A little help can make a big difference for a military family facing deployment. For Katelyn and her husband, Ryan, a member of the National Guard (last name withheld by request), that help came as they were raising two young children in the Des Moines suburb of Waukee.

Their introduction to military life was anything but gradual. Ryan joined the Guard shortly before the birth of their first child and, not long afterward, began preparing for his first deployment.

“We had absolutely no military background whatsoever, so everything was a new experience,” says Katelyn. “There were so many logistical things we needed to figure out, starting with how to manage the pets, the kids, and the maintenance of the house. It was pretty overwhelming.”

As the deployment approached, Katelyn reached out to a friend and fellow military spouse for advice.

“She told me she had signed up for GreenCare for Troops during her husband’s deployment and was matched with a volunteer who mowed her lawn at no cost,” Katelyn recalls. “She said it was an amazing program, really easy to sign up for, and having one less thing to worry about made such a difference.”

Katelyn contacted GreenCare for Troops and was soon matched with a local volunteer who cared for her lawn throughout Ryan’s six-month deployment.

“He did a fantastic job and was so humble. He didn’t want anyone to make a big fuss,” she says. “But it was a big deal to us. We were so grateful for the help when we needed it most.”

When Ryan deployed a second time, Katelyn was unable to be matched with a volunteer and had to manage the lawn herself. While she was fortunate to have family nearby who could lend a hand, she knows many military families don’t have that same support system.

“I can only imagine what families without that kind of support go through,” she says.

The experience reinforced for Katelyn just how valuable GreenCare for Troops volunteers can be. She knows firsthand that something as simple as mowing a lawn can provide meaningful relief during one of the most challenging times in a military family’s life.

“I’m sharing my story because I hope more people learn about GreenCare for Troops and decide to volunteer,” says Katelyn. “Believe me, it makes a huge impact. Having even one responsibility taken off your plate during a deployment means more than most people can imagine.”

A Little Help Can Make a Big Difference – Register Today!

When a loved one is deployed, taking care of things at home can feel overwhelming. GreenCare for Troops is here to help ease the burden.

The program connects eligible military families with lawn and landscape professionals who volunteer their services during deployment. If your family could use an extra hand, we encourage you to register.

Receive help with lawn and landscape services
Connect with a volunteer in your community when available
Take one more task off your plate during deployment

You don’t have to manage everything on your own. Register your family with GreenCare for Troops today and let us help connect you with a volunteer in your community.

Sign up today

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.