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 4,600 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.

Many of these drivers are military veterans and say the truckload of fresh balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America shares their stories in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio and Sirius XM, Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking.

Patrick Norrod is an Air Force veteran who developed a connection for that branch of military service. “I didn’t really want to crawl around in the mud,“ he chuckled. “But what really did it for me was my father taking me to an airshow when I was a kid.” Patrick separated from the Air Force in 1976 and landed a job driving a dump truck and he’s evolved from there, driving ever since. He’s one of those souls who just can’t get enough of the trucking industry. “I’m 72 years old, “ Patrick explained. “I’ve tried to retire twice, but I’m a failure at it. I keep thinking it’s time to retire, but I just keep going back to it. I don’t know why!”

Patrick is a professional driver for JR Kays Trucking and a member of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet. He suggests the other influence that keeps him on the road is his wife who is employed by JR Kays too as his dispatcher. Patrick shared that he “fell into” the Honor Fleet role. “The driver who was supposed to be on it fell ill last year and it was like a same-day decision. My dispatcher said to pack my bags, I needed to be out of there in a few hours. That’s the kind of notice I had, but what an honor.” Patrick’s route last year had twelve stops through Vermont and New York state. 

Patrick shared that the impression that has stuck with him the most involved his greeting on the ground by other Wreaths Across America volunteers. “I was surprised when I delivered to the cemeteries. The coordinators, they couldn’t wait for me to get there. In some places it was like a party when I arrived. In Webster, New York I had a police escort through the town. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting to find, but it was an honor to do it.”

Patrick was impressed with his first experience with Wreaths Across America in Maine and hopes to spend more time this year learning more about the organization. “There was coffee and food for us and when we loaded our trucks the guys there were great and quick. It was kind of a fast trip in and a fast trip out, and this year I hope to have more time. It seems like there’s a lot still that I didn’t learn.” This year, Patrick hopes to tag a tree and visit the National Wreaths Across America Museum while picking up his truckload of America’s respect.

When asked about the wreath attached to the front of Patrick’s tractor, he shared what became of that fresh symbol of honor and remembrance. “I put it on my dad’s grave. He’s a veteran of the Army and I shared it with him. It was a little beat up after the snowstorm I drove through, but it still worked well.”

Thank you, Patrick and JR Kay’s, 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 Patrick 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.

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com