Wreaths Across America and Daughters of the American Revolution "A Perfect Fit"


How we remember our fallen is a reflection of the living. How we honor those who serve and their families speaks to the character of Wreaths Across America volunteers across the nation. Teaching others of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom is a mission shared by many organizations. When like-minded values come together, remarkable things happen.

That's the case with Wreaths Across America and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). "The Daughters of the American Revolution are very supportive and committed to Wreaths Across America," according to Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator for Miramar National Cemetery, Brenda Kaesler. "We're on the same path." To promote patriotism and the education and preservation of history are the fundamentals of Daughters of the American Revolution.

Brenda represents both organizations with vigor and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Brenda is DAR's California Vice-Chair for Service for Veterans-Wreaths Across America. She was recently tapped by DAR's President General Denise Doring VanBuren to become the National Vice-Chair of Service for Veterans-Wreaths Across America. "I'm proud to say that Daughters of the American Revolution, as an organization, is the largest sponsor of wreaths throughout the country."

Brenda is also a mother who laid her son Jeffery to rest at Miramar in 2015.

Jeffery Michael Kaesler enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was a senior in high school through the delayed entry program. His desire to help others became his destiny as a combat medic. Jefferey served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, returned home, and then deployed to Iraq where his unit encountered an IED (improvised explosive device). Jeffery sustained a head injury in the explosion back in 2006 but recovered. In 2015, Jeffery succumbed to a brain aneurism and died instantly, leaving behind loved ones, including a two-and-a-half-year-old-son. "I didn't really know anything about Wreaths Across America until I laid my son to rest. The woman helping us with the services said I might be interested. I got myself on the committee, and for the last three years, I've been the location coordinator at Miramar. It was a way to keep me connected to Jeff and gave me something to throw myself into," Brenda shared. "What Wreaths Across America gave me during that time, and even still, was something to focus on. Something bigger than myself and my grief. I could focus on other families and active-duty military."

Brenda elicits volunteer support from the military-rich environment provided as a result of multiple bases in the region. Because thousands of volunteers help every year at Miramar, Brenda has those who currently serve stand vigil over headstones, so attending family members will place that specific wreath on Wreath Day. A woman in the U.S. Army was standing vigil one wreath day at Jefferey’s headstone. Brenda said she never fully comprehended the impact of the mission until that day. "After we had placed the wreath, she pulled me aside and said, 'this is the most meaningful thing I've done in my career.' I had never even thought about that."

In 2021, Brenda continues to live up to their legacy by educating people about both organizations' missions. "I just love Daughters of the American Revolution and Wreaths Across America. Out of the worst time of my life, the passing of my son, this has been born. I'm honoring my son."

Brenda's story can be heard as part of our "What's Your Why?" series on Wreaths Radio.