Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program was recognized April 11 by the White House and First Lady Michelle Obama in a ceremony on the south lawn.
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The White House ceremony was attended by Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden. The event was part of the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative. Led by Obama, the program ultimately recognized 20 organizations and communities dedicated to providing exemplary support to military families.
“Our country’s military families sacrifice so much for all of us on a daily basis, providing environmentally beneficial lawn and landscape services for them is the least we can do to provide them with a healthy yard so they can focus on their jobs and families,” said Cindy Code, Project EverGreen executive director. “To have Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops program acknowledged by the White House is incredibly humbling and a testament to the importance of our organization and its programs.”
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GreenCare for Troops pairs military families with a family member currently deployed overseas with a local landscape contractor or volunteer to provide free lawn care and landscaping services.
The Joining Forces Initiative was a year-long program designed to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary efforts of citizens and organizations across the country that are working to improve the lives of military families. The initiative was also an opportunity to highlight some of the successful programs across the country and help spur others to create new programs to help even more families.
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Project EverGreen was one of more than 300 organizations to enter the Joining Forces recognition contest. The contest was narrowed down to 20 winners and a public comment period was opened to garner votes. The People’s Choice Winner was Our Family for Families First Foundation. The top five winners were: Armed Forces Service Center, Defending the Blue Line, Give an Hour, Project Sanctuary and the City of Richfield, Utah.
GreenCare for Troops finished in the top ten. Thank you to all of our green industry supporters who took the time to vote daily in the online campaign.
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The top 20 finalists were invited to the White House to attend a special program. Among the speakers were Tom Brokaw, NBC News special correspondent; First Lady Michelle Obama; and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden.
“Jill and I are so proud of all of these finalists and the work that they have done for our military community,” said Obama, “Our military families demonstrate such strength, service and sacrifice every single day, and we’re so grateful for everyone who is stepping up to give back to these families. The challenge winners are leading by example, and showing that all of us can find a way to serve those who serve us.”
Brokaw recognized the inspiring citizenship displayed through these programs. In her brief presentation, Biden briefly described three of the 20 programs, including GreenCare for Troops.
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Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops has seen tremendous growth since it began five years ago and shows no signs of slowing down. GreenCare for Troops program has served thousands of military families with free lawn care and landscape services across the entire country. GreenCare for Troops is underwritten by Cub Cadet. Many GreenCare for Troops volunteers also participate in the sister program SnowCare for Troops underwritten by BOSS Snowplow.
There is still a need for volunteers as currently more than 10,000 military families have signed up to receive services from GreenCare for Troops. More than 4,000 volunteers are registered to provide services, but more volunteers, labor and materials are needed. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer or donating to the programs, visit www.projectevergreen.com/gcft.
