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	<title>Wreaths across America Archives - Truck Drivers USA</title>
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		<title>A Trucker’s Path to Honoring Fallen Heroes Through Wreaths Across America</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/a-truckers-path-to-honoring-fallen-heroes-through-wreaths-across-america/</link>
		
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		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:39 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=715877</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>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 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/a-truckers-path-to-honoring-fallen-heroes-through-wreaths-across-america/">A Trucker’s Path to Honoring Fallen Heroes Through Wreaths Across America</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>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: <a href="https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/">Wreaths Across America.</a></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“He’s my best friend in Australia, a trucker, and he always wanted to come to America and drive Peterbilts with me,” Croke said.</p>
<p>Originally from New South Wales, Australia, Croke now serves as a principal analyst for <a href="https://www.dat.com/trendlines">DAT Freight and Analytics</a>. 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2><strong>A Radio Interview That Changed Everything</strong></h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>For Croke, the experience revealed how deeply the mission resonates within the trucking community.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<h3><strong>Seeing the Mission at Its Starting Point</strong></h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The scale of the operation left a lasting impression.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>The setup, he explained, mirrors the logistics operations drivers know well.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<h3><strong>The Honor Fleet and the Communities Along the Way</strong></h3>
<p>Among the many drivers who volunteer to transport wreaths, being selected for the honor fleet traveling to Arlington National Cemetery carries special meaning.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p>The shared purpose creates bonds that last well beyond the event.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<h3><strong>A Moment That Put Everything Into Perspective</strong></h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<h4><strong>Closing the Mission at Arlington</strong></h4>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>To learn more about Wreaths Across America or find out how to get involved, visit <a href="https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/">wreathsacrossamerica.org.</a></p>
<p><em>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)</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/a-truckers-path-to-honoring-fallen-heroes-through-wreaths-across-america/">A Trucker’s Path to Honoring Fallen Heroes Through Wreaths Across America</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Volunteers, Carriers, and Drivers Come Together for National Wreaths Across America Day</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/volunteers-carriers-and-drivers-come-together-for-national-wreaths-across-america-day/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Truck_Drivers_USA]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=714252</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In an industry built on miles, schedules, and deadlines, there are moments that remind trucking of its deeper purpose. National Wreaths Across America Day, observed this year on December 13, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/volunteers-carriers-and-drivers-come-together-for-national-wreaths-across-america-day/">Volunteers, Carriers, and Drivers Come Together for National Wreaths Across America Day</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In an industry built on miles, schedules, and deadlines, there are moments that remind trucking of its deeper purpose. National Wreaths Across America Day, observed this year on December 13, was one of those moments.</p>
<p>Across the country, volunteers gathered at more than 5,500 national cemeteries to place wreaths on the graves of fallen service members. More than three million wreaths were laid by more than three million volunteers, turning a nationwide logistics effort into a shared act of remembrance.</p>
<p>Behind that effort stood the trucking industry.</p>
<h2><strong>Moving the Mission Forward One Load at a Time</strong></h2>
<p>At Arlington National Cemetery alone, 69 trucks delivered wreaths ahead of the event. Nationwide, more than 325 carriers helped transport nearly 700 loads, ensuring wreaths reached cemeteries in every region.</p>
<p>Those trucks arrived quietly the day before the ceremony, staging across Arlington’s rolling grounds and waiting for volunteers who would later carry each wreath to a headstone. Drivers did not arrive to fanfare or media attention. They arrived to fulfill a responsibility.</p>
<p>Jason Westcoff of NFI made his sixth delivery to Arlington this year. His wife accompanied him, and his jacket and truck bear patches marking each year he has hauled wreaths for the organization.</p>
<h3><strong>A Day Marked by Respect and Stillness</strong></h3>
