How a Military Spouse Found Unexpected Support Through GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops

Military spouse Erin Pritchard of suburban Columbus, Ohio, didn’t learn about the GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops program until just before her husband’s year-long overseas assignment.

“I went to the Yellow Ribbon event they held before he left,” says Pritchard, “and it was great because it was the first time I got to meet any of the spouses in his reserve unit.” Her husband Ian’s National Guard service originated in Michigan, so the two of them made the eight-hour drive together to attend the ceremony.

“One of the spouses mentioned Project EverGreen and the services it provides for military families, so I thought I might as well toss my hat in the ring and see if I could get a match,” she recalls. “We have an acre of land, so there’s a lot to maintain.”

Pritchard was able to find a match with Cedric Owens of Steel Cuts Lawn & Landscaping, who agreed to care for her property throughout the deployment. “He was so great and so helpful, and he never batted an eye about the size of the property when he walked it with me,” she says.

She ended up receiving more help than she ever expected. On Ian’s departure day, Erin made the eight-hour drive back to Michigan to drop him off—this time in the dead of winter on icy roads. After returning home, the weather worsened, bringing heavy snow and ice.

“The day after I got back was my birthday, so I was already having a pretty crappy week,” she laughed.

But everything turned around when Cedric and one of his workers showed up to clear and de-ice the driveway.

“I didn’t realize he was offering both snow removal and mowing, so I wasn’t expecting to see him until spring,” Pritchard recalls, tearfully reflecting on the day. “I thought I might be trapped in the house, but then I looked outside and saw Cedric and a worker clearing the driveway. I immediately felt so cared for—they were so helpful and so great!”

Fortunately, that was the last winter blast the property experienced. Steel Cuts resumed service in the spring with cleanup, mowing, and maintenance throughout the 2024 season. “Everything has been blooming, and the yard looks great—it’s exactly what we needed,” says Pritchard.

“Professionals should consider participating in GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops because it’s a great way to give back to the local community. They might be surprised at how many military families are in their area,” she adds. “It’s a much more personal way to help than just donating to an organization—it’s meaningful and hyper-local.”

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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