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.
Chuck Andrews with Harry Ball Trucking in Ohio accepted his role in life early on and has been driving professionally for thirty-eight years. “It’s in my DNA,” he shared. “My brother and I grew up in the trucking business and we’ve been around logistics all our lives. We put out our own shingle about six years ago,” Chuck explained. “But even before we took the dive, bought our own truck, and got our own authority we sponsored wreaths. We have military in our family. Our pop was an Air Force gentleman, so he did his time in the Air Force during Vietnam. To honor him, the minute we put out our shingle, I contacted Wreaths Across America and said, ‘Hey, we want to be a part of this.” This December will be Harry Ball Trucking’s seventh season hauling America’s respect as a member of the Honor Fleet. It’s tough to say which Chuck is more passionate about. The trucking industry or the mission to remember, honor and teach but lucky for us he brings his passions together with support and help from his brother Doug. “I work eleven months out of the year so I can have my charity month off and that’s Wreaths Across America. I couldn’t do this without my brother. He’s the bean counter of the operation and we wouldn’t be here without him.”
Harry Ball Trucking hauls refrigerated trailers, primarily stock for nurseries. “90 percent of what we haul is plants and flowers. My back-hauls could be anything from produce to dairy. It works for us, and we stay busy.” It’s safe to say they know how important it is to keep those hand-made balsam fir veterans' wreaths cool for ultimate freshness off the truck.
Chuck’s enthusiasm for the mission is unsurpassed among professional drivers interviewed for Trucking Tributes. “I just love the organization, and Morrill Worcester’s story. Wow! What a guy, and geese, every year the guy comes into the driver’s lounge to eat and he’s so nonchalant that a lot of the drivers don’t realize who he is until someone like me says, ‘Hey Morrill how have you been?’ It’s so cool to be part of his story that evolved into this great mission. The fact that we call it a mission I love that! It IS a mission to honor everybody who served. They served and we have our freedoms because they took that risk and were willing to lay it all on the line for us, and many of them did. On my trip into Pennsylvania, I have several Gold Star parents that are part of the mission there who help us out as volunteers. It’s amazing and it’s an honor to be a part of it.”
The Wreaths Across America volunteer location coordinator and other gathered supporters in his participating location coordinate with Chuck each year. “I have a couple of stops on Tuesday, but the Wednesday before Wreath Day is my big day In Clarion, Pennsylvania. Noreen over does it in a big way and I have a parade that’s just as big as going into Arlington. Bless her heart she puts it all together and the community comes out and the best part about this parade is we go through five schools and the kids are out there waiting. Remember, Honor, Teach. On that day I probably interact with thousands of school students from kindergarten all the way up through high school.”
Thank you, Chuck and Doug Andrews with Harry Ball Trucking, LLC 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 Chuck 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.
