Weed Man Franchisees Step Up for Military Families Through GreenCare for Troops

Weed Man’s Phil Fogarty is a founding member of GreenCare for Troops. Under his leadership, Weed Man is fully committed to the program, actively encouraging its franchisees nationwide to participate.

“It is a privilege to be part of GreenCare for Troops,” says Fogarty. “As a society, we often don’t fully understand the financial and personal sacrifices military families make to keep us, and the world, safe. Every family we’ve served has expressed heartfelt gratitude for helping take one thing off the long list of responsibilities a spouse or loved one faces alone during a deployment.”

Among those embracing the opportunity to serve is Cam Cundiff, a Kansas City-based Weed Man franchisee.

“We had opted into the program some time ago, but we weren’t putting a lot of effort into it,” says Cundiff. “After a conversation with Beth Berry (board vice president of Project EverGreen) we decided to reinvigorate our commitment.” Today, all 22 branch offices overseen by Cundiff are eligible to participate in GreenCare for Troops.

In addition to supporting individual military families, Cundiff’s Kansas City branch also provides lawn care services for the Fisher House in downtown Kansas City. Fisher House is a national program supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that offers free lodging to families and caregivers of veterans and service members receiving treatment at VA and military medical facilities.

“A Fisher House typically accommodates 15 to 20 families at a time,” explains Cundiff. “The Kansas City property includes about 15,000 square feet of turf and 5,000 square feet of flower beds. Many of the veterans being treated at the nearby VA facility are cancer patients who may not be able to leave the grounds, so having a peaceful, well-maintained outdoor space makes a meaningful difference.”

The enthusiasm for GreenCare for Troops is catching on across the franchise network.

“One branch that really stands out is led by Orrin Burger in Seattle,” says Cundiff. “Within a week of launching the program there, he received three matches. Orrin’s team fully embraced it and it gives everyone a sense of pride to do this kind of work for military families.”

Burger relocated from Colorado Springs to take over the Seattle branch, which has expanded south into Tacoma and north to Marysville, Washington. When he first joined, he wasn’t familiar with the GreenCare for Troops program.

“I saw a ‘GCFT’ note in one of the service tickets and reached out to Cam to learn more,” Burger recalls. “He walked me through it, and we were up and running in no time.”

Burger has had the opportunity to meet two of the families his team now supports. “I met one gentleman before he deployed, and the other family was a mom whose husband had just left,” he says. “Both families have children and helping ease the burden by providing a healthy green space for the kids to enjoy is something we’re proud to do.”

In Fort Worth, Texas, Weed Man branch manager Joe Schaffel brings personal insight to the program. A disabled Army veteran, Schaffel knows how difficult deployments can be. “When I learned this was a military assistance program, I did my research and was impressed,” he says. “When your spouse is deployed, every little bit of support counts. Taking lawn care off the to-do list is a real help.”

Although Schaffel hasn’t received a match yet, he plans to handle the first one himself. “Some of the families live on military bases, and I still have the credentials to access those areas, and I speak the language,” he says.

Fogarty is encouraged by the growing enthusiasm for GreenCare for Troops throughout the Weed Man network.

“A healthy, well-maintained yard can provide a real sense of stability and peace of mind during a deployment,” he says. “Knowing their home is being cared for by trained professionals allows families to focus on what matters most – supporting their loved one – without the added stress of lawn maintenance.”

Why Green Spaces Matter for Military Families

For military families, green spaces are far more than just grass and trees. They represent comfort, stability, and a vital sense of home during times of uncertainty. With frequent moves, long deployments, and ever-changing routines, these families often face challenges that few others experience. A well-maintained yard, a local park, or a vibrant community landscape can offer a much-needed place to relax, recharge, and reconnect.

Green spaces provide emotional and physical relief, especially for children and spouses navigating life while a loved one serves. They become safe, welcoming environments where families can gather, play, and simply enjoy a moment of peace.

But the benefits of green spaces extend beyond emotional wellness. These areas help cool urban environments, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and promote community resilience. In short, healthy landscapes help build healthier neighborhoods.

Through GreenCare for Troops and GreenCare for Communities, Project EverGreen, along with our dedicated nationwide network of professional volunteers, ensures that military families have access to these essential outdoor spaces. By providing free lawn and landscape care, we not only enhance the environment, but we also offer families a tangible reminder that their service and sacrifice are recognized and supported.

Because when we invest in green spaces, we invest in stronger families, healthier communities, and a better quality of life for those who protect 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!

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

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, 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.