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 4,300 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.
Jane Good and her daughter are carrying on a family tradition in trucking. After her late husband, Eugene passed Jane decided she wanted a change. Eugene was a truck driver and military veteran. Jane didn’t start out her professional career behind the wheel of a big rig while Eugene was alive though. In fact, she worked twenty-five years as a criminal lawyer first. “After all that happened, I decided I wanted a change, and I took myself to trucking school and I’ve been a driver for seven years now. My daughter drives too and just got her five-year award from Estes. I’ve always enjoyed driving,” Jane explained of her second career choice. “We used to race motorcycles, and I would drive our race trailer around the country. That’s not as big of a vehicle obviously but it still took some skill to drive that around. I’ve always loved to travel. I’d driven to 49 states in my personal vehicle, even before I went into trucking.”
Jane explained that the Navy came first for Eugene before his trucking career, and he enlisted for three and a half years and then they selected him to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. He was in school for most of his service. He is laid to rest at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. “It’s a beautiful facility there. They call it the Iowa Arlington. After I saw the wreaths there, I went to the Wreaths Across America website to see how I could get involved. The company I worked for at the time was a contributor and I asked if I could get more involved as a part of the Honor Fleet.” Jane did that one year with that company before moving on to another and today she drives for JT Logistics out of Iowa and has participated as a member of the Honor Fleet for two years.
As a result of her multiple trips to Maine to pick up veterans’ wreaths over the past few years Jane has experienced more of Wreaths Across America. “I was able to place a dog tag on one of the trees and then last year a co-driver with my company who came up in a separate truck and is a veteran got his dog tag made and was able to place his tag on the same tree as my husband’s, and a buddy of his who died in service is also on that same tree. It’s amazing to know that veterans’ wreaths will be made from that tree for years to come.”
Jane speaks to the dedication of other volunteers who support the effort. “It’s quite the process. The Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery takes about two-thirds of one of the trailers that we bring back. I’ve worked with them for several years now and we’ve become friends. They want to know how my trip is going and delivery day for the wreaths is really special. I’d have to say there’s easily over a hundred people there to help unload boxes and sort. Then there’s the ceremony a few days after and it’s grown so large from just the intimate ceremony it was when I first started attending.” Every year, Jane places Eugene’s veteran’s wreath and says his name. “Last year my daughter and son were able to go with me for the first time and we placed the wreath together. It’s always a special time for me.”
Wreaths Across America works hard to make sure professional drivers like Jane feel special and respected. “For me it’s three and a half days, you know by our hours of service to get there. You get there to that trucker’s lounge in Maine and when I drove in there last year there was this huge American flag on a crane. I can’t even tell you how big that flag was, and it was lit up from a mile away by some giant light and it was the most beautiful sight. You just know it’s an exciting time for everyone and you’re wanted. The greeting that you get, and they get you loaded right away, give you three meals a day and provide showers and laundry facilities. You know it might not seem like a big deal but when you’re living in your truck it IS a big deal. It’s the one place you know you can go, and the people are grateful that you’re there.” The mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach younger generations the value of freedom through the placement of veterans’ wreaths would not be possible without them. Jane and another driver with JT Logistics, Ed Dolsen Jr., deliver to eight or nine participating cemeteries.
Thank you, Jane and JT Logistics for all you do to support 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 Jane 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.
