VIDEO: 94-year-old Air Force veteran grows tomatoes for residents of his retirement community
Residents at a retirement home in Lufkin, Texas, can count on fresh tomatoes thanks to a dedicated 94-year-old Air Force veteran.
Richard "Andy" Anderson has been growing tomatoes in a courtyard for the past two years, using his green thumb to provide a source of fresh produce for his fellow residents.
“I treat these plants just like I would my kids. I give them tender loving care,” Anderson told /'s Vanessa Johnson.
After moving to Pinecrest Retirement Community with his wife, Wilma, he sought a way to stay active and engaged. And when he moved from his home, he couldn't bring his garden with him.
“I might go crazy if I had to just sit around here; I enjoy work,” he added.
With the support of the community director, Heath Foust, Anderson began his gardening journey with 10 buckets, which has now expanded to 26.
Anderson checks on his plants multiple times a day, and Wilma appreciates how gardening keeps him active.
Anderson enjoys tending to his tomatoes but he gets a special kind of joy out of sharing them and enjoying them with others.
“The tomatoes are for everybody that lives here. I love tomatoes, myself,” he said.
See more in the video player above.