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Local Business Rallies Community to Carry Forward for Injured Veterans

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. (Oct. 1, 2019) – Joe Webb is transforming his Army Ranger and combat experience into new energy to rally his community together to benefit veterans.

He founded a lawn business that hires veterans and donates to injured veterans through Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).

In keeping with Joe’s tradition of service and providing an outlet for customers who want to support those who served, his lawn care company, Lawns for Warriors, will host a unique community event Nov. 9 in Dansbury Park.

“Wounded Warrior Project is a great veterans’ organization, and I wanted to be a part of that,” Joe said. “At the end of the day, if I can provide a good service, and if people can pay a company that supports veterans for this service, I feel I’ve done a good thing.”

Supporters like Joe organize events throughout the country as part of WWP’s Carry Forward® 5K, delivered by CSX®. Thousands gather at four large events in San Diego; Nashville; San Antonio; and Jacksonville, Florida, while local supporters throughout the country organize virtual events.

Participants can complete the 5K in three unique ways:

  • FLAG: Carry a flag to show support and patriotism.
  • FITNESS: Carry a weight to represent the responsibilities veterans carry while serving our country.
  • FIERCE: Carry another person to symbolize one warrior carrying another in their time of need.

Participants can also simply choose to raise money, show up, and cheer on others. No matter which activity is chosen, every step taken empowers wounded warriors as they take on their next mission.

Empowering Warriors Every Day

Joe already donates part of the proceeds from his company to WWP regularly. His employees and customers know and embrace his cause. Joe hopes his community will also embrace Carry Forward 5K as a way to get more people actively engaged in supporting veterans.

Joe observed that there are only a couple of times of the year when veterans are recognized (Memorial Day and Veterans Day). “Through my business, customers say they feel they can contribute to something that’s going to benefit veterans year-round.”

Lawns for Warriors started as a one-man operation. Joe was already doing landscape work on the side and decided to launch as a full-time business. He started by doing all the work himself and added employees later, planning to cut lawns in the growing season and do snow clearing in the off-season.

His first employee, Navy veteran David Perez, heard about the company while looking for part-time work. “I knew I wanted to work for Joe because of how down to earth he was when I met him,” David said. “He made me feel welcomed and part of the team from the start.”  

David, who was part of the commissioning crew of the USS America, said Lawns for Warriors is different because of the opportunity to work side by side with other veterans. “It’s easy to see how much Joe cares about veterans and how he reaches out to bring us together and create more opportunities for us.”

Army veteran Sean Conley appreciates working for a company that’s not only sustaining itself but donating part of the proceeds to wounded warriors. “It’s easy to sit back and say you appreciate someone, but to actually invest time and money – who isn’t going to feel great about being a part of that?”

Sean added he feels a kinship with Joe and with the community they serve. “It feels good to help. All the customers so far have been great to meet. I think the more people start hearing about what a great cause Lawns for Warriors supports, the more this small business may not be so small in the future.”

Empowering the Entire Community to Serve

Joe is open about his background and the cause that his business supports. “Our customers know we donate to Wounded Warrior Project,   and I feel lucky that I have a group of guys who are passionate about what we’re trying to put together,” Joe said.

For this business owner and community leader, forming a company based on veterans helping veterans is a way to give back and to   provide benefits for the whole community.

Lawns for Warriors started in April 2019 and has locations in Wilkes-Barre and the Poconos, the areas where Joe grew up – just over the   bridge from New Jersey.

The virtual Carry Forward event Nov. 9 at Dansbury Park is a first for the East Stroudsburg community. Joe and fellow organizers are   counting on cooler weather, music and games for the whole family. The community has come together, with grocery stores, resorts,   restaurants, wineries, and other businesses showing their support.

“I’d like to be an ambassador for veterans and raise awareness, besides raising money for Wounded Warrior Project,” Joe said. He plans to   lead the way during the Carry Forward 5K with a weighted vest. “I want to represent veterans as a whole and help and support as many individuals as possible.”  

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.

Contact: Chris Obarski – Public Relations, cobarski@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.0823

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