Delivering Wreaths and Scholarships

TCA’s goal for 2025 is to fill an entire trailer with approximately 5,000 sponsored wreaths that will be delivered to participating cemeteries in December. Each wreath sponsorship is $17, and when purchased through TCA’s dedicated link, $5 goes directly to the TCA Scholarship Fund, helping students with ties to the truckload industry.

By taking part, supporters are both remembering a veteran and contributing to the future of the trucking community. Details on sponsoring wreaths are available at truckload.org/wreaths-across-america. Those interested in assisting with wreath deliveries can visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/getinvolved/supporttransportation.

Recognizing Professional Drivers

The night before the wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, TCA and Pilot Flying J will host the annual Wreaths Across America Arlington Driver Appreciation Dinner. This year’s gathering is set for Friday, December 12. More than 75 professional drivers and guests will receive a meal and a token of appreciation for their contributions.

“Keep Moving Forward” – The 2025 Theme

Wreaths Across America has chosen “Keep Moving Forward” as its theme for 2025. The words came from Captain Joshua Byers, U.S. Army, moments after an IED struck his Humvee in Fallujah, Iraq, on July 23, 2003.

As Company Commander of Fox Troop in the 2/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment, Byers’ final command to his driver — “Keep moving forward” — saved lives, even though he did not survive. His family and fellow soldiers carried those words as a lasting call to persevere.

“There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities, and a country, but we must keep moving forward together,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA. “This year, we will share not only the Byers’ story of resilience but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward.”

The Meaning Behind Each Wreath

WAA explains that every wreath placed in honor of a veteran is made from 10 balsam bouquets, each representing qualities America’s veterans embody:

• Belief in a greater good
• Love for one another
• Strength, work ethic, and character
• Honesty and integrity
• Humility, selflessness, and modesty
• Ambitions and aspirations
• Optimism for America
• Concern for the future
• Pride in their duties
• Hopes and dreams, fulfilled or not, with no regrets

Symbolism is woven into every part of the wreath: evergreen boughs for endurance, the fresh scent of balsam for purity and simplicity, a red bow for sacrifice, and its circular shape for eternity.

Image Source: Wreaths Across America
Source: The Trucker

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Shannon Currier, who leads philanthropy at SCF, shared her gratitude: “We are deeply grateful for the entire TA team for their continued support and generosity. Their commitment to support and promote our programs significantly amplifies our efforts to assist truck drivers in need. This long-time collaboration not only highlights the spirit of community within the trucking industry, but also provides essential support to our drivers, ensuring they receive the help they need while on the road. Thank you, TA, for being a steadfast partner in our mission.”

TA recently shared that their annual charity golf event in August was their best yet, bringing in almost $200,000. These funds will be shared equally between SCF and TAT. SCF, which helps drivers who can’t work due to illness or injury, will also receive an extra $89,000 from a Round-Up campaign that took place in June and July at TA, Petro, and TA Express locations.

Esther Goetsch, Executive Director of TAT, also expressed her appreciation: “This support is crucial in our fight against human trafficking. Truck stops play a big role in keeping communities safe, and TA’s actions are making a difference.” In addition to raising funds, TA also works to spread awareness by training their staff every year and posting helpful information in their restrooms for anyone who might need it. TA has become a key partner in tackling this serious issue.

TA also thanked everyone who contributed to these efforts.

Debi Boffa, CEO of TA, said, “We are deeply grateful to our guests, partners, and team members who have shown incredible generosity. SCF and TAT do important work for the trucking community, and we’re committed to continuing our support for their efforts.”

Source: The Trucker

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In a significant effort to improve the health and well-being of young truckers, the Trucking Cares Foundation has awarded a generous $40,000 grant to the Next Generation in Trucking Foundation. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to educating and training the next generation of professionals in the trucking industry.

TruckFit Program to Enhance CDL Training Across North America

The grant will enable the integration of the TruckFit program into CDL training programs offered by the foundation in high schools, community colleges, and private institutions across North America. This innovative fitness program is specifically designed to teach new drivers the importance of maintaining both their physical and mental health while on the road.

Phil Byrd, chairman of the Trucking Cares Foundation, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Next Generation in Trucking Foundation equips individuals with skills that will open the door of opportunity to more young people seeking economic independence in the trucking industry. Through this donation, the Trucking Cares Foundation hopes to support this organization’s noble mission as well as promote healthy and active lifestyles so that new drivers can sustain these rewarding careers for the long haul.”

