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.
When asked how the company originally got engaged with Wreaths Across America, President JD Morrissette gave a special shout out to Don Queeney, current Wreaths Across America volunteer and retired Director of Transportation. “At the time, he was running his company, Hampton Roads out of Newport News, Virginia. He introduced us to Wreaths Across America and was very passionate about his involvement with the organization. We initially just participated as a transportation provider going up to Maine to get the wreaths,” JD explained. “Our largest customer is the Department of Defense and we operate a 48-state irregular route servicing service members doing their PCS from one station to another so this is a great tie-in to what we do on a day-to-day basis and we are so glad we got involved with it many years ago.”
Interstate Van Lines got involved alright, and they’ve been helping Wreaths Across America meet logistics challenges that are the natural outcome of more people across the nation getting involved in the mission to remember, honor, and teach. “Our support expanded out of need, primarily becoming the recipient of the corrugated materials and pallets after the event at Arlington was over. Then in turn, we have partnered with other companies in transportation who help us with the recycling process. Then they needed help staging trucks before Wreaths Day at Arlington. We just keep looking for where there’s a need and we try to fill it.” That is the sort of “can-do” attitude and leadership considered to be above and beyond.
Kris Edney recently participated in the Stem to Stone weekend to accept the Wreaths Across America Spirit of Giving Award. “The event was overwhelming at times with its highs and lows, a mix of smiles and sadness but, overall, it was an awesome weekend. What we at Interstate do is very small compared to the mission of other people who have given to this country. This country is very proud, and we’re very proud to support this. I’ve told JD, and anyone else who will listen, being up in Maine and seeing all the American flags flying and how people appreciate what the service members have done. It’s incredible.” Kris described the Stem to Stone tree-tagging ceremony and its impact on families in a way that even a radio listener could grasp without pictures. “This is what I can say without getting choked up,” he started. “The hairs will stand up on your back to watch someone go in and select a tree and say their name.”
There’s more to the Interstate Van Lines involvement story. “More and more drivers want to get involved and give back to this mission as well,” Kris explained. “I’ve got a waiting list now. We do the eastern side of West Virginia delivering wreaths to 7-9 cemeteries up and down the corridor. We also do the Sailor and Airmen cemetery in Washington, D.C. We’ll cross dock that here because that cemetery is smaller and doesn’t allow tractor trailers into the cemetery. It’s always about what more can we do to support the mission and these communities.”
Thank you, JD, Kris, and the entire team at Interstate for helping 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 JD and Kris 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.
