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 4,909 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics were 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.

Perry Carter followed in his dad’s footsteps by serving in the United States Air Force and by becoming a professional truck driver. Growing up as an Air Force “brat” Perry also decided to serve. “When I got of high school, I decided to go into the Air Force and now I’m serving my country as a truck driver.” Perry served in the Air Force from 1978-1984 serving four years at Seymour Johnson Air Force base in Goldsboro, North Carolina then two at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California.

When asked what keeps him climbing up into that big rig year-after-year Perry shared the same sentiment many professional drivers do. “When my dad introduced me to it, driving was a better way of making money than some of the normal jobs out there and I’m not much of an office person. I like going to different parts of the country seeing the sights and different kinds of people. I’ve been everywhere except for the Northwest.” Perry has been driving for thirty-five years and twenty-four of those he’s been with Cargo Transporters.

Freightliner provides some carriers and their military veterans with a specialized wrapped tractor-trailer to represent them throughout the country. “In 2018, I got my first Ride-of-Pride truck with the military design on it. It was a North Carolina military tribute truck and the wrap on it was designed with all the military bases in North Carolina on it. I had been driving it for about four months, and somebody posted a picture of it, and it went viral with 450-thousand shares. I’m actually on my second Ride of Pride truck now. It’s a 2023 and its code name is The Commander. I meet an awful lot of interesting veterans out here driving this truck and sometimes they get a tear in their eye knowing we still care about them and their service and we’re showing our support by honoring them with these trucks.”

Perry’s military service and that Ride-of-Pride truck was the conduit to participating in the Wreaths Across America mission. “Cargo asked me if I’d be willing to go to Arlington National Cemetery, and I said, ‘absolutely,’ Perry explained his first involvement with the mission. “I’ve been doing Arlington for six years, and this past year was my first year in actually participating in the honor convoy.”

Perry dropped cargo in Auburn, Maine before heading to the driver’s check-in lounge in Columbia, Falls, Maine. “That Saturday night before we took off, we went to the dinner at the high school, and they told us how we’d take off and handle the stops the next morning. I was really impressed with how they had everything planned right to the last detail, and even if we had to change something up, they were ready for that too.” Perry also was impressed with the family-feel and support of all those involved with Wreaths when his wife fell ill and had to make an unexpected visit to urgent care. She recovered and they were still able to participate together in the annual Wreath Escort to Arlington.

True to the nature of a Ride-of-Pride truck driver, Perry concluded his interview with a piece of safety advice for every driver out there. “Put that phone down while you’re driving. I don’t know of any phone call or text that is important enough for you to risk your own life or someone else’s.”

Thank you, Perry Carter and Cargo Transporters for your dedication to 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 Perry 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 as part of RadioNemo on Sirius XM Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking.”

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com