On Saturday, July 27, as part of its 11th Annual Stem to Stone event, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized longtime volunteer Jennifer Adcock as the tenth recipient of the organization’s annual Honor Award. This award is given semi-annually to an individual or group who honors those who serve and their families in a way that supports the Wreaths Across America mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.

“I struggle to think of anyone more deserving of the Wreaths Across America Honor Award than Jennifer Adcock. She does so much throughout the year that qualifies her for this award. She has been and continues to be a valuable member of the Arlington Core Team,” said WAA board member Dan Mead. “Fulfilling photo requests for families is a massive project, and Arlington National Cemetery is 639 acres, so fulfilling photo requests requires detailed planning and miles of walking. Like everything Jennifer does, she tackles it with a full heart, determination and dedication that inspires anyone who knows her.”

As a volunteer Sponsorship Group Leader for ‘North Carolina Ambassador for Arlington’ (NC0011), Jennifer has supported and participated in the WAA mission since 2011. She raises thousands of dollars annually to sponsor veterans’ wreaths at events, including Maryland’s annual Irish Festival and helps facilitate the WAA Mobile Education experience booth. In April 2022, Jennifer organized a massive BBQ cook-off competition with numerous sponsors and nearly 100 competitors to raise awareness and sponsorships for WAA. The event raised over $7,200!

“I am deeply humbled to be the 2024 recipient of the HONOR Award. In 2010, I signed up my son and myself to help place wreaths at Arlington, thinking it would be a good experience for him. That day changed the course of my life. Wreaths Across America has undoubtedly made me a better person and American. The organization has brought so many wonderful people into my life. I now have friends all over the country and abroad, many of which are now family,” said Adcock after accepting her award in Maine.

“Arlington will always be a very special place for me. Taking pictures for families is just a small way for me to honor their heroes while thanking them for their service and sacrifice. Some say a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, a picture is priceless. I don’t know them all, but I owe them all,” added Adcock. “In that spirit, I graciously accept this award in memory of the heroes buried at Arlington and in honor of their families.”

National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 14, 2024. It is a free event, open to all people. Click here to find a local participating cemetery near you to support. For more information or to find a participating cemetery near you, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.