Dawn Ulmen Helps Military Families Get Ready for Deployments

Dawn Ulmen and her husband were both active duty in the Air Force and living in the Carolinas when they decided to retire from the military in 2020 and move back to their home state of Michigan. Her job search turned up an interesting opportunity to put her skills and experience to work as a soldier and family readiness specialist for the Michigan Army National Guard, and she jumped at the chance.

“With 20 years in the military and as a military spouse, I guess I’ve seen all sides of a soldier’s family experience,” says Ulmen.

In her role Ulmen works to match the needs of National Guard families, as they prepare for the departure of a loved one for a deployment, with available assistance. The need varies widely, she says, based on the family situation and the length and location of the deployment.

“We do some case management and referrals, we help with employment education, provide financial assistance for struggling families, and match needs to available resources in the area,” explains Ulmen. “We also participate in programs like yellow ribbon events and drills – really, anywhere the soldiers are.”

The number of challenges faced by families dealing with an impending deployment is mind-boggling, especially when they are first timers.

“There are so many considerations,” says Ulmen. “How do they handle the finances? Who will take care of the bills, the car repairs and the house upkeep? Should they quit their job? Some soldiers are caregivers to elderly residents – how can that be helped to minimize the impact on the family? There’s a lot of stress to deal with when figuring out how to manage life without the loved one.”

Project EverGreen’s GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops program is one that Ulmen is happy to be able to offer for National Guard families, as she recalls her own experience staying at home while her husband left on deployment.

“I was pregnant at the time, and the weather was super-hot, and I was out there mowing my lawn because I was too upset about asking someone for help,” she remembers. “It was literally 100 degrees, and I was eight months pregnant, and believe me had I known there was a service available I would have definitely used it.”

“I love the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops program and I have been thankful to have it available for our soldiers to use as a resource,” she adds. “We’ve had a couple of good success stories in recent months where families received service from GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops volunteers and we’ve heard nothing but great things about the work and the interactions families have experienced.”

Ulmen encourages more professionals and individuals to participate to ensure more soldiers get the help they need.

“We did have an instance of a family in need who was not able to be matched, so the more available volunteers that are out there, the more help we can offer,” she says.

“In communities like ours, if you don’t see someone in uniform it can be almost impossible to recognize military families,” says Ulmen. “But believe me they are out there, and when deployments occur they are incredibly grateful for the assistance they receive. The GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops is a program we value, and we encourage anyone interested in to volunteer to help.”

Become A Volunteer Today

Are you ready to step up for a military family? Register today

The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program Title Sponsor is Nufarm. SnowCare for Troops program in BOSS Snowplow. Platinum Partners include Toro, SiteOne Landscape Supply, AMGUARD Environmental Sciences  and Heritage Landscape Supply. The Silver Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel.

Affiliate Partners include the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.

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