In Portland, Oregon, one EcoShield Pest Solutions team found a powerful way to serve in honor of September 11th.

Tucked into Town Center Park in Wilsonville, Oregon, the Oregon Korean War Memorial stands as a quiet place of remembrance. Built in 2000, this granite monument honors Oregonians who were killed or went missing during the Korean War. More than just stone and names, it is a space where visitors come to reflect, honor, and learn about the sacrifices of those who served.

Recognizing the memorial’s significance, the local EcoShield branch decided it was time to give it some extra care. For the team, the choice was both meaningful and personal. “We thought that would be an amazing opportunity not only to remember the heroes and service members that helped so much on 9/11, but also to give back to our local community.”

The memorial is usually tended by a small landscaping crew, but it was due for additional upkeep. The EcoShield team showed up ready to work. One member shared, “we were able to polish the copper memorial. We went to the store to get the best, highest quality copper finishing solution and spent as much time as we needed to make that memorial look like it had on day one.”

Their dedication and teamwork set the tone for the day. “All of our team members didn’t wait to be told,” said General Manager James Desoto. “Everyone really wanted to do their best to honor 9/11 Day and the Korean War Memorial.”

That sense of pride and purpose fueled the project. “I think it means a lot to a team when they’re able to go out and help their community. It makes people proud of what they do. It makes people happy.”

For Desoto, the day carried even greater significance. “I served in the Navy, so 9/11 Day means extra to me. I was actually on active duty when the terrorist attack happened. We rolled out of our bunker fast and got our orders... I didn’t even know that planes had hit the Twin Towers until later that afternoon.”

Standing years later beside his teammates at a memorial dedicated to service and sacrifice, Desoto reflected on the moment’s weight. “Being able to serve specifically on that day means so much to me. I’m so grateful we could honor the heroes who died and those who served—including my friends—by giving back to our community.”

For the Portland EcoShield team, the project was about more than remembering. It was about embodying the values of leadership, service, and collaboration. “Being in the military helped me learn how to deal with conflict, find resolutions, and prepare for what’s ahead. It also helped me inspire my team and work with people from all different backgrounds.”

That same spirit continues to shape the team’s approach at EcoShield. “I love the camaraderie our team has. Being a GM really helps me feel fulfilled. It allows me to bring what I learned in the Navy into the real world.”

Their service day was a reminder that EcoShield’s mission extends beyond pest control. “It’s easy to answer that question because we are a part of the community. We don’t just kill bugs. We serve and nurture our community. We want to take an active part in being an example of service, care, and one big family.”

As the team put it best: “They say you can choose your family—and we choose to be here.”