BruceClarkGroup

Hello Illinois , It feels great to be back in your beautiful state as stop number 27 on my 50-state mowing tour honoring veterans, active-duty service members, Gold Star families, widows, and more. I have 1 stop here in Orangeville .

Meet Darin Truex, who served 14 years in the U.S. Army. Originally headed to college on a baseball and academic scholarship, life took a sharp turn when school didn’t work out and his mom gave him five days to figure it out—five days later, he was on a plane to basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Darin went on to serve in Desert Storm and deployed to Iraq three more times, including as part of Alpha Company, 3-35 Armor, 1st Armored Division, the first unit to make contact in Iraq during the Gulf War. He fought in the largest tank battle in history—Medina Ridge, where his unit endured 96 hours of nonstop combat and even faced chemical weapons exposure, which prevents him from donating blood to this day. Despite the hardships, Darin says the Army gave him structure, lifelong friendships, and a second family. His message to young people considering service: “If you do it, give it everything you’ve got.” Dari , serving meant signing a check with his life—ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. ** forgot to get a picture with both of us

Micah, congratulations once again on completing the 50 Yard Challenge! What you’ve accomplished is something you should hold onto and be proud of for the rest of your life. It’s no small task to commit to serving others the way you have, and through your dedication, you’ve made a lasting difference in your community. Each lawn you mowed wasn’t just grass being cut—it was a message of hope, care, and compassion for the people who needed it most. All the families and individuals you’ve helped may never be able to fully express the depth of their gratitude, but know that you’ve touched lives in ways that go beyond words. Carry this with you always: “A single act of service may seem small in the moment, but its impact can echo through generations.”

While in Kansas I made a stop in Pretty Prairie to visit a young man that finished the challenge . Family, please help me congratulate Bryson on completing the challenge by mowing 50 yards for the elderly, disabled, single parents, and veterans in his community.

It gives me pride to announce that Jackson of Edgewood NM who is takint part in our 50 yard challenge has submitted his last lawn, officially completing the 50 yard challenge !

This morning , we had the privilege of mowing Mr. Hartford's lawn. As a twice-awarded Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam veteran, serving him in this small way was a true honor. Thank you, Mr. Hartford, for your immense service and sacrifice. Making a difference, one lawn at a time.

Evan from Halfmoon, New York who recently signed up for our 50 yard challenge, mowed his first lawn .