Man completes mission to mow veterans' lawns in all 50 states thanks to Delta

Kerry Justich
·Health and Wellness Staff Writer
Rodney Smith Jr. en route to his final destination thanks to Delta. (Photo: Twitter)
Rodney Smith, Jr., en route to his final destination thanks to Delta. (Photo: Twitter)

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.

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.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Smith was back at the airport and headed to his final stop, Hawaii.

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.

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.

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