<p>Despite the size of the crowd at Arlington, the atmosphere remained subdued. Visitors moved carefully across the grounds, speaking names aloud as they placed wreaths, acknowledging each service member individually.</p>
<p>There were no interviews, no cameras sweeping the crowd, and no distractions overhead. The focus stayed where it belonged, on remembrance.</p>
<p>This quiet respect is intentional and reflects the values of Wreaths Across America, whose mission centers on remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching future generations the value of freedom.</p>
<h4><strong>Where the Mission Began</strong></h4>
<p>That mission traces back to a childhood visit to Arlington National Cemetery.</p>
<p>As a 12-year-old, Morrill Worcester was struck by the scale and meaning of the site. Years later, after building a successful business, Worcester found himself with a surplus of wreaths at the end of the holiday season in 1992. Rather than discard them, he arranged for those wreaths to be placed at Arlington.</p>
<p>The gesture continued quietly for years until 2005, when an image of snow-covered headstones adorned with wreaths circulated online. What had once been a small tribute grew into a national movement.</p>
<h3><strong>Why Trucking Matters to Wreaths Across America</strong></h3>
<p>As the program expanded, trucking became essential.</p>
<p>Wreaths Across America depends on carriers and drivers to move wreaths from Maine to cemeteries across the country. Without that network, the mission would not scale.</p>
<p>Executive Director Karen Worcester emphasized this reality during this year’s escort, stating twice, “Wreaths Across America would not exist without the support from the nation’s trucking industry.”</p>
<h4><strong>Drivers Share Why They Participate</strong></h4>
<p>For many drivers, participating is personal.</p>
<p>Brown Dog Carriers driver Steven Bouthillette delivered his first load this year after planning to take part for some time.</p>
<p>“I’ve wanted to be a part of this event for a long time and was scheduled to deliver last year,” explains Bouthillette. “But circumstances came up that changed plans.</p>
<p>“Missing it wasn’t going to happen again though,” he jokes. “I reminded my dispatcher regularly all this year that I would make it to Arlington. And it truly is a privilege to be here this year.”</p>
<p>Schneider driver Patrice Cook has delivered wreaths to Arlington for four consecutive years while driving a Ride of Pride truck that honors military service. Cook herself served nearly 24 years in the Army.</p>
<p>“I’ve been so lucky to attend this event for a few years now, to meet so many great people in the organization and at the Cemetery,” explained Cook. “This is the best load I haul all year. When I tell drivers that and they doubt me, I just say, ‘Do it once, and you’ll see.’”</p>
<p>She added, “But what’s particularly special is that I get to drive this truck all year long.”</p>
<h4><strong>Planning Is Already Underway for Next Year</strong></h4>
<p>As soon as the 2025 event concluded, planning began for the next one. Organizing National Wreaths Across America Day requires a full year of coordination among volunteers, carriers, and sponsors.</p>
<p>Through December 31, 2025, wreath sponsorships made through registered groups are matched by the organization. Local groups can be found through Wreaths Across America’s group search.</p>
<p>The organization encourages drivers and carriers interested in participating to consider joining the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet.</p>
<p>“Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”</p>
<p>The mission remains unchanged. Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.</p>
<p>Mission accomplished.</p>
<p>Volunteers can plan ahead for December 19, 2026 at participating cemeteries nationwide. Carriers and drivers interested in supporting future events can learn more at <a href="https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/">wreathsacrossamerica.org.</a></p>
<p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.thetrucker.com/"><em>The Trucker</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/volunteers-carriers-and-drivers-come-together-for-national-wreaths-across-america-day/">Volunteers, Carriers, and Drivers Come Together for National Wreaths Across America Day</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Teams Up with Wreaths Across America to Honor Veterans</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/st-christopher-truckers-relief-fund-teams-up-with-wreaths-across-america-to-honor-veterans/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Truck_Drivers_USA]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=712349</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF) is continuing its longstanding collaboration with Wreaths Across America (WAA) in support of National Wreaths Across America Day, scheduled for Saturday, December 13. [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/st-christopher-truckers-relief-fund-teams-up-with-wreaths-across-america-to-honor-veterans/">St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Teams Up with Wreaths Across America to Honor Veterans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">The </span><a href="https://truckersfund.org/"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF)</span></a><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif"> is continuing its longstanding collaboration with </span><a href="https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Wreaths Across America (WAA)</span></a><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif"> in support of National Wreaths Across America Day, scheduled for Saturday, December 13.</span></p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2><strong>Shared Values Between Truckers and the Military</strong></h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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).</p>
