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.

One name that is well known both to supporters of Wreaths Across America and the trucking industry is Debbie Sparks. Debbie has been responsible for recruiting many professional drivers and carrier companies for the Honor Fleet.  Debbie now serves as the Executive Director for the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™.  “It’s interesting because I started at the American Trucking Associations, which represents all trucking,” Debbie explained. “Then I went to truckload, which is a full tractor-trailer. Primarily, NMFTA members are less-than-truckload (LTL), so we have multiple customers in the trailer. We set all the standards for how commodities are labeled for pricing on the LTL side as part of our freight classification system, but we also set standards for cybersecurity. We are the leading association looking into our truck technologies. So, we look at how we keep our trucks rolling and our nation safe. The trucking industry is very heavy in paper from the consignee to the shipper, so we are leading the movement to digitize the entire industry and set the standards for doing that. We’re taking charge of filling a need in its infancy. I learn something new every day, which really energizes me.”

Debbie was also “energized” when she discovered the impact behind the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach. She was first introduced many years ago while at the American Trucking Associations, and one of its members from Maine, Barry Pottle, called her one day and said they needed help unloading a truck in Arlington National Cemetery. “It was in December, and I remember my first thought was, we’re allowed to unload a truck in Arlington National Cemetery? When I arrived at the cemetery, I was surprised to see four trucks on the property. It was very informal, and I met Karen and Morrill Worcester, and that’s how I first learned about the mission. When I heard the story, it connected the wreath and those who have served our country, and I was overcome by it. When I left the cemetery, I said to Barry, ‘Let me know how I can help,’ and about nine months later, I received a call from him, and he said, ‘Okay, we need to recruit trucks,’ and I said, ‘For what? We’ve got our trucks for Arlington.’ He said, ’Well, they go other places too,’ which I did not know at the time.”

When Debbie went to work for Truckload Carriers Association, that’s when her mission really got started for Wreaths recruiting carrier companies to haul the veterans’ wreaths across the country. Eventually, with her background in trucking logistics, Debbie was asked to join the organization as an employee, which she decided was the right thing to do. “I didn’t think it could be built upon, but every time I went to Arlington, I was in a different awe moment. Karen teaches us to say their name aloud so they won’t be forgotten. You are struck when you see the wreaths on the graves, but when you see the thousands of people coming and the families, you feel the power of that connection. At its core is the thankfulness and gratitude of the families.”

After overseeing a great deal of growth and development in the transportation sector at Wreaths Across America, Debbie decided it was time for her to move on to a new career opportunity. However, that was not the end of her support for Wreaths Across America. Debbie was then asked to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors, which she graciously agreed to do and still serves in that capacity today.

Debbie and the NMFTA is also participating in the Truckloads of Remembrance Virtual Convoy in 2025. “Last year was our first year getting involved in hauling virtual wreaths. We did our fundraising among our membership, and then our Board of Directors matched monies raised.. Although we weren’t able to fill an entire trailer last December, we have a plan in place! This year, we will add a round-up for Wreaths Across America in our online store this Fall. It will be there year-round, and people can make a dollar donation of up to a $25 dollar donation. It all adds up, and our goal is to be the first full truckload, so if it all goes well, maybe it will be this year.”

Thank you, Debbie and the NMFTA, for your tireless commitment to our veterans through 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 Debbie 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 on Tuesdays at 9:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM CT as part of RadioNemo’s Road Gang Radio, streaming exclusively at RadioNemo.com — or stream on-demand anytime on your favorite podcast and streaming platforms. Just search “RadioNemo.”

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com