Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. Without them, the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach would be nearly impossible. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, ships, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America's respect. In 2023, to be specific, 717 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 332 different carriers and partners.
In November and December, one of the busiest periods of the year for the transportation sector, the Wreaths Across America mission brings drivers together in an effort of unparalleled unity. With a positive, “can-do” work ethic, these professionals make it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest at home and overseas. In 2024, with over 4,200 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.
The Executive Director for Wreaths Across America, Karen Worcester, frequently reminds us lessons of patriotism and love of country begin at home with the family, then spread to community and beyond. It’s no wonder that the trucking industry, steeped in family tradition, would become the backbone of the mission to remember, honor, and teach. In fact, it was James Prout, owner of Bluebird Ranch Trucking who donated the first truck destined for Arlington National Cemetery filled with veterans’ wreaths and inspires the Wreaths Across America’s annual Spirit of Giving Award.
About six years ago, another family-based trucking company in Maine stepped up. “I ran into Morrill at a restaurant,” Will Coffin with WWC, Inc out of Jonesport, Maine explained how it started for them. “I said I wanted to get involved and he said, ‘that would be good.’”
Will and his brother Wade got involved in the trucking industry, continuing their family’s trucking tradition. “I guess it’s in our blood,” Will shared. “My father’s had trucks for longer than I’ve been alive, and we got into it and kept going. About fourteen years ago my father decided he wanted to slow down so my brother and I bought out two-thirds of him and kept on going and here we are.” Out of seven trucks available, six are one the road, twenty trailers-flatbed haul compost material around New England.
What makes WWC’s donation so remarkable is they dedicate their entire fleet of drivers. “The company we work for twelve months out of the year, Coast of Maine Organic Products, knows that week before wreath-laying day, by Wednesday we’re done, and we’ll be back on Monday. I look at it like this is our service. The last generation of our family who served in the military would be our grandparents. I figure this is our service.”
JoAnne Gallant, known to most as Jody, used to drive for Will’s father and returned to the company six years ago. She has an older brother who’s retired from the U.S. Navy. “It’s truly amazing really the sacrifices they choose for our freedoms, so this is nice to pay that back. This is my fifth year being involved and I usually go to Long Island National Cemetery. I’ve been to Agawam, Massachusetts cemetery once. It’s just amazing you know, the goosebumps you get giving to the community like that. It’s quite a respectful honor to roll into their cemeteries with the wreaths.”
Will explains the connections made during their involvement. “It's just like family when you get there [Long Island National]. Rob and Sarah are there and the coordinators. We stay in touch with each other throughout the year.” In addition to Long Island National, WWC has hauled America’s respect to Arlington National Cemetery as well. “Courtney adds another layer of fun and when she calls and says she needs something, we just do it. You people at Wreaths Across America give the truckers credit, and yes, we deserve some credit, but the whole thing is amazing to me. The full circle of what takes place here is incredible.”
Thank you, Will, Jody, and the entire WWC, Inc. team for supporting the mission to remember, honor, and teach.
If you’d like to join the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet, you can get started with a click right here!
You can hear more with Will and Jody on Trucking Tributes, which can be listened to every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio and Wednesday at 8:30 AM EST on Sirius XM Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking Radio