<h3><strong>How Truckers Can Get Involved</strong></h3>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>For those interested in donating or sponsoring the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, contact Diane Hutsell, director of philanthropy, via email at <a href="mailto:diane@truckersfund.org">diane@truckersfund.org</a>.</p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Source: </span></i><a href="https://www.thetrucker.com/"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">The Trucker</span></i></a><i></i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/st-christopher-truckers-relief-fund-teams-up-with-wreaths-across-america-to-honor-veterans/">St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Teams Up with Wreaths Across America to Honor Veterans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>National Champs Take Top Honors at Stars, Stripes and White Lines Truck Show</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/national-champs-take-top-honors-at-stars-stripes-and-white-lines-truck-show/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Truck_Drivers_USA]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=706804</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The 2025 Stars, Stripes and White Lines (SSWL) National Championship rolled back into EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, for its second consecutive year. The event, hosted by the Bennett Family [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/national-champs-take-top-honors-at-stars-stripes-and-white-lines-truck-show/">National Champs Take Top Honors at Stars, Stripes and White Lines Truck Show</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">The 2025 Stars, Stripes and White Lines (SSWL) National Championship rolled back into EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, for its second consecutive year. The event, hosted by the Bennett Family of Companies, combines high-level truck competition with live entertainment and fundraising for Wreaths Across America, honoring the nation’s heroes.</span></p>
<p>Across November 7 and 8, truck drivers from across the country brought their rigs to compete for national titles in four categories: limited bobtail, limited combo, working bobtail, and working combo. The trucks and drivers were invited based on standout performances at other shows throughout the year.</p>
<h3><strong>2025 National Champions:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Limited Combo:</strong> Don Wood, DSD Transport, 2003 Peterbilt 379</li>
<li><strong>Limited Bobtail:</strong> CJ Nairn &amp; Drew Royce, 2025 Kenworth W900L</li>
<li><strong>Working Combo:</strong> Rob Baesel, AN Transport, 2024 Peterbilt 389</li>
<li><strong>Working Bobtail:</strong> Kenny Ziglar, Ziglar Transport, 2007 Peterbilt 379</li>
</ul>
<p>Don Wood’s “High Maintenance” 2003 Peterbilt 379 took a celebratory lap around the track as one of the event’s standout winners.</p>
<p>The show also featured motorcycle and Jeep competitions across categories such as Best in Stock, Custom, Old-School, Bagger, and Sound. An Open Class champion was named for Best Overall, completing the lineup of winners across all machines.</p>
<p>A signature highlight of the weekend was the golf ball drop, where 499 numbered balls were dropped from a Huey helicopter toward a painted target. Winners donated all cash prizes, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, directly to Wreaths Across America, amplifying the charitable impact of the event.</p>
<p>Marcia G. Taylor, owner and CEO of the Bennett Family of Companies, said, “It’s truly amazing to see everyone come out to support such an important mission of remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation about the sacrifice of freedom. I’m honored to have seen the event more than double in size since last year, and I can’t wait to see what Stars, Stripes and White Lines 2026 brings.”</p>
<p>The 2025 SSWL National Championship reinforced the strong sense of community in the trucking world, showcasing drivers’ skills, their rigs, and their dedication to giving back while celebrating the culture of big rigs on the road.</p>
<p><em>Image Source: Bennett Family of Companies</em></p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Source: </span></i><a href="https://www.overdriveonline.com/"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Overdrive</span></i></a><i></i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/national-champs-take-top-honors-at-stars-stripes-and-white-lines-truck-show/">National Champs Take Top Honors at Stars, Stripes and White Lines Truck Show</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Crowley Expands Its Wreaths Across America Mission, Reaching More Veterans Than Ever</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/crowley-expands-its-wreaths-across-america-mission-reaching-more-veterans-than-ever/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Truck_Drivers_USA]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:47 