Gerardo Nava A Volunteer with A Big Heart

Gerardo Nava, a Virginia native and GreenCare for Troops volunteer, grew up in the foster care system, but he harbors no bitterness for his lot in life. In fact, he has a self-proclaimed love affair with America. So much so that he enlisted in the U.S. Navy six and a half years ago to “give back” to the nation for which he feels deep gratitude.

“The main attraction for joining the military service is that I love to give back to my community, and my country,” he says. “It sounds cliché, but I am a huge fan of America.”

During his first tour of duty in the Navy, Nava earned his bachelor’s degree, and when he settled on reenlisting he committed to shore duty, which affords him plenty of free time.

“I have always been big into volunteering,” says Nava. “I’ve done Big Brothers and Sisters of America and participated in a Keep Norfolk Beautiful program. So, when I saw the opportunity available to give back to my fellow service members through the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops program, I jumped at the chance.”

His wife found information on the program first back in November and encouraged him to sign up. Around the same time, one of his friends offered him a lawn mower and edger, providing him the tools to get started as a volunteer.

Gerardo Nava is currently helping two families to maintain their lawns – in one situation, both spouses are military, and one is currently deployed while the other is home with three children. The other family is a married couple with a deployed husband.

“I do the lawns every other week, and I know it’s a big help to both of them,’ he says. “The couple have an acre of land and the wife will come out and help me.”

He doesn’t have a lot of equipment, but he has a lot of heart when it comes to volunteering.

“I feel like the service I am providing is super helpful and relieves stress for these families,” says Nava.

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