Coming from a family of truck drivers, Mike Pressley said that veterans and truckers are “salt of the earth type people,” a true testament to the trucking industry and its deep roots in patriotism and supporting our country’s veterans. This week on Trucking Tributes, host Elisabeth Barna welcomes Pressley, the Chief Operating Officer for Sharp Transportation. 

Working alongside his brother, Pressley has helped Sharp Transportation get involved with Wreaths Across America over the last four years. Sharp Transportation not only donates its time and equipment to haul wreaths (the company handles delivery to seven or eight cemeteries along the west coast) but also helps coordinate volunteer work. Pressley and the team organize an outreach committee that encourages youth groups, schools, active members, and guest speakers to participate in a Wreaths Across America Day program. They influenced 800 volunteers to come out and honor the fallen! In addition, they have worked to ensure 1,500 veterans’ wreaths are sponsored across different cemeteries. 

When asked why people should take the opportunity to volunteer with Wreaths Across America, Pressley says, “First and foremost, it’s to show respect and admiration to the veteran community.” He said that wrapping a truck, dedicating fuel and taking the time to haul veterans’ wreaths are a great way to express gratitude for veterans. “In the grand scheme of things, it’s a very small expense for the luxury that we have for living in this country that’s been defended by our military,” Pressley added.

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 Pressley’s experience with Wreaths Across America and his work in the trucking industry. You can also listen on demand on SoundCloud here.