On Monday, June 23, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized Robert “Bob” Freeman of Gastonia, North Carolina, as the ninth recipient of the organization’s REMEMBER Award. This award is given annually to an individual or group who Remembers the fallen and their sacrifice in a way that goes above and beyond.

Freeman was presented with the REMEMBER Award by Julie Bright, Director of Locations and Groups for WAA, and WAA Volunteer and Remember Award Committee Member Stacey Krespan.

Bob, a Vietnam War veteran, has made it his personal mission to honor the memory of 1960 - 1969 classmates from Harding and West Mecklenburg High Schools in Charlotte that were killed in action in Vietnam by supporting and participating in the Wreaths Across America program. In addition to leading the efforts with his fellow 60’s classmates, Bob has participated in the Wreaths Across America Day ceremony at Forrest Lawn West Cemetery in Charlotte, where approximately 2,700 veterans’ wreaths were placed in 2024 before making his annual trip of honor.

Multiple nominators state that Bob ensures that his classmates have remembrance wreaths on their graves, no matter the distance. One friend and nominator stated, “... he does this quietly, without seeking recognition and has often driven nearly 500 miles to honor the fallen, taking time for a moment of remembrance at each of the graves and sharing memories with loved ones. What a powerful act of honor.”

“I may feel a bit of survivor’s remorse, but I feel it’s my duty to remember these men because I came home and they did not,” said REMEMBER Award recipient Robert Freeman. “When you say their name, they are not forgotten.”

On Wednesday, September 3, 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.”

On Sunday, July 20, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized 15-year-old Cadence Smeltzer of Hampton, Virginia, as the eighth recipient of the organization’s annual LEARN Award. This award is given to a young individual who has learned and understands the WAA mission, incorporates it into their life, and demonstrates that learning through action.

Smeltzer was presented with the LEARN Award by Donald Queeney, local business owner, retired WAA staff member and long-time volunteer for the program. The selection committee consists of four Gold Star Mothers from across the United States and is led by WAA Curriculum Developer Cindy Tatum.

“Cadence’s dedication extends beyond organizing events; she actively engages her peers and community, inspiring others to participate in acts of remembrance,” said Tatum. “Through educational outreach and storytelling, she has highlighted the importance of honoring veterans, ensuring their legacies are cherished by future generations. Her leadership and compassion serve as a powerful example of how one young person can make a lasting impact, upholding the mission of Wreaths Across America with heart and determination.”

As part of her Abigail Adam’s Award project for American Heritage Girl’s (AHG), Smeltzer planned Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE) visits into schools and churches in Hampton, Yorktown and Newport News, Virginia. One event was held at an elementary school serving military children. More than 800 students and adults went through the MEE in just three days, where 500+ thank you cards to veterans were collected to deliver to veterans on Veterans’ Day.

At each event she managed a group of AHG troop members to volunteer with her to carry out her project. Smeltzer set up activities for MEE visitors, so that they could send thank you letters to veterans and see a demonstration of a WAA wreath being made. Smeltzer also created a trifold “wall of honor” with pictures of fallen service members who she learned about during WAA’s Escort to Arlington. Students would select photos of heroes on the wall and Cadence would tell their story. In addition to her Abigail Adams project, she also volunteers as a location coordinator for Cedar Grove Cemetery and serves as a Wreaths Across America Radio national youth correspondent!

“Teaching people about how we can honor and remember the brave men and women who fought for our freedom has been the meaningful part of my experience as a Wreaths Across America volunteer,” said Smeltzer. “During my time as a National Youth Correspondent for Wreaths Across America Radio I attended the Escort to Arlington and was moved by the many stories of service and sacrifice I heard from Gold Star families. Hearing stories like those has inspired me to teach others how we can keep the legacies of our veterans alive.”

On Monday, July 21, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized local educator Julie Nelson of Greenbrier, Arkansas, as the eleventh recipient of the organization’s annual TEACH Award. This award is given annually to an individual or group who has contributed significantly to teaching the next generation to Remember and Honor those who serve in our nation’s military.

Ms. Nelson was presented the TEACH Award by the 2018 recipient of the same award, and Cabot Public School staff member Angela Beason, during the July 21 school board meeting. Beason is a volunteer location coordinator and group leader for the WAA program locally.

Ms. Nelson teaches the Education Accelerated by Service and Technology (EAST) classes at South Side Bee Branch High School. In this role she coordinates powerful, student-led efforts that promote respect and cultivate leadership, empathy, and academic excellence. She engages students in meaningful civic and historical learning experiences and has taught her students to use technology to map out rural cemeteries in their community.

“True patriotism is taught not just in lessons, but in the example we set. When we teach students to honor sacrifice and serve others, we are cultivating the leaders our nation will need tomorrow,” said Julie Nelson, 2025 TEACH Award recipient.

Two signature events—her school’s participation in Wreaths Across America, where she serves as the volunteer Location Coordinator, and the annual Veterans Day Assembly—are run by students under her guidance. Students plan, promote, and execute every detail, gaining volunteer hours required by the State of Arkansas for graduation, along with life skills and a deeper understanding of patriotism and sacrifice.

“The TEACH Award selection committee agreed this year’s nominees were exceptional, but Julie` was selected unanimously after much discussion,” said Susan Patten, TEACH Award Committee Chair, and TEACH Development and Communications Coordinator for WAA. “She didn’t just teach and lecture her students; she engaged them in a variety of activities that taught respect and patriotism. In doing so, they taught others through example. They had a tangible impact on their community.” 

On Saturday, July 27, as part of its 11th Annual Stem to Stone event, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized Public Safety Telecommunicator Teresa Collins of Marblehead, Mass., as the third recipient of the organization’s Chief Janine Roberts’ Leadership Award. This award is given to a law enforcement or first responder who exemplifies unwavering service to their community and dedication to WAA’s year-round mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. 

“Teresa Collins was selected for this year’s award unanimously by our committee,” said Chief (ret) Janine Roberts. “She has been a Public Safety Telecommunicator for the Town of Marblehead for 27 years and is an Emergency Medical Technician. To help support injured veterans in their recoveries, she has volunteered with Boston’s Wounded Veterans Run for over thirteen years. She has spearheaded awareness and support for the WAA mission in her community. Because of Teresa's passion and dedication to our nation’s veterans, she is a worthy recipient of this recognition.”

Collins brought the Wreaths Across America program to Marblehead when she became the volunteer Location Coordinator for Waterside Cemetery. She is also a WAA sponsorship group leader for Marblehead, MA - Wreaths Across America (MA0153), which supports this location. Thanks to her efforts in awareness and public education, she has increased support for the program from 400 veterans’ wreaths sponsored to more than 1,700 last year. In a massive effort this year, Collins has mapped almost 2,500 veterans’ graves in local cemeteries, cataloging each marker so there is a photo of it and information about each person’s service. From there, families can upload stories and photos of their veterans, making the geographical information system (GIS) map she’s created a historical treasure.

 “This is such an incredible honor, it’s hard for me to believe,” said Collins. “I have been an admirer of Chief Roberts for years. My first experience with the mission was participating in the escort to Arlington as a member of the Patriot Guard many years ago. I’ve respected Chief Roberts’ leadership from the beginning and am proud to be recognized by her in this way.”

On Saturday, July 27, as part of its 11th Annual Stem to Stone event, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized Interstate Van Lines, headquartered in Springfield, Va., as the eighth recipient of the organization’s James Prout Spirit of Giving Award. The WAA Transportation Team presented company representatives with the award at the nonprofit’s annual weekend event held in the Downeast region of Maine, where it is headquartered.

The James Prout Spirit of Giving Award is named in memory of James Prout, owner of Blue Bird Ranch Trucking of Jonesboro, Maine. Prout was the first person to volunteer to haul wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery when the program was in its infancy. The award is given semi-annually to a deserving professional truck driver, company or organization that has supported charitable causes in a way that will affect generations to come.

“In 2022, Arlington National Cemetery started a major expansion project and the normal route WAA used to stage trucks in the cemetery was no longer an option. Interstate Van Lines offered to host all the trucks delivering veterans’ wreaths at their facility,” said Courtney George, WAA Director of Transportation & Industry Relations. “Their team stepped up to be there around the clock, opening their facilities, including showers and bathrooms to the drivers. They even ensured the drivers were fed with sandwiches at night and breakfast in the morning. They’ve continued to provide this service to WAA in 2023, and plans are underway to provide support in 2024. Interstate Van Lines’ hospitality embodies the value of giving back to the community, which is why we were proud to present them with the James Prout Spirit of Giving Award.”

In addition to the above, Interstate is responsible for receiving the wreaths, offloading them, and then delivering them to Soldiers’ & Airmen’s Home National Cemetery, a participating program location. They are proud members of the WAA Honor Fleet, haul a multi-stop load for WAA to West Virginia, and deliver veterans’ wreaths to Arlington. 

“We are deeply honored to receive the James Prout Spirit of Giving Award from Wreaths Across America,” said J.D. Morrissette, President of Interstate Van Lines Inc. “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to honoring veterans and their families. Our team is dedicated to supporting Wreaths Across America’s mission, and we take immense pride in contributing to such a meaningful cause. We look forward to continuing this partnership and ensuring that the sacrifices of our nation’s servicemembers are remembered and honored.”

The trucking industry is vital in helping WAA move the mission to more than 4,200 participating locations across the country each December. National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 14, 2024. It is a free event open to all. To support a participating location near you, click here and type in your town and/or state. For more information about WAA, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.