At Elkwood Stone & Mulch, we’ve always believed that our veterans deserve more than just thanks—they deserve action. That’s why this year’s Operation Woosah has a very special recipient, and we’re proud to share his story.

Philip, a Vietnam veteran, was facing a challenge many of us take for granted: getting around his own home. Due to mobility issues, his walkway had become difficult to navigate. Hero’s Bridge reached out to us on his behalf, originally asking if we could donate some gravel. But for Philip, we felt gravel just wouldn’t be enough. We wanted to do something that made a real difference in his day-to-day life.

So we decided to step up. Instead of gravel, we provided Cambridge 3 pc design kit in Toffee Onyx with a 4.5×9 mocha border, which is not only more durable but also much easier and safer to walk on. It was important to us that Philip could move around his property comfortably and confidently. We supplied all the materials, and Rubio’s Landscapes and Hardscapes provided the labor to bring it all together. Watching the transformation was a reminder of why we do what we do.

Philip’s service is a story worth knowing. Drafted into the Army in April 1968, he was deployed to Vietnam in November of the same year. He served a 12-month tour with the 9th Infantry Support Division—eight months in Dong Tam and four in Tanan. Over the course of his service, Philip earned the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Vietnam Service Medal. These are not just medals—they are symbols of his courage, sacrifice, and commitment to something bigger than himself.

For us, Operation Woosah is about more than just landscaping. It’s about showing veterans like Philip that their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated in tangible ways. A walkway may seem small, but for Philip, it’s a meaningful improvement in his quality of life. It’s a way of saying, “We see you. We honor you. We’ve got your back.”

At Elkwood Stone & Mulch, we know our work is more than stone, mulch, and hardscapes—it’s about community and giving back. Operation Woosah is our chance to step outside of the everyday projects and use our resources to make a real impact. We’re proud to partner with organizations like Hero’s Bridge and local businesses like Rubio’s Landscapes and Hardscapes to make moments like this happen.

We hope Philip’s story inspires others to find ways to support veterans in their own communities. For us, there’s no better reminder of why we do what we do than seeing a veteran regain a bit of independence and comfort thanks to a project we were able to make happen.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here – the big reveal of Operation Woosah 2023! As we unveil this year’s project, we want to share the inspiring story behind it and the incredible individual it honors. 

Meet LCpl Hook, a courageous Marine who served with distinction during three tours in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. LCpl Hook’s journey took him through the harrowing landscapes of Fallujah, Baghdad, and Saqlawia from 2003 to 2007. Alongside his fellow Marines, he faced unimaginable challenges, witnessing both the sacrifices made on the battlefield and the lasting scars left by war. 

LCpl Hook’s service exemplifies the spirit of sacrifice and dedication that defines our armed forces. Despite the heavy toll of combat, he continues to embody resilience and strength, striving to overcome the physical and emotional wounds of his service. 

This year, LCpl Hook was nominated for Operation Woosah by his loved ones, who shared the profound impact his service has had on their lives. We were deeply moved by LCpl Hook’s story and knew that we had to rally together as a community to support him in return. 

We were happy to donate all of the materials for the project, ensuring that LCpl Hook’s dream became a reality. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Wes Smith of Garrett Enterprises and Associates LLC who donated his time and skills, we’ve been able to make LCpl Hook’s dream a reality. 

From the Cambridge 3 pc in Toffee Onyx to the Maytrx wall in Toffee Onyx, every detail of this project has been carefully crafted to create a sanctuary for LCpl Hook and his family. And with Wes Smith’s expertise, additional enhancements like the driveway refresh, gutter downspout burial, and tree removal have truly elevated the space to new heights. 

We cannot express enough gratitude to Wes Smith of Garrett Enterprises for his unwavering dedication. Together, we’ve made a meaningful difference in the life of a true American hero.