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=706676</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For drivers who’ve hauled loads with real purpose, Wreaths Across America is one of those missions that hits different. This year, Crowley is taking its involvement to a whole new [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/crowley-expands-its-wreaths-across-america-mission-reaching-more-veterans-than-ever/">Crowley Expands Its Wreaths Across America Mission, Reaching More Veterans Than Ever</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">For drivers who’ve hauled loads with real purpose, Wreaths Across America is one of those missions that hits different. This year, Crowley is taking its involvement to a whole new level, expanding its support and putting even more wheels in motion to honor veterans across the country and beyond.</span></p>
<p>Crowley, known for its maritime, energy, and logistics operations, is expanding its long-standing partnership with Wreaths Across America by adding new regions, providing additional transportation support, and increasing sponsorships. The company isn’t just writing checks — they’re handling ocean transport, land transport, warehousing, and coordination to make sure wreaths reach thousands of veterans’ gravesites with precision and respect.</p>
<p>A big change this year is Crowley’s expanded reach into the U.S. Virgin Islands. Wreaths destined for St. Thomas and St. Croix will now move through Crowley’s ocean shipping network and finish their journey via trucking and warehousing handled by Crowley teams. For many veterans buried there, it’s the first time wreaths will arrive through this coordinated effort.</p>
<p>On top of that, Crowley plans to deliver thousands of wreaths to 15 cemeteries, including Jacksonville and locations throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. The company is also sponsoring wreaths for sites in Alaska, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The goal is simple: show respect to veterans no matter where they’re laid to rest.</p>
<p>Crowley first partnered with Wreaths Across America back in 2019 after stepping in to resolve a supply chain challenge, making sure wreaths could be transported to Puerto Rico on time. That moment kick-started a long-term relationship built around service and logistics expertise.</p>
<p>Phil Shook, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Land Transportation Services, shared how much the effort means to the company: <strong>&#8220;Crowley greatly values the opportunity to honor veterans with Wreaths Across America. Hundreds of our employees volunteer each year, and our operations teams take special pride in providing the logistics services to deliver wreaths from Alaska to the Caribbean,&#8221;</strong> he said. <strong>&#8220;It&#8217;s a privilege to support this mission because we deeply value the immeasurable contributions of our veterans and active-duty service members. Our partnership with Wreaths Across America reflects our values and our commitment to using logistics for the greater good.&#8221;</strong></p>
<p>For drivers across the industry, efforts like this are a reminder of how the trucking community continues to play a major role in honoring and supporting veterans. Whether it’s moving freight, connecting communities, or delivering something as meaningful as a wreath, trucks keep the mission going.</p>
<p><em>Image Source: Crowley, Commercial Carrier Journal</em></p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Source: </span></i><a href="https://www.ccjdigital.com/"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Commercial Carrier Journal</span></i></a><i></i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/crowley-expands-its-wreaths-across-america-mission-reaching-more-veterans-than-ever/">Crowley Expands Its Wreaths Across America Mission, Reaching More Veterans Than Ever</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Move the Mission: Wreaths Across America Calls on Trucking Fleets to Join the 2025 Honor Fleet</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/move-the-mission-wreaths-across-america-calls-on-trucking-fleets-to-join-the-2025-honor-fleet/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Truck_Drivers_USA]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=691142</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Each year, truck drivers across the country play a key role in helping Wreaths Across America deliver millions of wreaths to cemeteries nationwide. For 2025, the organization is once again [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/move-the-mission-wreaths-across-america-calls-on-trucking-fleets-to-join-the-2025-honor-fleet/">Move the Mission: Wreaths Across America Calls on Trucking Fleets to Join the 2025 Honor Fleet</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Each year, truck drivers across the country play a key role in helping Wreaths Across America deliver millions of wreaths to cemeteries nationwide. For 2025, the organization is once again reaching out to carriers and owner-operators to join the effort, with more than 20 lanes still open for transport partners.</p>
<p>Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has worked year-round under its mission to <em>Remember, Honor, and Teach</em>, a message that resonates deeply throughout the trucking community. What started back in 1992 as a small act of gratitude at Arlington National Cemetery has grown into a national movement that now reaches over 5,400 locations across the U.S. and abroad.</p>
