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 4,800 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.

John Torres knows all about moving logistics and owns J. Torres Relocation. He’s leased to The Armstrong Company out of Sacramento, California. John had heard about Wreaths Across America for some time, but it was just last year he decided to get involved as a member of the Honor Fleet. “I’ve never served in the military, but I definitely appreciate them and owe my gratitude, and it was a great cause,” John explained of his motivation. “I finally got involved, and it was just a blast getting to help. I’m on my own schedule and I was able to offer a hand.” John said the owner of The Armstrong Company was all about it too and donated the trailer for the effort.

John said it was easy and convenient for him to get his load of veterans’ wreaths. “Courtney helped me out and she asked me where I wanted to go. It seems like it’s available to do long-haul, to do short haul and in any state from the east to west coast. What I did was pick up a trailer load at a cross dock in Phoenix and I delivered to six individual cemeteries. I really liked working with the people at the cemeteries and, I got to spend time with my family, and they got to help with the mission.” John’s son Brian and grandson Lincoln live in San Diego, and it was possible for them to join him making the wreath deliveries with the truck. “That’s why I chose that area. It was cool to me being out there as an example to show them that our fallen soldiers are out there and there are so many ways we can give back because we’re so fortunate in so many ways.” John proudly shared a new grandson has come into the family recently and he’ll be out on the truck making wreath deliveries, “as soon as he’s able.”

Even after John successfully made the wreath deliveries to awaiting volunteers in California last year, the teaching continued for John when he got home to Arizona. “My daughter Brittany lives in California, and she flew to Phoenix, and she participated with me in a wreath-laying ceremony at a participating cemetery near my home. We got to experience that together.”

John also participated with one of his cemetery contacts in a Touch-A-Truck event prior to Wreath Day. He says he’s already looking forward to picking up his load of veterans’ wreaths this year where he’ll be on a similar route as a member of our honor fleet.

Thank you, John and family, and Chris Stathis at The Armstrong Company 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 John 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