This week on Trucking Tributes, host Don Queeney welcomes Mike Bell, veteran and professional truck driver for Smith Transport. They talk about his life in service, his career in the trucking industry and his experience with Wreaths Across America. 

As a Marine veteran himself, Bell talked about how important it is to him to be able to contribute to the mission of Wreaths Across America. “It's an honor to be able to do this. And it’s an honor to be asked to do it,” he said. 

In 2010, Bell rolled into a truck stop and was asked to put a wreath on the front of his truck. Then, he learned about the significance of National Wreaths Across America Day and the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. He placed his first veteran’s wreath in Danville, Va. that year. From then on, he hoped to be involved in the program as a truck driver. He got that chance in 2025.

Bell said the highlight of his week was an elementary school class. The students used green paint and stamped their hands on a plaque to form a wreath. They gave Bell the plaque as a thank-you for delivering the wreaths. 

“I enjoyed every stop I made. Everybody treated me like I was royalty rolling in the driveway with that truck and trailer. And it's well worth doing to anybody who has never had a chance to do it yet,” he said. 

Bell says he will make another trip for National Wreaths Across America Day in 2026.

Tune in to Trucking Tributes on Wreaths Across America Radio’s Trucking Tuesday at 10 a.m. and again at 4 p.m. EST to hear more about Crowder’s inspiring dedication to the mission. You can also listen on demand on SoundCloud here.