When given the choice between driving to the moon or trucking for Wreaths Across America, Ralph Garcia said he would choose the escort to Arlington every time. 

This week on Trucking Tributes, host Elisabeth Barna welcomes Garcia, a professional truck driver of 46 years. Garcia has over 5 million accident-free miles, which Barna equates to 10.5 trips to the moon and back!

In recognition of Garcia’s impressive career and his important work in the trucking industry, he won the Neil Darmstadt Award, among countless other accolades. Garcia recognized his family and his wife as an important support system that allows him to excel in his career. 

Wreaths Across America Day falls near Garcia’s wedding anniversary, but year after year, his wife encourages him to continue to volunteer on the escort to Arlington. He said, “To her, and me also, the Wreaths Across America family is our family, so it is easy.” The support of his family and his dedication to the trucking industry encourage Garcia to continue volunteering and promote the mission.

Garcia told Barna that the escort to Arlington is a powerful experience. He notes the importance of naming the fallen to honor them and of recognizing the work that goes into making sure all those laid to rest receive a wreath. He said that more than 260,000 veterans’ wreaths were delivered to Arlington National Cemetery, and he emphasized the trucking industry's role in the Wreaths Across America mission. 

“I was so proud of the truck drivers. The first time I went, I said, ‘Man, we’re doing something great here.’ And it took truck drivers, it took the industry to get those wreaths to where they are meant to be,” Garcia said.

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 Garcia’s impressive career and his dedication to the mission. You can also listen on demand on SoundCloud here.