From Veteran to Volunteer: Larry Jennings Supports Military Families Through GreenCare for Troops

From veteran to volunteer, Larry Jennings’ journey has been defined by service. After launching Detail Landscaping and Lawn Care in 2012 to maintain 540 rental units he owned in and around Dayton, Ohio, he has grown the business into a full-service lawn and landscape maintenance and construction company operating from 14 locations across seven states.

Despite that growth, Jennings has never lost sight of what he enjoys most about the industry: serving people.

From Veteran to Volunteer - Project EverGreen

Army veteran and Detail Landscaping and Lawn Care owner Larry Jennings recently joined Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program, bringing his commitment to service from the military to supporting deployed military families through complimentary lawn and landscape care.

Approximately 70% of the company’s clients are residential customers, a reflection of his appreciation for the personal relationships that develop when caring for homes and families.

“I know there’s more money in commercial work, but honestly, it’s not nearly as much fun to service,” he says. “And you’ve got to have fun.”

That passion for helping others, combined with a strong desire to give back to his community, came into focus earlier this year when Jennings received an email from Project EverGreen about GreenCare for Troops, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. Something about the message resonated with him.

“When I spoke with Ki Matsko, she told me the story behind the program and what they were trying to accomplish,” recalls Jennings. “As a veteran myself, it really felt right to me. I was like, ‘Sure, I’m all in.'”

Jennings understands firsthand the sacrifices military families make during deployment. He served in the U.S. Army for five years in Germany and spent time deployed while his wife and young son remained at home.

Today, Jennings provides complimentary lawn and landscape services to five GreenCare for Troops families. His approach, however, goes beyond maintaining their properties.

When a family is matched with his company, Jennings personally schedules an introductory visit and often brings his wife along.

“I personally give them a call to set up the meeting, and honestly, that first meeting isn’t really about walking the property,” he says. “It’s about getting to know them and building a relationship. We’re showing them this is a family commitment, and they know who we are. We’re not just some strangers showing up on their property. These families are trusting us around their loved ones, and we need to earn that trust.”

That commitment extends beyond lawn care. Jennings makes it clear that he is available to help whenever needed, particularly when a spouse is managing a household alone during deployment.

“I tell them I’m here to help with anything they might need, whether it’s fixing a sink or changing a light bulb,” he says.

He also personally services each of the GreenCare for Troops families assigned to his company.

“When I first learned about the program, it brought me back to when I was deployed,” he says. “We didn’t have this type of support, and I think it’s awesome. What these service members and their families do is incredible. Compared to their sacrifices, the time it takes for us to lend a hand is really nothing.”

Jennings’ enthusiasm for the program is contagious. He believes all 14 of his company’s locations will eventually participate in GreenCare for Troops and serve military families in their communities.

For now, he continues caring for the five families he currently serves and looks forward to celebrating with them when their loved ones return home.

“We’re planning to take each family out to dinner when the deployment is over, if they’re agreeable,” he says with a laugh. “We’d like to have them as friends long after they’re back together again.”

Join the Mission – Become a Volunteer Today!

Deployed families need support now. Step up with GreenCare for Troops and put your expertise to work.

The need is rising and every new volunteer means one less worry for a military family at home. GreenCare for Troops connects lawn and landscape professionals with families to provide essential services during deployment. If you’ve ever thought about giving back, this is the moment.

  • Put your skills to work
  • Support a family in your community
  • Make an immediate, meaningful impact

Join a nationwide network of professionals stepping up when it matters most. Volunteer today. Someone near you is waiting.

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.

TOCA Volunteers and Project EverGreen Help Cleveland Park Bloom Again

TOCA volunteers and Project EverGreen helped Cleveland’s Helen Simpson Park bloom again as green industry communications professionals from across the country came together on April 29 to revitalize the Cleveland green space through a collaborative day of community service, landscape enhancements, and neighborhood stewardship.

Read More About Helen Simpson Park’s Transformation Through the Years

Led by Project EverGreen, the community refresh project brought together volunteers and industry partners including Yardmaster and Turf Pride Lawn Care to enhance one of the valued green spaces near Cleveland’s Shaker Square neighborhood.

TOCA volunteers - Project EverGreen

Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) volunteers Together, these partners continue to demonstrate how the green industry can create lasting impact well beyond the landscape itself.

The project focused on planting enhancements, landscape bed improvements, pruning, edging, and general park cleanup to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Project EverGreen originally renovated the park in 2022 with a much-needed facelift to enhance the aesthetic appearance, vibrancy and accessibility to the park. Since then, The Morelands Group, a volunteer group of neighborhood residents, waters the plants, picks up litter and keeps a close eye on their beloved park.

A key component of the volunteer effort included members of the Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA), which held its annual conference in Cleveland during the final week of April. TOCA members include writers, editors, podcasters, public relations professionals, marketers, and communications leaders representing companies and organizations across the green industry.

The annual meeting combined professional development, networking, industry education, and hands-on experiences throughout the Cleveland area. As part of the conference, TOCA members wanted to give back to the host city through a meaningful community service project focused on improving a neighborhood park and supporting local residents.

The project was supported through generous plant material donations from Bremec Nursery, Lake County Nursery, Willoway Nurseries, and LaCava Landscape, whose contributions helped transform key areas throughout the park.

The day also highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy green spaces in urban neighborhoods; places that improve community pride, support environmental health, and provide gathering spaces for families and residents.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for TOCA members to get their hands dirty, give back to the host city, and see firsthand how neighborhood parks help bring communities together,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “It was especially meaningful to have green industry communicators volunteer their time and talents to help create a more welcoming space for local residents.”

“What a wonderful day at Helen Simpson Park last week,” said Meg Weingart of the Morelands Group. “Thank you so much for bringing TOCA members, Yardmaster, Turf Pride, and of course Project EverGreen to our park. It really meant a lot to us, and the park looks fantastic.”

Susan Rotatori of the Morelands Group also shared her appreciation for the project and volunteers.

“The Morelands Group cannot thank Project EverGreen enough for all the donated wonderful plants and all the people power to get it planted and landscaped,” said Rotatori. “The park never looked so inviting and beautiful. We’re a little park, but it means so much to many.”

Volunteers worked side-by-side with community stakeholders to install new plant material around the park fountain and sidewalk areas, edge landscape beds, prune shrubs, remove debris, and refresh the appearance of the park ahead of the busy spring and summer seasons.

Projects like Helen Simpson Park reflect Project EverGreen’s ongoing commitment to creating greener, healthier, cooler communities through collaborative green space revitalization efforts nationwide.

Project EverGreen extends sincere appreciation to all volunteers, donors, and partners who helped make the day possible:

Get Involved

Ready to make a lasting impact beyond your own lawn? Join Project EverGreen in restoring and sustaining healthy green spaces for communities in need. Whether you volunteer your time, become a program sponsor, or make a donation, your support helps transform underperforming turf into vibrant, functional spaces that improve quality of life.

Get involved with a community park renovation project and be part of creating greener, healthier, cooler communities.