“We are honored to team up with Wreaths Across America,” said Courtney Niemann, executive director of SCF. “This partnership gives our community in the trucking industry a meaningful way to participate in a time-honored tradition of remembrance and gratitude for our veterans.”

Through this partnership, SCF is helping highlight WAA’s mission of Remembering the Fallen, Honoring Those Who Serve, and Teaching the Next Generation the Value of Freedom. Drivers, carriers, trucking industry partners, family, and friends are encouraged to visit the SCF landing page on the WAA site. From there, supporters can select “Sponsor Wreaths,” choose a location, and complete a sponsorship to place a wreath at a veteran’s gravesite.

Shared Values Between Truckers and the Military

The trucking industry has a deep connection with the military. Many professional drivers are veterans themselves, continuing to serve the nation by keeping the economy moving. Both communities embrace values such as commitment, resilience, and sacrifice, making this partnership a natural way to honor these ideals.

“By supporting Wreaths Across America, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and our partners are helping ensure that every veteran’s grave is recognized with a wreath, symbolizing the gratitude of a nation that will never forget their service,” said Norita Taylor, SCF board president and director of public relations at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).

How Truckers Can Get Involved

“The St. Christopher Fund encourages every individual and organization across the trucking and logistics sector to participate,” SCF said. “Whether sponsoring a wreath, volunteering on-site at the ceremony, or spreading the word among colleagues and loved ones, your involvement helps amplify the message of remembrance.”

Beyond honoring veterans, SCF supports the trucking community through nationwide short-term relief programs for Class A OTR drivers affected by illness or injury in the past year. The nonprofit also provides free preventive health and wellness initiatives, including tobacco cessation, diabetes prevention, chronic disease management, at-home cancer screenings, and vaccine vouchers, all aimed at keeping drivers on the road safely.

For those interested in donating or sponsoring the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, contact Diane Hutsell, director of philanthropy, via email at diane@truckersfund.org.

Source: The Trucker

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A Mission Shrouded in Tragedy

On March 16, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 departed on a classified reconnaissance mission to Vietnam under orders from President John F. Kennedy. The aircraft, carrying 93 American service members, 11 civilian crew members, and 4 Vietnamese citizens, mysteriously vanished. Despite extensive search efforts, no wreckage or remains were ever found, leaving behind unanswered questions and an enduring legacy of sacrifice.

A Tribute Long Overdue

For years, the names of those lost on Flight 739 were absent from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Seeking to right this wrong, Wreaths Across America took action in 2021. Led by founder Morrill Worcester, the organization established a permanent memorial in Maine, set on the Worcester family’s balsam tip land—the same land used to harvest balsam for wreaths placed on veterans’ graves during National Wreaths Across America Day.

This monument ensures that the individuals aboard Flight 739 are forever honored, recognizing their service and sacrifice in a way history had long neglected.

Source: FleetOwner

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This effort is part of WAA’s larger mission to “Remember, Honor, and Teach,” dedicating time and resources year-round to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.

Driving with Purpose

Jane Good, one of JT Logistics’ Honor Fleet drivers, has been a part of this initiative for three years. Her personal connection to the mission gives her work profound meaning.

“It is a blessing to honor my late husband Eugene and other fallen veterans in this way. We ensure their memories and sacrifices for this country are never forgotten,” shared Good. “I’m grateful JT Logistics prioritizes resources for transporting these special wreaths for our community to remember our veterans, while our staff ensures that our clients make the holiday season memorable for their customers by providing efficient, timely warehousing and fulfillment services during peak season.”

JT Logistics’ Honor Fleet isn’t working alone. This year, over 700 trucks will transport wreaths to more than 4,000 locations across all 50 states and internationally. With the help of 3 million volunteers, National Wreaths Across America Day will once again unite communities in gratitude and remembrance.

A Personal Tribute

For JT Logistics driver Edward Dolsen, Jr., this mission is personal. Dolsen reflected on his experience, saying, “It is an honor to be able to serve my fallen brothers and sisters in arms by bringing the wreaths to be placed on their graves. The Iowa Veteran Cemetery holds a special place in my heart because that’s where my best friend is buried. We ensure their memories and sacrifices for this country are never forgotten.”

