Posted at: 05/27/2009 11:27 PM
Updated at: 05/28/2009 2:39 PM
By: Beth Wurtmann

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Volunteers help prepare for Ballston Lake soldier's return

BALLSTON LAKE - After Cindy Casey had surgery, she couldn't do yard work. So before her husband returns from Iraq, people came together to help roll out the green welcome mat.

The weeds and tall grass were no match for the volunteers. They turned an overgrown, neglected property into a welcoming sight for Mark Casey.

The platoon sergeant with the New York Army National Guard has been fighting in Iraq for a year and will be coming home this weekend.

"You won't come home to a jungle. It already look a lot better. You'd be surprised," his wife told him on the phone.

Cindy Casey has needed the help. She had surgery and couldn't take care of the lawn. Weeds and tall grass took over. 

"With the lawn mower breaking down and not being able to do the work during the surgeries, it's been very very difficult," she said.

So she called Project Evergreen, an organization that finds volunteers to help family's of deployed soldiers with lawn care. It enlisted the Boy Scouts from Troop 83 to get down to work.

"They're going through a tough time with going to Iraq. So anything we can do to help would be good," said Boy Scout Nick Kudlacik.

Cub Cadet brought in a super-sized lawn mower. The business underwrites Green Care for Troops. Volunteers from Emerich Sales and Service in Charlton also put in some elbow grease.

Mark Casey, calling in from Fort Dix, N.J. as he prepares to return home, was in the loop.

"I can't believe that they're doing all that. But it's wonderful that they're taking care of that," he said over the phone.

In a week's time, the lawn was looking good again. Cindy Casey was thankful for the helping hands.

"It's overwhelming. It's very overwhelming. And very much appreciated," she sid.

Mark Casey plans to thank all the volunteers in person for their kindness and help.