<p>National Wreaths Across America Day will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025. More than 4 million volunteers are expected to take part in ceremonies that honor fallen veterans through wreath-laying events in all 50 states, at sea, and overseas. Truck drivers are the ones who make these ceremonies possible, hauling over 700 truckloads of live balsam wreaths every season.</p>
<p>“This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. More than 4 million volunteers and supporters will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach through wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad.”</p>
<p>For many fleets, joining the Honor Fleet isn’t just a way to give back; it’s a way to connect their work with something meaningful. Trucking companies that take part gain nationwide recognition through media coverage, community partnerships, and volunteer involvement.</p>
<p>Beyond the good it does, participation also helps boost driver pride and retention. Carriers who’ve partnered in the past often note how the experience brings teams closer together. Taking part in the wreath deliveries or local ceremonies gives drivers a chance to represent their company while honoring those who served.</p>
<p>As Wreaths Across America puts it, the effort only works because truck drivers show up with that dependable “can-do” spirit the industry is known for. Fleets that join the Honor Fleet not only support a national mission but also stand shoulder to shoulder with others who share the same respect for service and sacrifice.</p>
<p>For 2025, Wreaths Across America is inviting more carriers to get involved and help cover remaining routes across the country. Those interested can find open lanes and details about how to sign up by visiting <a href="https://learn.wreathsacrossamerica.org/2025-open-lanes-available">learn.wreathsacrossamerica.org/2025-open-lanes-available</a>.</p>
<p><em>Image Source: Wreaths Across America</em></p>
<p><em>Other Source: <a href="https://www.thetrucker.com/">The Trucker</a></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/move-the-mission-wreaths-across-america-calls-on-trucking-fleets-to-join-the-2025-honor-fleet/">Move the Mission: Wreaths Across America Calls on Trucking Fleets to Join the 2025 Honor Fleet</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Perry Carter, TCA Professional Driver of the Year: ‘If you’re not learning something every day, there’s something wrong’</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/perry-carter-tca-professional-driver-of-the-year-if-youre-not-learning-something-every-day-theres-something-wrong/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Riley Sarmiento]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Driver Appreciation]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Perry Carter]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=671305</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A native of Marion, North Carolina, Perry Carter is quickly cementing his legacy as a driving force on the road as well as in the trucking industry. He has been [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/perry-carter-tca-professional-driver-of-the-year-if-youre-not-learning-something-every-day-theres-something-wrong/">Perry Carter, TCA Professional Driver of the Year: ‘If you’re not learning something every day, there’s something wrong’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A native of Marion, North Carolina, Perry Carter is quickly cementing his legacy as a driving force on the road as well as in the trucking industry. He has been named a 2025 Professional Driver of the Year by the <a href="https://truckload.org/">Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).</a></p>
<p>After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1978 to 1984, Carter started his post-military career working at a box plant for furniture. He quickly realized that factory work was not for him.</p>
<p>“I got tired of looking at four walls all of the time,” Carter said.</p>
<p>The solution was to carry on a family legacy.</p>
<p>“My dad was a truck driver, and he suggested that I give it a shot,” Carter said.</p>
<p>The first step was to go to trucking school, he said, adding that he was trained at Isothermal Community College in Forest City, North Carolina, which was affiliated with New Jersey-based Coretta Trucking.</p>
<p>“They had a satellite terminal right across the street from the terminal, and that’s where my dad worked, at Coretta Trucking,” Carter said.</p>
<p>Once he completed training, he drove the team with his dad for about eight months, allowing the two to spend time together while Carter gained real-world experience.</p>
<p>“Then Dad had to do something else — and my wife didn’t like for me to be gone three weeks out of the month,” he said. The search was on for a job that would allow him to drive and still spend quality time with his family.</p>
<p>“Sometimes you’ve got to get a little experience so you can move on to something else,” Carter said. “I had to find my way until I found the right trucking company for me, which was <a href="https://cargotransporters.com/">Cargo Transporters</a>.”</p>
<p>Twenty-four years later, he’s still driving for the same company — and working to make the trucking industry better.</p>
