Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents Robert Errthum with MEE


The Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach is impossible without the transportation industry. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America’s respect. Many of these drivers are veterans and say the truckload of fresh, balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America highlights their steadfast commitment in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. In December, arguably the busiest time of the year for the transportation sector, the Wreaths Across America mission brings them together in an effort of unparalleled unity. Combined with a “can-do” work ethic, that unity makes it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest here at home and overseas. With over 2,700 participating locations and Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.

One of the most beloved “trucks” on the road today is the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit. The 48-foot-long traveling display and movie theatre is a visual tribute to the mission of Wreaths Across America, and it serves the dual purpose of welcoming home Vietnam Veterans on behalf of Wreaths Across America, and the United State of America Vietnam War Commemoration. As you would imagine, not just anyone is capable of driving and maneuvering the MEE, let alone be prepared to share the story of the mission and welcome home veterans with care and compassion. Stefan Brann and Jennifer Merrill have been front and center covering the country, but the job demands are rigorous, and they need an occasional break.

Enter professional driver and military veteran, Robert Errthum from Iowa, who has over twenty-five years of over-the-road driving experience and a tremendous passion for honoring veterans. “From the first time we got involved with the mission about five years ago, my wife and I didn’t care what we had to do, or how far we had to travel to do it, we just knew we wanted to be part of it because it’s the right thing to do,” Robert shared. “2020 was my last year of professional driving over-the-road, and it was our fourth year of involvement with Wreaths Across America. Normally, we would pick up wreaths at a cross-dock and transport them to destinations like the Nebraska National Cemetery, but Debbie Sparks made my dream come true. Even though it was a wacky year, we were able to participate in taking a load of honor into Arlington National Cemetery.” Well, Robert could knock that off his bucket list, and he sold his tractor-trailer rig preparing for retirement, but there was a problem. “I knew I still wanted to be involved with Wreaths Across America, even though I didn’t have a truck.”

That’s when Wreaths Across America’s Transportation Director, Don Queeney, helped make another of Robert’s dreams come true when he suggested Robert consider a role with the Mobile Education Exhibit so that Stefan and Jennifer could get some much-needed downtime at home. “I was flabbergasted,” Robert admitted. “Obviously, I needed training, and Stefan and Jennifer have set the bar so high.”

Robert has done a lot of training since that day, on-the-job learning the routine from Stefan and Jennifer, and at Wreaths Across America’s headquarters. “I attended the Stem to Stone event in July and learned so much about Wreaths Across America I didn’t know before, and I wasn’t prepared for the emotional roller coaster that weekend. I met Wreaths volunteers from across the country and some of them were Gold Star family members. It was amazing.”

Thank you, Robert for all you do to support our veterans with the Mobile Education Exhibit. You can hear Robert’s full interview on Trucking Tributes, which airs every Tuesday at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM eastern on Wreaths Across America Radio.