For Dean Croke, trucking has always been about more than freight. Long before he became a recognized industry analyst, he was a driver at heart. That connection to the road ultimately led him to one of the most meaningful missions in trucking today: Wreaths Across America.
Croke’s involvement began with a personal tribute. He placed a custom fifth wheel cover on his Peterbilt in honor of a close friend who served in the Vietnam War. What started as a quiet nod to a friend soon opened the door to a nationwide effort that brings the trucking industry together each year to honor fallen military service members.
“He’s my best friend in Australia, a trucker, and he always wanted to come to America and drive Peterbilts with me,” Croke said.
Originally from New South Wales, Australia, Croke now serves as a principal analyst for DAT Freight and Analytics. His professional path, however, started far from spreadsheets and market reports. He learned the trade behind the wheel, hauling freight for his family’s trucking company in Australia’s Outback.
That lifelong passion for driving never faded. His 2003 Peterbilt 379, known throughout the industry as “The Grumpy Pete,” regularly appears at major truck shows and industry events across the United States.
A Radio Interview That Changed Everything
Croke’s introduction to Wreaths Across America came unexpectedly during the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. While showcasing his truck, he joined Radio Nemo as a guest. During the same broadcast, Courtney George, director of transportation and industry relations for Wreaths Across America, explained the organization’s mission.
“As Courtney was explaining what the organization does, I thought, ‘What a wonderful concept — they put wreaths on the headstones of all of the fallen heroes at Arlington,’” Croke said.
The story behind the organization captured his attention. What began years ago when a wreathmaker placed 5,000 excess wreaths on military graves had grown into a massive national effort powered largely by volunteer truck drivers.
“So, with my Vietnam War connection friend from Australia represented on the back of my truck, I went to Arlington last year just to see what this was about,” he shared. “I watched all the trucks wrapped with pictures of fallen heroes — and then I saw all the fleet trucks wrapped in military colors and themes that were driven by veterans.”
For Croke, the experience revealed how deeply the mission resonates within the trucking community.
“It’s a very moving experience to be part of (the WAA mission). Some drivers spend a week’s vacation (participating) just to connect with all of their buddies,” he said, noting that many drivers involved are veterans themselves. “And even those who never served in the military have found a common bond through delivering the wreaths.”
Seeing the Mission at Its Starting Point
In 2025, Croke had the opportunity to witness Wreaths Across America from its origin point in Columbia Falls, Maine. There, wreaths are produced, organized, and dispatched to destinations across North America and beyond.
The scale of the operation left a lasting impression.
“I was just blown away by the scale of the operation — from the thousands of acres of balsam trees to the hundreds of workers … to the cook team that serves three meals a day in the driver’s lounge, and the dispatch process,” he said.
The setup, he explained, mirrors the logistics operations drivers know well.
“It’s like a combination of a truck stop and a truck terminal. They have everything there,” he said. “It was amazing to watch this process of trucks in and out: The trucks come in and drive around the building; then the drivers come in, sit down, have coffee and food.”
Despite the constant movement, nothing is left to chance. Pickup times are scheduled, loads are prepped, and trucks move through the facility from early morning until midnight until every wreath is on its way.
“I watched this Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (leading up to the truck convoy from Maine to Arlington), and it was this amazing process of trucks in and out,” he said. “It’s cold. It was down to 2 degrees one night.”
The Honor Fleet and the Communities Along the Way
Among the many drivers who volunteer to transport wreaths, being selected for the honor fleet traveling to Arlington National Cemetery carries special meaning.
As the convoy makes its way south, communities along the route gather to show their support. Schools, families, and veterans line the roads, often in freezing temperatures, waving flags and cheering as the trucks pass.
“To see each of the communities that get involved in this — that’s something I never really appreciated, (seeing) the schoolkids out in the cold, waiting for the trucks to pull in and waving their flags,” Croke said.
The shared purpose creates bonds that last well beyond the event.
“The best part is the connections I’ve been able to make with this network of truckers; it’s just a wonderful group of people,” he said. “I’ve become pretty good friends with a bunch of these guys. You could see how they become lifelong connections with this network of truckers.”
A Moment That Put Everything Into Perspective
One interaction during the 2025 event stood out above all others. While at the Wreaths Across America facility, Croke met a couple participating in the honor fleet in memory of their son, Staff Sergeant James C. Shepard. Shepard had served in the Marine Corps for more than ten years before taking his own life.
“In the driver’s lounge (at WAA), you can make your own wreaths,” Croke said. He watched as the parents personally assembled the wreath that would be placed on their son’s grave. “I don’t know if I can adequately put into words what something like that means.”
Closing the Mission at Arlington
Croke’s 2025 Wreaths Across America experience concluded on December 13, National Wreaths Across America Day, at Arlington National Cemetery. There, he served as a radio host as wreaths were placed in remembrance of fallen service members.
For truck drivers and industry leaders alike, his story highlights the role trucking plays beyond commerce. It is a reminder of how the industry can come together to move something far more meaningful than freight.
To learn more about Wreaths Across America or find out how to get involved, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Image Source: Dean Croke (left) captures a visit with Dave Nemo, host of RadioNemo.com, and Martin Garsee, director of transportation training at Houston Community College, during Wreaths Across America 2025. (Photo courtesy of Dean Croke)
