Man completes mission to mow veterans' lawns in all 50 states thanks to Delta
A man who set out to mow the lawns of veterans from all 50 states was just two states away from his goal when Delta Air Lines stepped in to help.
Rodney Smith, Jr., is known for his lawn mowing services, which he provides for free to the elderly, disabled, single mothers and veterans, according to his website, Raising Men Lawn Care Service. But in his most recent round of lawn grooming, the man set out to visit the homes of veterans from all 50 states in what he calls the “Thank You For Your Service” tour, and has been documenting his journey on Twitter along the way.
From his home state of Alabama, Smith drove to 47 other states, before realizing that his last two stops to Alaska and Hawaii would be difficult to check off without another means of transportation. But on Saturday, he announced that he’d be making it with help from Delta.
I would like to announce that @Delta Airlines has reached out & they said they would like to cover my entire trip to my last two states, Alaska and Hawaii so I can finish off my 50 state Thank You For Your Service for our veterans. Thank you @Delta !
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) June 9, 2019
On Monday, Smith was already onboard a flight to Anchorage, Alaska, where he mowed the lawns of three veterans — including one woman who met her late husband while they both served.
Meet Mrs. Rachel. We thank you and your husband for your service and sacrifice pic.twitter.com/zjTH4YAC5D
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) June 11, 2019
As of Wednesday afternoon, Smith was back at the airport and headed to his final stop, Hawaii.
And then there was 1! Hawaii, you are my final state on my 50 State mowing tour for our veterans ! I'll see you soon! Thank you @Delta ! pic.twitter.com/MGkyTiyVU0
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) June 12, 2019
He didn’t immediately respond to Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment. However, he shared his appreciation toward Delta Air Lines on Twitter. The airline shared that they’re “happy to support him.”
“Delta has long been committed to supporting the military and serving communities in which we live and work,” a spokesperson for the airline shares with Yahoo Lifestyle. “We were touched by Rodney’s mission to serve those who have served and happy to support him on the final leg of his journey.”
The airline also sent him off with a sweet message on Twitter.
Hope you enjoy your flight, Rodney! Thank you for the smiles you have spread all across the country with your work! HMB
— Delta (@Delta) June 12, 2019
Now, kids from all over the world have been inspired to take part in Smith’s 50 Yard Challenge, which encourages people to mow 50 lawns in their own communities.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Formerly homeless high school senior gets into 12 universities : 'I was blessed'
Parents have an important message after 'beautiful, vibrant' daughter's tragic death in college
6 life skills every teen needs to know before heading to college
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
