Brian Bruce
Rainbow Scientific Advancements
How/why you became involved: I became involved after the third year of Saluting Branches and having had been a part of being a site leader here in San Diego at Fort Rosecrans. I felt a calling to be more involved and at capacity where I could make a bigger difference and grow the organization. Shortly after I was contacted by an existing board member who told me they were looking at growing the BOD’s. I felt they found me when I had a desire to become a part of something bigger than what I was currently doing on an annual basis.
What it means to be part of this board: Having served in uniform previously for 18 years I know what it means to serve. My father is a retired Colonel in the Marine Corp and I grew up in and around the Marine Corps, Semper Fi. In my time serving I, lost two very close friends in the line of duty. There is not a day that goes by I do not think of Tony and Dan and I hold them close to my heart. Becoming a part of SB allowed me to memorialize them and their legacy they left for so many. It often reminds of the saying “All gave some, and some gave all.” SB is something that is bigger than us and we have a hand in shaping it until we pass the torch.
Ben Cooper
Rainbow Treecare
How/why you became involved: I am a part of the team that created this project. I am inspired to make an impact with our skills as arborists for the veterans who have given everything for us.
What it means to be part of this board: This event creates the opportunity for arborists across the US to unite once per year to give back. It is an honor to be a part of the team that makes this possible for those volunteers each year and the impact each of them makes at the veteran properties we serve.
Brent Cooper
Rainbow Treecare
How/why you became involved: The thought of what every person buried in these cemeteries has done us is overwhelming. This event allows me to express my gratitude to all of our servicemen and women on a scale that I could never accomplish on my own. My goal is that everyone that goes there to visit a loved one feels like they are entering a place that is honoring their loved ones and really cares about their final resting place.
What it means to be part of this board: It means more than I could ever express in words. It is a great honor to be a part of a board that works to honor our veterans.
Billy Davis
Arborscapes
How/why you became involved: The Saluting Branches organization has grown tremendously. It is incredible to be a part of an organization that does so much for our Veterans, our country, and our profession. Being a part of the day of service each year and seeing everyone show up, and the pride and comradery displayed, is just the most humbling experience.
What it means to be part of this board: It is an honor to be a part of this board and to help support the growth, and increase the awareness and involvement
Dustin Zel Gibbs
Sprouts Farmers Market
How/why you became involved: I became part of Saluting Branches to help raise awareness and give respect to all veterans and their families.
What it means to be part of this board: I was fortunate enough to get a start in the arborist community by chance through volunteering during a difficult time of my life and being part of this board has been the most sincere form of humility I have ever felt.
Brandon Hughson
Rainbow Tree Company
How/why you became involved: I am a member of the team that formulated the original idea of Saluting Branches. Seeing the difference that arborists can make in our Veteran Cemeteries across the country is very inspiring.
What it means to be part of this board: Being part of the Saluting Branches board is an honor and allows the arborist community to give back to our Veterans that have given so much to us and our Country. Every year Saluting Branches makes an impact on the Veteran properties we serve.
Greg Krogstad
Rainbow Treecare
How/Why you became involved: I got involved in 2005 with a group of local Minnesota-based companies volunteering at Fort Snelling Cemetery.
What it means to be part of this board: Saluting Branches is extremely rewarding to me as it combines my love for the tree industry with my passion to recognize the service of U.S. veterans. Each September during the Saluting Branches service day I reflect on my immediate family members that served in WWII, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, the Iraq war, and the war in Afghanistan.
Kara Mayle
The Davey Tree Expert Company
How/why you became involved: I was lucky enough to be introduced to Saluting Branches through Davey Tree. I was the point person at Davey to help communicate and recruit employees to participate in the day of service. From there, I fell in love with Saluting Branches, the people, and what it represents.
What it means to be part of this board: It is a great privilege to not only work beside several veterans on our board, but to honor and respect veterans and their families, across our entire country, with just one event!
Jenny Stethem
Rainbow Tree Company
How/Why you became involved: The team knew after the first event that Saluting Branches would be an annual event for years to come. I am not a tree care professional but knew there was an opportunity and need to have a person with administrative and accounting skills to help manage the finances!
What it means to be part of this board: I have several family members, including my dad, buried at Fort Snelling and Arlington National cemeteries. It means a lot to me that so many people are willing to volunteer their time and talent to care for the cemeteries and veteran properties.
