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.
Jason Damron is a third-generation truck driver and a third- generation veteran. “It’s an honest living and a great way to make money and travel,” Jason shared about his reason for choosing the trucking industry as his career field. “Once I got out of the Army the natural choice was to follow in the footsteps of my dad and grandfather. It gave me the opportunity to travel and see the country. I’ve been to forty-eight states, Mexico, and Canada and I’ve been on the road for almost twenty-five years. If it weren’t for trucking America would just stop, so I’m proud to be part of this industry.”
Jason is a member of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet representing Convoy Systems out of Kansas City, Kansas. “We’re a pretty small company running freight every week to California,” Jason explained. “We’ve got anywhere from fifty to eighty drivers at any given time. We do have some regional operations and unlike the long-haul drivers this job gives me the stability and flexibility I need for my family and I’m home every week. I’ve been an owner-operator in the past, but I enjoy company driving because it’s a lot less hassle in terms of freight rates and fuel, and all that. I’m proud to be a company driver.”
Jason’s military service legacy runs deep through his family and his trucking career came after four years of service in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer. “I felt the pull. My grandpa was in the Air Force and then he went to the Army. My dad was in the Navy, so I joined up with the Army, and when I got out, I went to driving school and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Jason shared his most memorable experience serving in the Army was being stationed in Korea. “I got out before 9-11, so I was never deployed but I volunteered to go to Korea, and it gave me that overseas experience and I was able to train with other countries.”
Jason explained how his life as a military veteran intersected with the Wreaths Across America mission. “Back in 2014, I saw a truck with Wreaths Across America on it and I did some research on and took it to the President of our company. We did some more research and realized the trucking logistics needed help. We found some freight lanes we could haul and as the saying goes, it started from there and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Jason does not come all the way to Maine to pick up the fresh veterans’ wreaths but instead picks up his load at one of the eight participating cross docks. “It’s pretty humbling,” he explained of the process of hauling America’s respect. “As most drivers will tell you this is the most important load they haul all year. These live wreaths are honoring our fallen soldiers. The first year was kind of emotional showing up at the cemetery and knowing the people you meet who are involved had family members die while serving and protecting our country. So, I was hooked after that, and I told the president of our company that I’d like to do that every year if possible. I’ve met a lot of Gold Star families and have been able to interact with them and learn their stories of how their kids served and honored our country and protected our freedoms.”
James described the trucking logistics behind national Wreaths Across America Day as “out of this world.” From sea to shining sea, just over 3.2 million veterans’ wreaths were placed in 2023 as people across this country paid respects to our fallen and said their names. “What people don’t understand is the amount of trucks and companies it takes to get these loads delivered. The drivers that step up and the companies that step up are another reason why I’m proud and honored to be a part of this mission. Without us, the wreaths wouldn’t get delivered.”
Jason took time to share why the teach portion of the Wreaths Across America mission is so important to him. “I think in the state of the world today, teaching the next generation about freedom and the cost of it, that it’s not free, and honoring these veterans that gave their life to pay for our freedom is important so that the legacy lives on. I think getting these kids out to the cemeteries in real life strikes a tone and it helps them understand that people are out there fighting for us and our freedoms. I think not honoring them is a disgrace to our nation and I’m proud to get out there to honor and teach about our fallen heroes.”
Jason says he encourages any Honor Fleet drivers out there who have not participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to find a way to do so. “It’s life changing.”
Thank you, Jason Damron, and Convoy Systems 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 Jason 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.
