military families with a much-needed sense of normalcy and support.

Because when we invest in green spaces, we invest in stronger families, healthier communities, and a better quality of life for those who serve our country.

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Are you ready to give back to our military heroes through the power of landscaping? Sign up today and make a meaningful difference!

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm, while BOSS Snowplow proudly sponsors SnowCare for Troops.

Our Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, AMGUARD Environmental Sciences  and Heritage Landscape Supply.

The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel and our Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

GreenCare for Troops is proudly endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Join us today and be part of something bigger.