Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents Walmart Transportation Driver Rob Balfour


The Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach would not be possible without the transportation industry. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America’s respect. For the past few years, Wreaths Across America has highlighted their steadfast commitment in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio. Many of these drivers are veterans, and they tell us the truckload of fresh, balsam fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. 

Rob Balfour comes by his love of trucks naturally after being introduced to the trucking industry by his father.  “When I was really young, my father had a logging business, “Rob recalled. “When I got a little older, he went to work for a couple of different freight companies. When I was about eleven, I started washing some of the trucks and I just grew up in the industry. I’ve got four antique trucks here at the house. I’ve just always liked trucks.” After several years of working independently, Rob decided it was time to join Walmart Transportation and he says it was the best decision he’s made.

It was through Walmart that Rob was introduced to Wreaths Across America’s mission to remember, honor, and teach. “I started putting my name in a drawing they had every year to select drivers to transport wreaths to different destinations, and one year they finally picked me,” Rob explained. “Two years ago, Traci and I had the opportunity to pick up a load of wreaths and join the convoy to Arlington through Maine before delivering to a location in Raymond, New Hampshire.”

The big surprise for Rob came when he was selected last year as the Walmart Driver of the Year out of the Lewiston, Maine division. He said it came as quite a shock. “Along with that honor came the privilege of being chosen to haul a load to Arlington this year. I was so honored just to play the small part that we have for the past few years, and now this!” Rob knows the escort to Arlington this year will be different than in years past because of the COVID 19 health restrictions but that has not quelled his enthusiasm one bit. He’s looking forward to serving as a member of the Honor Fleet responsible for transporting veterans’ wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery.

Rob’s father served on an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam war and his son-in-law currently serves in the Navy. “So many times, the veterans who have served this country have been forgotten. Placing the wreaths brings remembrance to those who served our country and made great sacrifices. I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Thank you, Rob, and the entire team Walmart Transportation for supporting the mission to remember, honor, and teach.

Trucking Tributes is heard exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio every Tuesday at 11:00 AM EST and again at 4:00 PM EST.