Here’s a “good news” story that will touch all patriotic hearts!
Rodney Smith, Jr. is the founder of Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. “We provide free lawn care to the elderly, disabled, single parents , veterans,” reads a statement on his X page.
Smith posted photos on X Wednesday morning, along with the following announcement:
Dear @WhiteHouse, I Know this is a kind shot, but My name is Rodney Smith Jr. I live in Huntsville, AL. I’m currently traveling to all 50 states mowing lawns for veterans, active duty service members, Gold Star families & widows. I’m also sharing their stories. This is my way of honoring them.
As founder of a nonprofit with 6,000+ kids mowing FREE lawns for the elderly, disabled, single parents & veterans nationwide, I’d be honored to bring my USA Flag Mower to mow at the Arlington National Cemetery where veterans rest.
I’m currently in the New England area heading down the East Coast before Florida, then Alaska. Thank you for your consideration.
— Rodney
Dear @WhiteHouse, I Know this is a kind shot, but My name is Rodney Smith Jr. I live in Huntsville, AL. I’m currently traveling to all 50 states mowing lawns for veterans, active duty service members, Gold Star families & widows. I’m also sharing their stories . This is my way of… pic.twitter.com/tIQC0NRf8R
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) October 1, 2025
In just over 24 hours since the post was made, it has generated over 3.4 million views and nearly 3,000 comments.
One of those responding was Cracker Barrel, the restaurant chain who was recently blasted for trying to go “woke,” and then backtracked and apologized.
Cracker Barrel wrote, “Anyone who serves those who sacrifice for this country deserves a good meal. As you travel, there is always a warm meal waiting on you, your crew, and the veteran family you’re helping on us. You are what makes America special. Thank you for what you do.”
Anyone who serves those who sacrifice for this country deserves a good meal. As you travel, there is always a warm meal waiting on you, your crew, and the veteran family you’re helping on us.
You are what makes America special. Thank you for what you do.
— Cracker Barrel (@CrackerBarrel) October 1, 2025
Steak ‘n Shake has also offered free meals. In a post Wednesday evening, the restaurant chain wrote, “Rodney, we are moved by your patriotic mission. When you stop by Steak n Shake, we would be honored to give you and your guests free meals.”
Rodney, we are moved by your patriotic mission. When you stop by Steak n Shake, we would be honored to give you and your guests free meals. https://t.co/gAlm1vYPiW
— Steak ‘n Shake (@SteaknShake) October 2, 2025
The White House has already gotten the message, as Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino reposted it on X late Wednesday night.
🙌@WhiteHouse @SecWar @RapidResponse47 @SecVetAffairs @SecRubio @ArlingtonNatl @DeptVetAffairs https://t.co/F7EUJRyBxU
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) October 2, 2025
Stay tuned…. Rodney may get an invite to Washington, D.C. after all!
Thursday morning, Smith added the following update:
Family, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for your incredible support, messages, and encouragement as we’ve been trying to make mowing at Arlington National Cemetery possible. I also want to thank my local Alabama leaders—our Senators, the Governor, and our Congressman—who personally reached out with calls and have even been in contact with the White House. The White House is now aware of our post and the mission we’re hoping to accomplish.
With the government shutdown happening, things are a bit uncertain—it may happen soon, later, or possibly not at all. I’ve let them know that if needed, I can always complete this 50-state tour first and return at a later date. I also mentioned that if the White House ever needed a trim, it would be my honor to mow there as well.
I just wanted to keep everyone updated. Thank you again for standing with me today—it means more than I can ever put into words. For now, I’ll keep pushing forward. I’ve got a long day of mowing ahead as I near the finish line of this 50-state mowing tour for our heroes who have served this country.
Family, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for your incredible support, messages, and encouragement as we’ve been trying to make mowing at Arlington National Cemetery possible. I also want to thank my local Alabama leaders—our Senators, the Governor, and our… pic.twitter.com/lSqsKprbxi
— Rodney Smith Jr (@iamrodneysmith) October 2, 2025
The offers pouring in to help Smith are enough to make your heart swell with pride.
One X user wrote, “Hey man, if you’re currently in New England, and need a place to stay in Connecticut, I got a free bedroom for you.”
“If you make it to Minnesota, hit me up. I’ll get you dinner and introduce you to veterans here in my small town, we take care of each other!” another wrote.
“Would love to sponsor you in some way,” offered Ryan Waller.
“If anyone deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom it’s Rodney. He’s been humbly making positive impacts in communities in every state for years,” wrote Steve.
“Just donated $50. I know it’s not a lot, but I hope it helps,” a retired U.S. Marine wrote.
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
