Art helps PestVet heal

Sgt. Moore joined the Army at age 21, and served three combat deployments to Iraq, from 2004-2010. After he left the military, he studied art in college, and continues to express his feelings through his paintings. Photo: Michele Moore

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and FMC named Sgt. Phillip Moore, Trutech Wildlife Service, Sarasota/Fort Myers, Fla., the 2022 David Cooksey PestVet of the Year.

During Legislative Day 2022, Sgt. Moore was recognized for his leadership and involvement in community volunteer activities, as well as his contributions to the pest control industry, Trutech, and Veterans. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a member of such a tremendous industry,” he told Pest Management Professional. “The pest management world has broadened my horizon, and opened my eyes.”

As a Veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Sgt. Moore realized how important art is to his post-war healing process. He created “The Art of War,” 18 paintings that show moments of combat captured through the eyes of someone who is color-blind. The collection is now a traveling exhibit and currently on display at The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda, Fla.

After leaving the Army, Sgt. Moore missed the adrenaline rush he experienced in combat, and the opportunity to help others. “It was crucial I found a job that was exciting and a little dangerous, in order to help people and wildlife simultaneously,” he says. He relocated from Illinois to Florida for its dangerous wildlife species, noting “I try to save the world, one customer or animal at a time.”

U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) honored Sgt. Moore with the FL- 17MVP Award for his display of extraordinary dedication to making a difference. Rep. Steube commissioned a replica of Sgt. Moore’s “Sunrise on the City” painting; it hangs in his office on Capitol Hill. Photo: Michele Moore

Sgt. Moore created the Sgt. Phillip S. Moore Veterans Art Scholarship so other veterans could experience the benefits of art therapy. It is open to all veterans who want to pursue a free art class as a way to heal and recover, and as of early March, has raised more than $17,000. Sales of “The Art of War” calendar benefit the scholarship fund. Sgt. Moore says he recently finished paintings slated for the 2023 “Art of War” calendar. Learn more at www.northportartcenter.org/Art-of-war. Photo: Michele Moore

Sgt. Moore, left, receives the award from Tom Wharton, North American sales manager, Pest, FMC Professional Solutions business unit. The NPMA launched the PestVets program in 2015, and FMC has offered support since its inception. The PestVets award was renamed on July 4, 2021, to honor David Cooksey — retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, former member of the NPMA’s PestVets Council, and CFO of McCall Service, Jacksonville, Fla. — who passed away suddenly on May 14, 2021. PHOTO: PMP STAFF