Greg Thomas Remembers Where He Came From
Greg Thomas Knew Right Away That Volunteering for GreenCare for Troops Was the Right Thing To Do
“That’s something my dad always said, ‘remember where you came from, and always be giving back.’
I don’t have a lot of money, but I can donate my spare time.”
Greg Thomas
Mr. Green Acres
St. Johns, Florida
Greg Thomas of Mr. Green Acres in St. Johns, Florida, found himself out of work as a truck driver in 2012 in the wake of the Great Recession, and in search of a way to put food on the table for his family.
Thomas wears his dedication on the back of his mower trailer, which sports an array of signs supporting our armed forces.
“My dad always said, ‘if you don’t have a job and want to eat, you better go out and create one,’” said Thomas with a chuckle.
His solution was to put the pickup truck and mower he already owned to work and launch a professional mowing service.
“It’s been 10 years now, so that’s worked out pretty well,” said Thomas. Through his
Greg Thomas and Mr. Green Acres has helped five families over his four years of involvement in GreenCare for Troops and looks forward to taking care of more in the future.
one-man operation, Thomas mows and cares for mostly residential properties from his home in suburban Jacksonville.
The Power of Giving Back
His success provides a living for the family and the satisfaction of reward for a hard day’s work, but Thomas also believes in the power of giving back to the community.
“That’s another thing my dad always said, ‘remember where you came from, and always be giving back.’ I don’t have a lot of money, but I can donate my spare time,” added Thomas.
Thomas found a place to apply some of that precious time when he came across an advertisement in Lawn & Landscape magazine for Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops a few years ago.
“When I saw the ad, I knew that was something I wanted to do,” said Thomas. “If there’s a spouse at home with kids and a house to take care of and a family member is deployed or disabled, I don’t want them to have to worry about the lawn being cut or having to pay someone to do it. So, I volunteered to give back to the community and the soldiers who are defending this great country.”
While Thomas did not serve in the military himself, he has a son in the Navy and five uncles who served in addition to other family members.
“I want to show support for them,” said Thomas. “Sometimes I feel like they are not getting enough attention and help, and I want to do my part.”
Thomas has helped five families over his four years of involvement in GreenCare for Troops and looks forward to taking care of more in the future. He wears his dedication on the back of his mower trailer, which sports an array of signs supporting our armed forces.
“I’m not trying to get recognition for myself, but just want to show my gratitude for their sacrifice,” he added.
Become A Volunteer Today
Are you ready to step up for a military family? Register today at https://projectevergreen.org/about-the-program-volunteers/
The Title Sponsor of the GreenCare for Troops program is Nufarm. Platinum Partners include Toro and SiteOne Landscape Supply. The Gold Partner is Arborjet/Ecologel and the Silver Partner is the Propane Education and Research Council
GreenCare for Troops is endorsed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
