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.

Todd Cornelius “fell into the driver’s seat” being exposed to the trucking industry at a young age. “My dad and uncle always had trucks,” Todd explained. “I was around them all of my life. I kind of got started in the fields on the farm and I stepped away from it for a little while I worked for a local towing company, but my uncle talking me into coming back to work for him. I started driving for him in 2009 and I took ownership of the company in 2022.”

Always a small family-owned business, Becker Farms out of Wooster, Ohio stated with a few trucks then grew to 45 trucks when Todd started driving for his uncle. “We decided it was time to downsize a little so now we have 15 trucks total with about 12 of them operating currently. “We haul any kind of dry goods,” Todd shared. “One of our biggest customers is Seamen Corporation in Wooster and they make vinal roofing material and building materials.”

Todd said his initial introduction to the Wreaths Across America mission came about following the passing of his mom and dad. “My dad was a Vietnam vet,” Todd shared. “I lost my mom in 2019 and my dad in 2020. The first year my mom was gone we got involved in placing wreaths at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Just to see that and be a part of that was just unbelievable. It’s been a really humbling experience.”

Todd decided a few years ago that it was time to get involved in the mission as a member of the Honor Fleet, hauling veterans’ wreaths. “I reached out and was put in contact with Courtney George and she was a wonderful individual to work with. It was really a simple process, and we decided on what lane we wanted to do first and away we went. The second year, we chose our lane and then I requested at least a stop at the the Western Reserve cemetery where mom and dad are buried, and she was able to fulfill that. If you’re not involved, you need to be in some way or another.”

Todd did a total of eleven stops last year and is already planning for Becker Farms Trucking to participate in 2025. “Everybody involved has been great to work with and you meet such amazing people, all the volunteers at the participating cemeteries. Last year, I took an extra day while I was up in Maine, and I took a tour of the museum and the tipland and to see all of that was just incredible. It helps you understand everything that Wreaths Across America does to honor the veterans and their families throughout the year. I didn’t get to hang a dog tag last year but that is in the plan for this year to get the dog tags made ahead of time to get them placed. Hopefully, I’m going to be able to take my wife so she can see everything that’s done there so she can enjoy that and be a part of it too.” You can learn more about the Wreaths Across America Remembrance Tree program and have replica dog tags made for placement.

Todd shared that learning more about Wreaths Across America from one year to the next has developed a greater appreciation for the organization and its mission and he encourages more professional drivers and carrier companies to get involved with the mission.

Thank you, Todd and Becker Farms Trucking 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 Todd 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