One Less Worry: Craig Brokaw Gives Military Families Peace of Mind

One Less Worry: Craig Brokaw Gives Military Families Peace of Mind

Craig Brokaw launched Brokaw Lawn Company in 2016, serving primarily residential customers in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. As a GreenCare for Troops volunteer, he also puts his skills to work supporting military families during a deployment.

“I’ve never served,” Brokaw says. “My grandfather served in some capacity in World War II, and I have a cousin who serves, but I grew up in a very patriotic family. We always were strong proponents of the military. Being a part of GreenCare for Troops is a real honor.”

Craig Brokaw primarily provides routine lawn maintenance, but he makes sure the families know he is willing to help with smaller tasks when possible.

Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops connects military families with volunteers who provide complimentary lawn and landscape services during a deployment. For families managing added responsibilities at home, that support means one less task to handle. For service members preparing to leave, it offers reassurance that their families have someone they can count on.

Brokaw signed up as a volunteer in 2020. While he can’t recall exactly when he first learned about the program, he remembers hearing the hosts on Turf’s Up Radio discuss it frequently.

“I’d been looking for ways to give back to the community, and this looked like a good way to do just that,” he says.

His first opportunity to help a military family came in 2025.

“I remember getting the email from Ki Matsko at GreenCare for Troops saying, ‘Hey, we found a match for you,’” he recalls. “We went out and met with them, saw what they were looking for, and we were able to help them out.”

Brokaw primarily provides routine lawn maintenance, but he makes sure the families know he is willing to help with smaller tasks when possible.

“I’ve let them know if there’s anything else, any small things we can include at no charge, we’re glad to do that,” he says. “Someday, maybe we can get large enough to offer a lawn makeover or something like that.”

Humble about his contribution, Brokaw sometimes wishes he could do more. But a conversation with a service member preparing for deployment helped him understand just how much his work matters.

“Last summer, I was talking with one of the guys who was about to get deployed, and I made a comment like, ‘I feel like I wish there was more we could be doing,’” Brokaw says. “‘It’s kind of weird that you’re about to be deployed and out serving the country, and here I am, just cutting your grass.’”

The service member’s response put that contribution into perspective.

“He said, ‘You don’t understand how important this is for me. I’m being sent out in four weeks, and I’ve got about 100 things to do here, and a lot of them I know my wife can’t handle if I don’t get to it. Trust me, the lawn is one of those things, and I wanted to make sure it is in good hands.’”

For Brokaw, the answer was simple. “Hey, that’s what we’re here for.”

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.

• Put your skills to work
• Support a family in your community
• Make an immediate, meaningful impact

Join a nationwide network of professionals stepping up when it matters most. Volunteer today. A military family near you is waiting.

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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.

Join us today and be part of something bigger.