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, that unity makes it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest here at home and overseas. With over 3,136 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.

Many of these drivers are veterans and say the truckload of fresh, balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America highlights their steadfast commitment in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

Justin Schott describes himself as not being a very talkative guy, but when it comes to Wreaths Across America, he’s got plenty to share. Justin is an owner/operator with Carey Moving and Storage. “I went to college and was a certified mechanic who needed a job when a shop was closing up,” Justin explained how he joined the trucking industry. “Carey offered me a job and offered to pay for my license. The open road and scenery are lovely, but it’s more than that. It’s a great career to support a family.”

Justin is also a self-described family man and he’s been involved with the Wreaths Across America “family” since 2015. “I was on a private Facebook page for moving and storage people and was asking another driver, Steve Miser, about a military contract. He mentioned Wreaths Across America in the conversation. He told me from heart how he felt about Wreaths Across America, and it really drew me in to try it out. Once I got there, there were no questions asked. I was doing it every year.”

Justin has grown with the mission. “I went to Marietta, Georgia that first year where you have to back up under a big arch and back into a little hole to get in there,” he recalls. “Then I got switched up and now I do about thirteen stops every year. I’ve got two in Pennsylvania and then I run down through the woods of West Virginia dropping off small ones. I’ve been doing the same stops now for about five years. Every now and again they might throw a different one in there. I transport anywhere between seven hundred to a little over nine hundred boxes depending on the year.” Justin goes on to describe the development of trucking services since he started hauling America’s respect. “Everything was super small at Wreaths. We didn’t have all of the other buildings that are there now. The last couple of years it’s gotten so big, and it’s organized and simple to get in and out now. We’ve got great docks to load our trucks, and you give us everything we need from food to showers and a place to do laundry. It’s become a massive operation”

Justin says the Wreaths Across America volunteers on the ground are so welcoming. “It’s fantastic. They’re so happy to see you and some of them cry so you have to be able to handle that. They all want hugs and are very grateful that you’re there.”

Justin says he’s learned a lot over the years hauling the fresh balsam veterans’ wreaths but the most important lesson of all has been to slow down long enough to connect with people from all walks of life, particularly those who have served and sacrificed.

“The best thing in the world for me is listening to the stories from the families. To hear about their losses really hits home for me in my heart. People need to learn about our military families and what they’ve done fighting for our freedoms. This year for the first time, I had time to go see the Wreaths Across America Museum and a Gold Star Mother gave me a personal tour. It was moving for me. It meant a lot.”

Justin is not a veteran, but gives a shout out to his uncle Austin Norton, and his cousin Austin's service with the U.S. Army. who have serv

You can hear Justin’s full interview on Trucking Tributes. Trucking Tributes is heard at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM (eastern) every Trucking Tuesday exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio.