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.

“We’re going to wallpaper Nebraska with the QR code for Wreaths Across America!” That enthusiasm for the mission comes from Kent Grisham with the Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA). The Association is participating again this year in the Truckloads of Remembrance Virtual Convoy, and they intend to double down on their efforts from previous years. “We signed up the first year it was introduced,” Kent explained. “We’re going to do everything we can this year to capitalize on all our communications channels. We’re aggressive with our marketing and outreach, and we want to introduce Wreaths Across America to everyone in the motor carrier industry, both members and non-members. Our membership is diverse. We have everything from the hospital systems to contractors, everything from small lawn-care companies that operate a few commercial trucks, all the way up to the big ones like Werner, and everything in between. We started a couple of years ago during any of our meetings to actually take a wreath break where we passed out the QR codes and stopped the meeting, and the meeting wouldn’t start up again until everyone had scanned that QR code. We will try some more fun things like that this year.”

Kent’s involvement with the trucking industry began in the 90s when he worked in the marketing and public relations department for Taylor and Martin, a large, nationwide truck auction company and current member of the Nebraska Trucking Association. “That’s when I fell in love with the industry,” Kent shared. “Years later, that experience, combined with some subsequent experience in political and legislative work, led me to where I am today with the Nebraska Trucking Association. I’m loving every minute of it. There is such honesty and authenticity that I have found in the industry, and that starts with the drivers. As a kid, I was always told that if I was in trouble, I should look for a police officer, firefighter, or truck driver. Of course, every industry has its quirks, but even today, when I’m around truck drivers, I feel like I’m around some of the best Americans you can possibly be around. These motor carriers and the allied companies I work with daily are doing such essential work. I just can’t imagine working in any other industry at this point.”

Kent’s involvement with the trucking industry brought about his first introduction to the Wreaths Across America mission. “One of my first fall conferences and annual meetings for the NTA I attended, we had some trucks brought in for display, and one of them was Grand Island Express, and they had a Wreaths Across America wrapped trailer. I was fascinated, and when I found out the ins and outs of the organization, I was hooked.”

Kent has not served in the United States military, but his public service included working as a police officer and emergency medical technician in the past. “I wish I had taken advantage of some of those opportunities when I was younger, but nothing makes me prouder than to stand for the American flag and our veterans. Of course, our trucking population flows with veterans because the industry recognizes what value they bring and what great employees they make. Nebraska is home to the Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, so our state has a very proud history with the military. Some will tell you that Rosie the Riveter was a lady from Omaha. I don’t know if that story is true, but the ladies certainly turned out and worked at the bomber plant during World War II. Of course, the Omaha National Cemetery was just opened a few years ago.”

Kent is excited about the potential this year for raising veteran’s wreath sponsorships. “Nebraskans don’t need the reason why explained to them, but I hope all Nebraskans will be on the lookout this year for the Wreaths Across America QR Code, scan it and donate. Go, Cornhuskers!”

Thank you, Kent and the Nebraska Trucking Association, for your tireless commitment to our veterans through 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 Kent 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 on Tuesdays at 9:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM CT as part of RadioNemo’s Road Gang Radio, streaming exclusively at RadioNemo.com — or stream on-demand anytime on your favorite podcast and streaming platforms. Just search “RadioNemo.”

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com