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.

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.