Richmond County “Sweat with a Vet” program launch

Isabella Moody
·2 min read

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Richmond County Marshal’s Office and Veterans for Clean Water are partnering to host an event to help people with some spring cleaning.

The program is called Sweat with a Vet. It is a partnership to help people living in Richmond County who cannot keep their yards in shape.

“There is such a need in the CSRA and in Richmond County for people who just cannot afford to have their yards taken care of, or too aged and infirmed to do it,” said John “Truck” Carlson, Program Coordinator for Veterans for Clean Water at Savannah Riverkeeper. “This is the need of a community. This is a community-involved situation; we are working with the marshal’s office and code enforcement. They have brought several properties to us that we can have a positive impact on.”

Depending on the need, they plan to do this once or twice a quarter. They want to host it in a different district each time to benefit the entire county.

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“This is a whole community project. We don’t just go out and issue people tickets and stuff like that. We actually try and come up with solutions to solve the problem,” said Ramone Lamkin, Richmond County Marshal. “So, our deputies work in enforcement and see a lot of the issues. A lot of people are not doing what they are supposed to do. So, it’s all about getting that house back into compliance. Making neighbors happy and making Richmond County a cleaner and safer Richmond County.

This initiative focuses on lawn care. The groups are aiming to improve the quality of life and enhance neighborhoods.

“It’s all free. All we are putting in is sweat equity. Everybody’s coming out here giving their time. The marshal’s office provides security for the people. The veterans come out here cleaning. We are giving the homeowner a great service. Cleaning up for them, getting back into compliance. Just by helping the neighborhood and all being one Augusta,” said Lamkin.

The program also hopes to help veterans engage with the community and promote physical fitness and well-being.

“All these fine, yellow-vested folks are all veterans. We got all four services covered. So, this is just a great opportunity for us to serve again,” said Carlson.

Sweat with a vet encourages community members, such as churches, non-profits, and service clubs, to join. If you are interested, you can contact the Richmond County Marshal’s Office.

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