Shawn Salazar – Continuing a Legacy of Service from the Trenches to the Homefront

Shawn Salazar’s connection to military service runs deep. As the owner of Heritage Lawn and Landscape Management in Converse, Texas, near San Antonio, he has been an active participant in Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program for several years, helping military families navigate deployments with complimentary mowing and landscape maintenance.

His father served in the Army and fought in both Korea and Vietnam, while his father-in-law served across multiple branches during a long military career.

For his father, service was never about recognition or rank.

“He was a Master Sergeant, but he never wanted to be an officer. He always wanted to be the guy in the trenches,” says Salazar. “He received Purple Hearts and distinguished service medals and lost an eye in battle. I know he had many stories to tell, but guys like him never talked about it.”

Salazar was just nine years old when his father passed away, but the impression he left was lasting. While he was too young at the time to fully understand, he now reflects with deep respect on the strength his mother showed while raising four children during his father’s extended deployments.

“I look back and have to wonder how in the world my mom raised four kids when my dad was gone for so much time,” says Salazar.

That understanding of what military families face is a driving force behind his involvement in GreenCare for Troops. He also values the program’s thoughtful vetting process, ensuring that the families receiving support are those who truly need it.

“You know, it’s generally the lower-paid, lower-ranked military personnel who are deployed most often, sometimes doing very difficult jobs in very difficult places,” says Salazar. “They’re also usually younger families with kids at home, so you know that deployment creates real financial and emotional strain.”

Over the years, Salazar has supported several families, and one of the families he is currently helping reflects exactly why he is so committed to the program.

“The wife has a seven-year-old child at home, and she tells me, ‘I just don’t know how I am going to do it,’” he says.

For Salazar, the service goes beyond simply mowing a lawn. He prefers to meet with families before starting service to better understand their needs and determine how he might do more.

“You can customize what you are able to provide depending on the situation,” he explains. “Maybe we can commit to trimming shrubs along with mowing if it makes sense.”

Through his work, Salazar continues a legacy of service rooted in his family – supporting those who serve by caring for the places they call home.

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.

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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.

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