<p>“I’m out for a week. I’m home every weekend,” he said. “I can count on one hand the times I’ve been out on a weekend. That’s good. Not a lot of companies try to make that a priority.”</p>
<p>Carter counts being able to see new places and travel around the country as his favorite part of being a trucker.</p>
<p>“It’s never the same scenery. That’s what I like about it,” he explained. “You get to meet all kinds of people from all over the country. I always say I have an office with a view.</p>
<p>“If you’re not learning something every day in truck driving, there’s something wrong,” he continued.</p>
<p>Of the many challenges faced by professional drivers, Carter says a shortage of safe truck parking and traffic congestion are the ones that affect him the most, particularly in larger metropolitan areas.</p>
<p>“If I take my time in the big cities and just mind the space around my truck, before you know it — 10, 15 minutes, maybe 20 minutes — I’m through it without any kind of hassle,” he said of urban traffic.</p>
<p>“But you’re always keeping your head on a swivel around you with the traffic around the big trucks. It’s just that the general public doesn’t realize what it takes for a truck to maneuver in traffic,” he continued. “They’re trying to get from Point A to Point B, just like we are, and they don’t want to be behind the truck. That’s why they’re always zooming around.”</p>
<p>A consummate professional both on and off the road, Carter has been recognized with several accolades, including being named a 2025 Professional Driver of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), a 2024-2025 Road Team for the American Trucking Associations (ATA), and Cargo Transporters’ November 2024 Driver of the Month.</p>
<p>Most recently, Carter was honored as the 2025 DMC Insurance Driver of the Year. He is the only Cargo Transport driver to win both the TCA and DMC awards.</p>
<p>“Perry exemplifies what it means to be a professional driver, a servant leader, and an industry ambassador,” said Matthew Sheffield, marketing and public relations coordinator at Cargo Transporters. “He has the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community service, and is a powerful voice for veteran causes and a dedicated advocate within the trucking community.”</p>
<p>According to TCA, with 2.8 million accident-free miles and decades of experience, Carter sets the standard for safety, humility, and service.</p>
<p>Carter is humble when speaking about all that he has achieved in his career, but all the same, he is very aware of the honors he’s earned, particularly the TCA driver of the year award and being named a captain for ATA’s road team.</p>
<p>“I was driving through Tennessee one morning and listening to the Dave Nemo Show, and they announced my name over the radio,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘Man, that was awesome!’” Carter said.</p>
<p>For Carter, earning all the accolades he has received has been both exciting and overwhelming. He credits his family, mentors, and his faith in helping him achieve his dreams. Outside of work, Carter enjoys taking his wife Carolyn out to dinner and playing golf.</p>
<p>“Perry is deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans through efforts like Wreaths Across America and organizations such as Purple Heart Homes and American Warriors of Liberty,” a statement from TCA reads.</p>
<p>“He proudly represented Cargo Transporters as a Ride of Pride driver in both 2018 and 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, Perry also demonstrates remarkable devotion to his family,” the statement continues. “He has rearranged his work schedule to be there for his wife, Carolyn, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and cares for his disabled brother who lives with them.”</p>
<p>Through his service, advocacy, and compassion, Perry Carter continues to inspire others.</p>
<p>This story originally appeared in the September/October 2025 edition of <a href="https://www.thetrucker.com/truckload-authority-homepage"><em>Truckload Authority</em></a>, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.thetrucker.com/"><em>The Trucker</em></a></p>
<p><em>Image Source: Cargo Transporters</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/perry-carter-tca-professional-driver-of-the-year-if-youre-not-learning-something-every-day-theres-something-wrong/">Perry Carter, TCA Professional Driver of the Year: ‘If you’re not learning something every day, there’s something wrong’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Get Ready for the Stars, Stripes &#038; White Lines Truck Show 2025</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/get-ready-for-the-stars-stripes-white-lines-truck-show-2025/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jai Molleda]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=666496</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Stars, Stripes &#38; White Lines Truck Show returns to EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on November 7 and 8, 2025. This annual celebration of American trucking features elite trucks [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/get-ready-for-the-stars-stripes-white-lines-truck-show-2025/">Get Ready for the Stars, Stripes &amp; White Lines Truck Show 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Stars, Stripes &amp; White Lines Truck Show returns to EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on November 7 and 8, 2025. This annual celebration of American trucking features elite trucks competing in the National Championship, additional big rig divisions, jeep and motorcycle exhibits, a $10,000 Golf Ball Drop fundraiser, vendors, a live auction, and plenty of family-friendly fun.</p>
