A Day of Community Service at Iowa’s Veteran Home
The spirit of community service came alive in Marshalltown as Treehugger Complete Tree Care hosted Iowa’s annual Saluting Branches event. This remarkable initiative brought together skilled professionals to enhance the grounds of Iowa’s Veteran Home, making it a more beautiful and safer place for those who served our nation.
By the Numbers: Making a Difference
- 30 trees safely removed
- 20+ trees expertly pruned
- 4,500+ volunteers nationwide
- $4 million in donated services
- 100 veteran properties served
Where Professional Skills Meet Patriotic Purpose
Our dedicated team of experts, including:
- Professional arborists
- Ground crew specialists
- Skilled climbers
- Architects
- Welders
- Support Staff
All came together in what can only be described as a symphony of precision and purpose.
The Vermeer Partnership: Innovation Meets Service
Our collaboration with Vermeer brought additional strength to this year’s event. Their team not only provided essential equipment but also created unique opportunities for:
- Hands-on equipment testing
- Direct feedback between arborists and engineers
- Real-world application of cutting-edge tree care technology
A Living Memorial: The Significance of Trees in Veterans’ Spaces
The trees on these grounds are more than just landscape elements – they’re living monuments that provide:
- Peaceful shade for reflection
- Natural beauty for healing
- Living symbols of growth and resilience
The Human Connection
We were pleased to have Commandant Todd Jacobus, who oversees the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, stand with us for the opening ceremonies alongside many decorated veterans who would spend the day volunteering at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. The 10th annual Saluting Branches event is a day of remembrance for men and women who put their boots on to serve, and we thank them.
According to a Times-Republican article published in September 2024, Saluting Branches Organizer Dawna Deakins expressed the special nature of the event: “The arborists absolutely love coming to this day…this location is really special because we always see veterans that are sitting outside watching us, and we get to kind of see them eye to eye. So it makes this a real personal connection where we’re not just working in a cemetery, but we’re working on behalf of the veterans that served our community that we get to see live and in person.”
— Dawna Deakins, Saluting Branches Organizer/Host
This powerful testament from Dawna Deakins captures the heart of what makes the Iowa Veterans Home event uniquely special. With 40 trees identified for care by IVH Maintenance Repair Supervisor Dave McLeland, our volunteers didn’t just provide services worth thousands of dollars – they created moments of genuine connection with the very veterans they serve.
Leadership and Legacy: Special Recognition
We were honored by the presence of Commandant Todd Jacobus, Executive Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, whose support reinforced the significance of our mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saluting Branches?
Saluting Branches is the largest one-day volunteer event in the tree care industry, dedicated to providing expert tree care at veterans’ properties across America.
How can tree companies get involved?
Companies can participate by registering at salutingbranches.org to volunteer their services, equipment, or expertise for future events.
What types of tree care services are provided?
Services include tree removal, pruning, safety assessments, and general landscape maintenance, all performed by certified professionals.
How does this benefit veterans?
This initiative creates safer, more beautiful spaces for veterans while honoring their service through professional landscape maintenance at no cost to veteran facilities.
Source: “Saluting Branches Volunteers Perform Tree Work at Iowa Veterans Home Wednesday,” Times-Republican, September 2024. [Link to article]
Are you inspired by our community work? We’d love to discuss how we can work together to make a difference in our area.