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Volunteers Tend to Troops' Lawns

Angelika Chiri is getting ready for 15 months on Iraq. Her husband is already there. Thanks to volunteers, there’s one chore the couple won’t have to worry about while they’re away.

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Captain Angelika Chiri, an Army nurse, is getting ready for 15 months in Iraq. Her husband, Marty, is already there.

Thanks to volunteers, there’s one chore the couple won’t have to worry about while they’re away.

Chiri called Project Evergreen, and now, volunteers take care of her yard free of charge.

"I just came home from getting ready for deployment, and I noticed my lawn had already been mowed,” she said.

So far, at least 74 families at Fort Bragg have asked for help. But only about 10 volunteers have signed up.

Jeff Cumbie is one lawn-care expert making time to make a difference.

"It just tugs at your heartstrings," he said.

Jeff was so excited about Project Evergreen, he enlisted friends. And you don't have to be a professional to volunteer.

"It's harder when you're by yourself,” Chiri said. “And I've got good neighbors, but they have their own lives, too."

She's giving back by serving her country, and she's thankful someone cares.

Nationwide, more than 3,200 military families have asked Project Evergreen for help.

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