<h2><strong>Supporting a Great Cause</strong></h2>
<p>All proceeds benefit Wreaths Across America, a mission dedicated to honoring fallen veterans by placing Christmas wreaths on all 20,700 gravesites at Andersonville National Cemetery. This meaningful cause lies at the heart of the event. Learn more about Wreaths Across America <a href="https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/151038/Overview/?relatedId=14802">here</a>.</p>
<h2><strong>Meet the Organizers</strong></h2>
<p>The Bennett Family of Companies proudly hosts the show, bringing its long-standing commitment to quality, safety, and community values in transportation. Discover more about Bennett and career opportunities at <a href="https://www.bennettig.com/">www.bennett.com</a> and <a href="https://www.bennettig.com/careers/drive4bennett/">Drive for Bennett</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Special Highlights</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>National Truck Show Championship: Custom-built trucks compete for the coveted title of “World’s Most Beautiful Truck.”</li>
<li>Golf Ball Drop: Numbered golf balls are dropped from a Huey helicopter onto a target, with a $10,000 prize for the closest ball. Proceeds support Wreaths Across America. Buy your balls <a href="http://sswltruckshow.com/golf-ball-drop/">here</a>.</li>
<li>Entertainment: Enjoy live performances by Tony Justice, the country music artist and trucker known for his authentic connection to the trucking community.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Get Involved</strong></h3>
<p>Vendors and sponsors can gain valuable exposure while supporting a meaningful cause. For inquiries, contact Kaitlen Jones, Manager of Marketing and Communications at the Bennett Family of Companies.</p>
<h3><strong>Why Truckers Should Attend</strong></h3>
<p>More than just a truck show, this event is a chance for truckers and families to come together and celebrate their passion while giving back. Whether showing off your rig, competing, or enjoying the festivities, the Stars, Stripes &amp; White Lines Truck Show is a highlight of the trucking calendar.</p>
<p>Mark your calendars for November 7 and 8, 2025, at EchoPark Speedway. Join the Bennett Family of Companies, Tony Justice, and fellow trucking fans to celebrate freedom, community, and the open road.</p>
<p><em>Image Source: Sindy Süßengut (Unsplash)</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/get-ready-for-the-stars-stripes-white-lines-truck-show-2025/">Get Ready for the Stars, Stripes &amp; White Lines Truck Show 2025</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Honoring Heroes: TCA’s Ongoing Support for Wreaths Across America</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/honoring-heroes-tcas-ongoing-support-for-wreaths-across-america/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[TruckDriversUSA]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arlington National Cemetery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[balsam wreaths]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Captain Joshua Byers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[driver appreciation dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[honoring veterans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Keep Moving Forward]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional drivers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remembrance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scholarship fund]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TCA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trucking Community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trucking industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truckload Carriers Association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truckloads of Remembrance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veteran memorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veterans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[volunteer event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wreath sponsorship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wreaths across America]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=655220</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>On Saturday, December 13, millions of volunteers nationwide will come together for Wreaths Across America Day, placing fresh balsam wreaths on the graves of military service members at veterans’ cemeteries [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/honoring-heroes-tcas-ongoing-support-for-wreaths-across-america/">Honoring Heroes: TCA’s Ongoing Support for Wreaths Across America</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On Saturday, December 13, millions of volunteers nationwide will come together for <a href="https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/">Wreaths Across America</a> Day, placing fresh balsam wreaths on the graves of military service members at veterans’ cemeteries across the United States.</p>
<h2><strong>Delivering Wreaths and Scholarships</strong></h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a href="https://truckload.org/wreaths-across-america/">truckload.org/wreaths-across-america.</a> Those interested in assisting with wreath deliveries can visit <a href="https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/getinvolved/supporttransportation">wreathsacrossamerica.org/getinvolved/supporttransportation.</a></p>
