VIRGINIA BEACH Va. (WVEC)-- A local organization, run by veterans, is doing more than just helping clean up the community.
JDog Junk Removal is giving veterans a renewed sense of purpose, and they've been cleaning up Hampton Roads for two years.
Keith Green is the owner of the JDog Junk Removal Virginia Beach. He served in the Navy for 24 years.
Daniel Sharp is the owner of the JDog Junk Removal Chesapeake.
“Twelve years in the marine corps. I deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantryman, and my last duty station was here,” said Sharp.
They both know how easy it is to collect junk, and how quickly families need to clear it out when the military tells them to move.
“We’ve probably done twenty moves, you know from different houses and stuff,” Green said.
“I saw other service members struggle with having to clean out stuff before they changed bases, especially the ones who had children,” said Sharp.
These junk removal experts don’t throw away all the items. Instead, they recycle and donate what they can to charities like Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughter, Disabled American Veterans, and the Salvation Army.
Green said working with veterans in a service needed by veterans does as much for the yard, as it does for the heart.
“That sense of service that’s continuing on that I was missing,” said Green.
Sharp said this restored sense of purpose creates a space for veterans especially young ones.
“Deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan only to be in their early twenties or mid-twenties when they get out, and they still need to find gainful employment, and we strive to put veterans to work,” Sharp said.
JDog Junk owners said they are still hiring vets. For more information on JDog Junk Removal, click here.