Fort Drum, the U.S. Army base in upstate New York where winter storms are often measured in feet rather than inches, knows that snow removal is far more than a matter of convenience. It is an essential service that helps families safely navigate daily life during some of the harshest winter conditions in the country.

This winter alone, the Fort Drum region has already received well over six feet of snow, with lake-effect storms continuing to add to the seasonal total – a reminder that in northern New York snowfall is often measured in feet rather than inches.

“Snow removal service is expensive, like $50 or $60 a visit, and on a soldier’s salary – especially E4 and below – that’s a lot of money,” says John Russell, a retired soldier and SnowCare for Troops volunteer. “I own two track snow throwers and they run $1,500 to $2,000 per unit, so going out and buying that kind of equipment just isn’t feasible for many soldiers.”

Russell still works full time at the base as a behavioral health MFA, but giving back has always been part of his life. Raised in a family where community service was expected, he has been volunteering since he was 14 years old.

“My whole family does volunteer work,” says Russell. “It was just part of how we were raised.”

In addition to volunteering with SnowCare for Troops, Russell serves his community as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic and currently holds the role of safety chief in his department.

Russell also does some snow removal work on the side. When he heard about the SnowCare for Troops program three years ago from someone at the base, he did some research, signed up and began helping local military families. This winter he has provided snow removal for two families, bringing his total number of families served to four.

“One of the families I help has a husband who is deployed to Korea,” says Russell. “When it’s a minor snowfall she likes to handle it herself, but when it gets past what she can manage I’ll go out and take care of it. They’re definitely grateful – she’s even offered me hot chocolate a couple of times when I come by.”

The Value of SnowCare for Troops During Extreme Winters

Heavy lake-effect snow is a fact of life around Fort Drum, and major winter storms can quickly overwhelm military families already managing the demands of deployment, long work hours and tight household budgets.

That is where SnowCare for Troops volunteers like Russell make a meaningful difference. By clearing driveways and walkways during major snow events, volunteers help ensure families can safely leave their homes, get children to school and access essential services.

For Russell, who served more than two decades in the military and is raising four children with his wife, the motivation is simple.

“We’re a pretty close-knit community here and we try to take care of each other,” he says. “I know what it’s like to leave your family behind when a deployment happens. If I can step in and make life a little easier for a military family during the winter, I’m happy to do it.”

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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.

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