<h3><strong>Recognizing Professional Drivers</strong></h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3><strong>“Keep Moving Forward” – The 2025 Theme</strong></h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>As Company Commander of Fox Troop in the 2/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment, Byers’ final command to his driver — <em>“Keep moving forward”</em> — saved lives, even though he did not survive. His family and fellow soldiers carried those words as a lasting call to persevere.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<h3><strong>The Meaning Behind Each Wreath</strong></h3>
<p>WAA explains that every wreath placed in honor of a veteran is made from 10 balsam bouquets, each representing qualities America’s veterans embody:</p>
<ul>
<li>Belief in a greater good</li>
<li>Love for one another</li>
<li>Strength, work ethic, and character</li>
<li>Honesty and integrity</li>
<li>Humility, selflessness, and modesty</li>
<li>Ambitions and aspirations</li>
<li>Optimism for America</li>
<li>Concern for the future</li>
<li>Pride in their duties</li>
<li>Hopes and dreams, fulfilled or not, with no regrets</li>
</ul>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>Image Source: Wreaths Across America<br />
</em><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.thetrucker.com/"><em>The Trucker</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/honoring-heroes-tcas-ongoing-support-for-wreaths-across-america/">Honoring Heroes: TCA’s Ongoing Support for Wreaths Across America</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>What’s in Store at the Truck Show?</title>
		<link>https://truckdriversus.com/whats-in-store-at-the-truck-show/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[TruckDriversUSA]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bennett family of companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[big rig show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[custom truck competition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Echo Park Speedway events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hampton GA truck show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jeep and motorcycle show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Truck Show Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patriotic truck show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stars Stripes and White Lines Truck Show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tony Justice concert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truck driver events 2025]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trucking lifestyle events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wreaths across America]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=650278</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Supporting Wreaths Across America Every mile you drive to this show helps cover all 20,700 gravesites at Andersonville National Cemetery with commemorative wreaths this holiday season. All proceeds go directly to Wreaths Across [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/whats-in-store-at-the-truck-show/">What’s in Store at the Truck Show?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Supporting Wreaths Across America</p>
<p>Every mile you drive to this show helps cover all 20,700 gravesites at Andersonville National Cemetery with commemorative wreaths this holiday season. All proceeds go directly to Wreaths Across America, making your attendance count in a big way.</p>
<h2><strong>One-of-a-Kind Events You Won’t Want to Miss</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wreaths Across America Golf Ball Drop</strong><br />
Be part of a truly unique experience! Purchase a numbered golf ball and watch as a Huey helicopter drops it over EchoPark Speedway. The ball closest to the pin wins a cash prize while supporting a fantastic cause.</li>
<li><strong>Tony Justice Live in Concert</strong><br />
Celebrate the trucking lifestyle with Tony Justice, whose music hits home for every driver. This concert is a must for anyone who lives life on the road and loves a good honky-tonk night.</li>
<li><strong>Big Rig, Jeep, &amp; Motorcycle Show</strong><br />
Show off your rig, your custom jeep, or your bike in a patriotic-themed showcase that celebrates American pride and horsepower.</li>
<li><strong>National Truck Show Championship</strong><br />
Watch custom-built trucks battle for the crown of “World’s Most Beautiful Truck.” Every detail counts in this competition of appearance, craftsmanship, and outright truck swagger!</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Event Details You Need</strong></h3>
<p>Date: July 28<br />
Location: Echo Park Speedway, 1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228<br />
Official Website: <a href="https://sswltruckshow.com/">sswltruckshow.com</a></p>
<p>Mark Your Calendar and Come Celebrate Freedom on Wheels!</p>
<p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://sswltruckshow.com/"><em>Stars Stripes &amp; White Lines Truck Show</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://truckdriversus.com/whats-in-store-at-the-truck-show/">What’s in Store at the Truck Show?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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