Huntsville Man Mows Veterans' Lawns In All 50 States

HUNTSVILLE, AL - When 29-year-old Rodney Smith, Jr. of Huntsville arrived in Hawaii this week, it completed a patriotic quest that has been two years in the making. Smith traveled to all 50 states to mow lawns for free for U.S. veterans, saying he hopes to "encourage others to get others to get out there and help out, especially the veterans."

Smith's inspiration came in 2015, when he was driving home in Huntsville and saw an elderly man trying to mow his lawn.

"It looked like he was struggling, so I pulled over and helped him," Smith told ABC News. "That's when I got my goal to mow lawns for free for the elderly, single moms and veterans."

Smith has traveled to all 50 states to promote his work in 2017 and in 2018, but this is the first time he is doing it to raise awareness for veterans. "I thought I would travel to all 50 states to make people more aware of the foundation," he said.

He drove himself through the 48 continental states, but said Delta Airlines helped him reach his last two states, Alaska and Hawaii, after he tweeted at them.

Smith said he gets support for his trip and for his "50 Lawn Challenge" organization from people all over the country. "They give me rooms to stay, they purchase the hotel room," he said. "Sometimes they fill up my tank of gas."

Smith estimates that since 2015 he's mowed at least 2,500 lawns, and said he's finally found his purpose: "My true purpose in life is helping people."

He said currently, there are about 400 kids nationwide that are taking part in the 50 Yard Challenge.