Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents Mike Pressley with Sharp Transportation


Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. With them, the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach is possible. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, ships, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America’s respect. In 2022, to be specific, 609 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 439 different carriers.

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 2023, with over 3,700 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are 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 of what motivates them to serve and succeed in the “Trucking Tributes” featured online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

Mike Pressley is the COO of Sharp Transportation out of Logan, Utah. He loves trucking and has a strong family foundation built on patriotism. “My dad used to drive what they call a double stick back in the day,” Mike recalls. “He had two gear shifters that wouldn’t be considered safe today. You basically had to take both hands off the wheel to shift the gears. The sleeper was actually above the cab, so we had to climb up through a hole in the roof; it was a cabover truck back then. Just driving around with my dad in that truck got into my blood at a young age, and it’s stuck with me ever since. Mom and Dad are super patriotic, and we’ve had family and friends who have served in the military. We always had a flag flying at our house, and my wife came from a family of veterans. Her stepfather fought in Vietnam, and her grandfather fought in World War II. I couldn’t think of a better way to remember and pray tribute to those who served.”

Mike and his brother both worked for Knight Transportation when they were introduced to the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor and teach. “My brother worked at Knight Transportation, and when he left to go to Sharp, he introduced them to Wreaths Across America. Then I joined Sharp too. When my brother moved to another company, I took over his role with Sharp in what he was doing with Wreaths Across America. The wreaths effort is supported by the wonderful staff at Sharp.” Mike explains, “Zan and Vivian Sharp are very patriotic. All of our articles of clothing for the company have an American flag on them. We’ve wrapped a truck for Wreaths Across America, and we’ve wrapped a truck for the Wall That Heals, and we share the opportunity to take that around to different schools and set up the trailer for people to see that piece of history.”

Mike describes Utah as “pro-military” with military bases and a population of veterans. “A lot of the people who work at Sharp have family members who have served, or they’ve served themselves. Our office Operations Manager served in the Army, and there are technicians in the shop who serve. Participating in Wreaths Across America has been great for them, and the public has responded to our truck saying how beautiful it is. Sharp’s recruiting department looks to hire veterans not only for our driving force but mechanics and office staff as well. Their attention to detail, dedication and loyalty to the business, and hard work are second to none.”

Mike’s first connection with Wreaths Across America involved him setting up deliveries for the cemeteries and dispatching the drivers, but it’s evolved into a more personal experience throughout the years. “I was able to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony in Kaysville, Utah, with my son,” Mike shared. “There was a police escort that pulled in with us, and we unloaded the boxes of wreaths. He saw the color guard and participated in the flag raising, saw the gun salute and heard the gentleman with the trumpet playing Taps. My ten-year-old son is usually rambunctious, but there was a bit of calmness in him that day as he was paying attention to what was happening, and it was a special moment. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear or two.”

You can hear more of Mike’s interview on Trucking Tributes, listened to every Truckin’ Tuesday exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio