North Carolina volunteer awarded for outstanding efforts to honor veterans all year round.

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine and SOUTHPORT, N.C. – Sept. 4, 2025 – Yesterday, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized local volunteer Mary Jo Schnepf as the eleventh recipient of the organization’s annual HONOR Award.

This award is given annually to an individual or group who honors those who serve and their families in a way that supports the Wreaths Across America yearlong mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. Schnepf was presented with the HONOR Award yesterday in Oak Island by Julie Bright, WAA’s Director of Locations and Groups.

Mary Jo is a dedicated charter member of the Cape Fear Blue Star Mothers of America, where she serves as financial secretary, WAA sponsorship group leader, community relations coordinator, and color guard leader. As a proud Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Partner, she has played a pivotal role in recognizing over 4,250 Vietnam-era veterans locally and distributing 1,500 commemorative lapel pins to veterans out of state, including to Lackland and Tyndall Air Force Bases, where her son, Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Schnepf helps coordinate ceremonies. Mary Jo also arranges the presentation of Commemorative pins and certificates of honor for families of fallen Vietnam heroes in her community.

“Mary Jo’s tireless work and effort on behalf of all veterans, active-duty military and Gold Star families exemplifies the principles of the HONOR Award,” said Wayne Hanson, Chairman of the Board for WAA, and HONOR Award Committee Chair. “As a Vietnam veteran myself, it means so much to hear about someone going the extra mile in their community to ensure all these veterans are properly welcomed home all these years later.”

For the past four years, Mary Jo has also volunteered with Honor Flight of the Cape Fear, personally assisting WWII and Korean War veterans with their applications and matching them with Guardians to ensure a meaningful flight experience, often resulting in lasting friendships. She is expanding her role with the Honor Flight to be part of Community Relations and Outreach. Nominators expressed that, “her compassion and commitment to honoring service members make her an invaluable asset to every program she touches.”

“My involvement with Wreaths Across America, the Honor Flight, Active-Duty Military and Veterans especially of the Vietnam Era is an honor and a privilege,” said Mary Jo. “I am humbled to accept this award and know that it would not have been possible without my fellow Cape Fear Blue Star Mothers, all members of Oak Island Elks Lodge #2769 Veterans Committee, Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Volunteers, all Veterans groups in Brunswick County, NC, my husband, Carl, my son and my God. I am very thankful to Wreaths Across America for their mission, their Mobile Education Exhibit and this Honor Award.”

National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. It is a free event, open to all people. Click here to find a local participating cemetery near you to support. For more information on Wreaths Across America, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

WAA National Office:

Rachael Wilson, PR Coordinator

Wreaths Across America

rwilson@wreathsacrossamerica.org

(207) 230-4599

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