This summer, VA is renewing our commitment to America’s Veterans, and we’re asking for our partners’ help in honoring that commitment, such as cleaning our National Cemetery grounds and headstones. Here’s how one of our community partners is doing just that.
Four years ago, Matt Doerr, the president of Turf Appeal, an Oklahoma City lawn management business, saw a cemetery sign in Eglin, Okla., that caught his interest. He was impressed with the beauty and symbolism of not only that sign, but the acres of meticulously kept grounds beyond it. The sign marked the entrance to VA’s Fort Sill National Cemetery.
At the time, Doerr was also searching for a way to give back, a project he could contribute to through his business for the annual National Day of Giving.
Doerr contacted Marty Talley at Fort Sill National Cemetery. Even though he wasn’t a Veteran himself, Doerr said that wanted to give back to the community and honor our Veterans. With a background in lawn management, Doerr and his company’s volunteers were welcomed.
Over the years, Doerr has donated materials, equipment and manpower. He and his employees travel to Elgin on the National Day of Giving and spend the day sharing their time and talent. This year, the National Day of Giving coincided with Earth Day, April 22. The event this year drew volunteers from the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 751, Doerr and his crew, and dozens of other Fort Sill National Cemetery volunteers.
VA takes its commitment to care for the nation’s Veterans and their families very seriously, and this summer, we invite all of you to join in that commitment. Community by community, state by state, our nation can work together to serve Veterans during the VA Summer of Service.
- Look for VA at community events and engage our employees and partners.
- Reach out to your local medical facility or National Cemetery to find out what you can do to help.
- Check out #VASummerOfService on Vantage Point, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and join VA in caring for America’s Veterans.
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