Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents Seth Ennis Trucking


Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. Without them, the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach would be nearly impossible. 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 and what motivates them to serve and succeed in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

Patriotism and community service come naturally to Seth Ennis, operating under his own authority as Ennis Trucking. He’s currently leased to John Baxter Trucking. “Both of my parents taught at the elementary school I went to, and I was the “flag boy,” Seth shares with a chuckle. “I remember to this day; I was in high school on 9-11 when I saw the towers falling on the news. I remember it shook me to my core, and I knew from that day that I was going to enlist.”

Seth Ennis had a rich family history of military service, and he knew he wanted to serve his country, but his parents were “not too keen” on him joining the military out of high school, so he went to college. A year later, when Seth became a father, he recognized he needed to support his family and decided to pursue his CDL. Starting as a young driver with limited experience, Seth’s opportunities were scarce and became even more elusive when the economy tanked in 2008. “At that time, it occurred to me that this would be a good time to pursue my dream of serving in the military. I initially started in the U.S. Navy reserves, “ Seth explained. “But I wasn’t going to ship out for a year and a half with the Reserves, so I re-signed a contract for six years and shipped off to boot camp. I turned twenty-three in boot camp. I was one of the oldest in my platoon at that time. When they found out I had my CDL and had already been driving, they changed my job for me in boot camp, and that set a different course for me altogether. I had to go to combat training out of boot camp because I was going to be assigned to a Seabee’s Naval or Marine unit in Iraq.”

Much to Seth’s surprise, that training led to a medical discharge that sidelined his hopes and dreams, at least temporarily. “I had a four-inch bone callus about three inches below my left knee, and it split both ways,” Seth shared. “That was essentially the beginning of the end of my Navy career. It was at a time when everyone was joining up because of the economy, and I’m not surprised they medically discharged me. It absolutely broke my heart, and I was not ready to come home. I was doing something I really wanted to do, and I had a game plan to do my tour in the Navy and then step into a driving job on an inland Navy base close to my home. It all crumbled in front of me, and it took me a while to get back into a driving job. I was lost for five or six months.” When a driving job opened up with a company that delivered food products to military bases, Seth decided it would be a way for him to serve, and he got back into the trucking industry.

The trucking industry brought Seth to the Wreaths Across America family. “It’s an un-describable experience,” Seth expressed of his experience picking up veterans’ wreaths in Maine. “There’s not a person up there that isn’t nice, and a good percentage of the other drivers are veterans too. The camaraderie and conversations were great, and participating in the convoy headed out of Maine was so moving that I don’t even have the words. If you don’t shed a few tears, I don’t know if you’re living. It’s renewed my hope and how I see the world.”

As a father whose own childhood was nurtured in a culture of patriotism and service, Seth is teaching his family about the mission to remember, honor, and teach. “If I can leave you with nothing else, it’s get involved, even if it’s sponsoring a wreath,” Seth encouraged. “But if you’re a driver, sign up today and do it.”

Thank you, Seth, and your traveling buddy Roscoe, for your success in the trucking industry and your service to the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach. You can hear more of Seth’s interview in Trucking Tributes, listened to every Truckin’ Tuesday on Wreaths Across America Radio at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM (Eastern).