After seeing countless wreaths at Christmastime in Knoxville, Tennessee, Kristen Rakoczy wanted to learn more about Wreaths Across America. With eight years of experience in the trucking industry, Rakoczy recognized the mission's importance and has continued to participate every December. 

This week on Trucking Tributes, host Elisabeth Barna welcomes Rakoczy, vice president of marketing and investor relations for Konexial, a technology company in the transportation industry. At Rakoczy’s suggestion, and before any official partnership existed, Konexial began including Wreaths Across America in its newsletters and encouraged its customers and employees to participate. 

Rakoczy said she was struck by the wreaths placed at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in her hometown, Knoxville. Determined to learn more, she discovered the trucking industry’s involvement with Wreaths Across America. Since then, she has donated, purchased and laid wreaths with her family every December. 

“During the holiday season, you know how things get crazy and chaotic, and there are so many activities to do with your kids, and you know, so many things that you can fill your schedule with,” Rakoczy said. “But it’s really important that you fill it with the right things, and are intentional with your time, and so that your kids will remember those types of things.” 

With a grandfather, an uncle and a brother who have served in the military, Rakoczy emphasized the importance of teaching her three young girls about the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom. She said that Wreaths Across America is a great opportunity to honor veterans and their families. 

“People get caught up in what’s going on today in the world, and they forget about where we’ve been to get us to where we are and where we can be and who we are as a country,” Rakoczy said. “I desperately want my children to not take that for granted.”

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 Rokoczy’s dedication to the mission as a mother, volunteer, and trucking industry professional. You can also listen on demand on SoundCloud here.