Supporting Long-Term Health for Future Truckers

Dave Dein, CDL coordinator and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, highlighted the program’s significance, saying, “With long-term driver health as the cornerstone of the Next Generation in Trucking model curriculum, we are ecstatic to be able to offer the TruckFit curriculum to schools. The TruckFit program is essential to ensure students have the knowledge and practical application to enter the workforce with the foundation to prioritize their physical and mental health. We are overjoyed to be able to partner with the Trucking Cares Foundation in conjunction with Dr. Mark Manera of Offshift, a digital health company built for trucking, to ensure graduates sustain long and healthy careers in the trucking industry.”

A Healthier Workforce for the Future

Lindsey Trent, president and co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association, added, “Driver health is a priority as we train the next-generation workforce of commercial drivers. Now, with the partnership with the Trucking Cares Foundation, we can make this a reality and offer practical ways for student drivers to stay healthy while on the road before their careers begin.”

This partnership between the Trucking Cares Foundation and the Next Generation in Trucking Foundation underscores a shared commitment to fostering a healthier, more sustainable trucking workforce for the future.

Source: Truckers News

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Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, initiated by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,600 cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to Sponsor a Wreath for 2024, please visit Wreaths Across America.

Hosted by the Bennett Family of Companies in collaboration with Tony Justice, this event aims to be the largest patriotic show in the trucking, showcasing a profound love for America while supporting a noble cause.

Activities throughout the event, including the Wreaths Across America Golf Ball Drop and the Proud Owners of Patriotic BIG Rig Trucks showcase, aim to honor and celebrate our heroes. Patriotic truck owners from across the nation will display their vehicles, showcasing their journeys and contributions to transporting wreaths from Columbia Falls, ME to National Cemeteries across the country. These trucks will share their trips, locations, and the number of wreaths they’ve hauled over the years, adding a unique and meaningful element to the event.

All proceeds from this event will contribute to covering the 20,700 gravesites at Andersonville National Cemetery with wreaths during the Christmas season, alongside supporting military cemeteries across Georgia.

Don’t miss the special moments planned for this year’s event, including an electrifying performance by recording artist Tony Justice. On Saturday evening, Tony will take the stage for a live concert, featuring his signature song, “Stars, Stripes and White Lines”. Additionally, Saturday afternoon will feature a special presentation of the American Flag alongside a flyover of Vietnam Era Huey and Cobra Helicopters, symbolizing unity and honor.

Join the mission to make a difference and celebrate freedom at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 1-2, 2024. Let’s come together to honor our heroes and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Click here for more information or to register for the event.

Source: Bennett Events

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Open to all types of trucks, registration for this event is now open, with a participation fee of $50 per truck. But that’s not all – you can even bid for your truck to drive in prime positions within the convoy! First, second, third or caboose positions are all up for auction, and the winners will get to display a special banner on their trucks during the event. Plus, the winner of the first prize will receive extensive publicity on the convoy website, flyers and Facebook page.

Last year’s event was a huge success, raising $17,000 for Make-A-Wish. But this year, we aim to surpass that target, and it’s all down to you, truckers! Alfred Sellers, the convoy president, is urging all truckers to join in to help beat their previous record.

“The drivers are by far the most important part of the convoy,” Sellers said in a comment to Land Line. “Without them, there is no convoy, there’s nothing for people to sponsor. Drivers are the heart of our convoy!”

Trophies will be awarded to drivers in the following categories, adding excitement to your experience and making your participation even more rewarding.

• Oldest truck
• Oldest working truck
• Driver who traveled farthest to participate
• Most trucks from one company
• Drivers’ choice

The inaugural event drew 52 trucks, but the goal is to exceed that number with at least 75 trucks for the 27-mile route through Southern Indiana. On top of the convoy, enjoy live music, delicious food from food trucks, and a silent auction. Bring the kids for free entertainment such as games, bubbles, face-painting, and a touch-a-truck experience.

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana’s director of marketing and communications, Katie Ferrell, attests that events like this convoy make a significant impact in turning wishes into reality.

“Right now, more than 60 children with critical illnesses in southern Indiana are waiting for their life-changing wishes to come true,” Ferrell told Land Line. “That’s why events like the Southern Indiana Truck Convoy are so important. All the money we raise helps us make a difference for children and families right here in our community. We’re so grateful for the support!”

To learn more, donate to the event, or register your truck check out their site HERE.

Source: Land Line

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