Ken Anderson: Starting His Second Act

GreenCare for Troops volunteer Ken Anderson of Ken’s Lawn Care in East Troy, Wisconsin, enjoyed a lengthy career working for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He’s been retired for a decade now, and at 71 is exploring an entry into the lawn care business.

“I was hoping to renew my license as a certified pest applicator, start small, and see what happens,” he says.

Recent health issues kept him on the sidelines last year, but two years ago – in search of work that would allow him to help others in need – he came across a GreenCare for Troops advertisement in a magazine and called the number to find out more. He decided to register for the program and lend a helping hand.

Armed with a mower and a full complement of yard care machinery, he was able to help two military families with deployed soldiers immediately with mowing and fall and spring clean-ups. Always willing to do more for those who serve Anderson has assisted eight military families in his brief but productive time with the program.

Anderson attributes his desire to volunteer to his father, a World War II veteran who found it impossible to drive past anyone pulled off to the side of the road and in trouble.

“I lost count of the number of times he stopped to help someone in need … it drove my mother crazy,” he laughed. “Whether it was changing a tire or running out of gas, he always had to stop and lend a hand. They really were the greatest generation.”

Nearly fully recovered from his recent illnesses, Anderson hopes to be able to take on a new assignment this season. His first experience showed him how much simply showing up to do basic lawn care eased the minds of the families – “it’s one less thing they need to worry about,” says Anderson.

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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 and SiteOne Landscape Supply. The Gold Partners are AMGUARD Environmental Sciences and 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