In November and December, one of the busiest periods of the year for the transportation sector, the Wreaths Across America mission brings drivers together in an effort of unparalleled unity. With a positive, “can-do” work ethic, these professionals make it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest at home and overseas. In 2024, with over 4,909 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics were immense.

Many of these drivers are military veterans and say the truckload of fresh balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America shares their stories in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

This professional driver went from stocking the shelves at a grocery store to delivering the products instead. Blake Cool hauls cargo for Witte Brothers Exchange, a long-time supporter of Wreaths Across America. “I always enjoyed driving, and I needed to grow up a little bit and make a change,” Blake explained. “When I got my CDL, my wife was in the last stages of her pregnancy with our daughter, and I didn’t want to go out on the road so took a local job driving. When we bought a house, and I discovered Witte Brothers was only about fifteen miles away, my wife and I agreed it would be a good fit. The best thing about the company is it’s truly a family environment as a private, family-owned company. Everybody knows each other’s names, and no one is a number a Witte. The work-life balance they provide for all the drivers is outstanding.”

Blake was introduced to the mission as soon as he started driving for Witte. “When I was doing my pre-employment skills test, they require of all their drivers, and I saw the specialty Wreaths Across America trailer in the back corner of the lot and asked my trainer about it. He gave me a brief description of what it was, and I thought that sounded intriguing. Once I was driving, I learned more about the mission. I knew that Witte had a lot of military veterans working for them and they liked to cycle through the veterans to be sure they have a chance to participate in the convoy first.”

Blake serves in the U.S. Army Reserves and intends to do his “full twenty.” Blake’s brother was his role model for military service and got out of the Army just before the terror attacks on the U.S. in 2001. “It’s a pretty special thing to put on the uniform,” Blake shared of is desire to serve. “My brother and I are the only ones in my family to have signed on the dotted line and I think it’s important to uphold the legacy of those who have served our country whether it’s for four years or forty.” Blake’s MOS is a weapons mechanic.

When it was Blake’s turn to become of a member of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet representing Witte Brothers Exchange, he admitted he had no real expectations. “When I first rolled into Columbia Falls, I didn’t really know what to expect, but I did know that I was about to become part of something very substantial, probably the biggest thing that I’ve ever been a part of in my life. It’s such a big deal to so many people and such an incredible mission. I tried to calm my nerves and was determined to be a sponge and absorb all I could from the experience. Showing up as the new guy you’re offered a lot of grace, but you didn’t want to mess up on anything.”

Blake did a great job as a first-time member of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet and he thoroughly enjoyed himself getting to know and experience the camaraderie that can only be found in the driver’s check-in lounge in Columbia Falls, Maine.

Thank you, Blake, for your service to our country, and to Witte Brothers Exchange for your long-term dedication to the mission to remember, honor and teach.

If you’d like to join the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet, you can get started with a click right here!

You can hear more with Blake on Trucking Tributes, which can be listened to every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio and Wednesday at 8:30 AM EST as part of RadioNemo on Sirius XM Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking.”

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com