Both Good and Dolsen exemplify the dedication of those involved in this national initiative, reminding us of the importance of remembering the sacrifices veterans have made.

A Company-wide Commitment

JT Logistics’ involvement with Wreaths Across America is one of many ways the company demonstrates its commitment to community service. According to President and CEO Jamie Cord, “Our sponsorship of Wreaths Across America allows us to honor Iowa’s fallen soldiers and their families. Transporting wreaths from the nonprofit’s headquarters in Maine to our state’s cemeteries enables communities to remember veterans and reflect on the value of freedom. National Wreaths Across America Day gives our team and nation the opportunity to briefly pause from our busy schedules during the holiday season to reflect on the true spirit of giving.”

Wreaths Across America – How You Can Get Involved

For more information about year-round Wreaths Across America initiatives, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Source: The Trucker

Image: JT Logistics

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The convoy will conclude its weeklong journey at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, December 14, 2024, coinciding with National Wreaths Across America Day, a day dedicated to honoring veterans and their sacrifices.

Public Stops Along the Way

The official route, which is accessible here, features several public events taking place in states including Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. These stops provide community members the chance to observe the convoy and participate in this important commemoration.

Participating Trucking Companies

The Escort to Arlington has grown considerably, featuring 14 tractor-trailers this year, operated by leading trucking companies, including:

• Baylor Trucking

• Budd Van Lines

• Saia LTL

• Schneider National

• Witte Bros. Exchange, Inc.

• Page ETC Transportation

• Delhaize Transportation LLC (operating as Hannaford Supermarkets)

• American Trucking Associations – Workforce Heroes

• Cargo Transporters, Inc.

• Prime Inc.

• Brown Dog Carriers

• Walmart Transportation

• Interstate Van Lines

• H.O. Wolding, Inc. (operating as Bison Transport USA)

Load One Carriers will continue its pivotal role as the ceremonial wreath transporter throughout the weeklong event.

These organizations each carry a portion of the sponsored veterans’ wreaths that thousands of volunteers will later place at Arlington National Cemetery, commemorating the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans.

Chevrolet Supports the Mission

For the 10th consecutive year, Chevrolet has generously provided 12 escort vehicles, including the all-electric Silverado EV RST, to transport Gold Star and Blue Star family members as well as veterans accompanying the convoy throughout the week. Chevrolet has also sponsored 4,000 veterans’ wreaths for placement at Arlington.

Expanding Participation Nationwide

While Arlington National Cemetery is a focal point, National Wreaths Across America Day is celebrated at more than 4,800 locations across the country. These ceremonies are free and open to the public, offering everyone the opportunity to take part in honoring veterans by volunteering to place wreaths in their memory.

Visit the Wreaths Across America website to find a participating location near you and join this powerful movement of remembrance and gratitude.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Wreaths Across America

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“WAA is seeking carriers and drivers to join our mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach,” states the organization.  “As the program continues to grow, with over 4,500 participating locations nationwide this year, several opportunities exist to find the perfect lane and make a meaningful impact.” Annually, Wreaths Across America partners with over 300 transportation companies to ensure wreaths reach over 4,200 cemeteries, honoring millions of veterans.

“Wreaths Across America relies on the transportation industry to move the mission,” mentions Courtney George, director of trucking and industry relations at Wreaths Across America. The ‘Honor Fleet’, consisting of carriers and drivers, reliably delivers sponsored veterans’ wreaths nationwide.

Find out more about volunteering and join the mission here.

OOIDA Teams Up with Wreaths Across America

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has teamed up with Wreaths Across America to sponsor 5,000 wreaths for Arlington National Cemetery this December. This partnership allows people to sponsor wreaths for $17, supporting both WAA and OOIDA’s Truckers For Troops campaign.

“We have wanted to find a way to participate as an association, knowing that many of our members themselves volunteer to haul for Wreaths Across America,” says Norita Taylor, OOIDA’s public relations director.

Long-time WAA supporter Don Crouse remarks, “Once you haul these wreaths, you’re going to want to be there every year.” OOIDA member Lamar Buckwalter says, “I’m trying to promote a positive view of trucking.”  “I’ve built a lot of good friendships and hope to make an impact along the way. These aren’t just wreaths. They represent and celebrate the life of a fallen veteran.”

Source: Land Line

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