Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents Crowley


Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. Without the transportation industry, 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 2021, to be specific, 525 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 390 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, that unity makes it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest here at home and overseas. In 2022, with over 3,600 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.

Many of these drivers are veterans and say the truckload of fresh balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America highlights their steadfast commitment in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

When it comes to the maritime supply chain industry, one of the best-known names is Crowley. Crowley handles various government contracts and is the conduit for Wreaths Across America volunteers to honor our fallen laid to rest at the Puerto Rico National Cemetery. “We move everything from toilet paper to tanks for the military, and we value our relationship with the DoD and U.S. Government,”explained Patrick Wallace, VP of Supply Chain for Crowley Solutions, the company’s government services business unit. “Crowley Solutions handles the government contracts for Crowley, and one of the things we’re quite proud of is our support of small businesses. One of our largest contracts requires twenty-eight percent usage of small businesses, but we generally average between 35-40 percent, and many of those are trucking companies. So much of how the government is operated is a little bit of a mystery for the industry in general, so we’re able to provide a bridge into the commercial industry for the DoD, our contracting partners, and our customers.”

It was a trucking trade show where a product manager for Crowley, Jerome Thomas, first learned about the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach. “It’s what got us into Wreaths Across America. It’s an extension of what we already do, and our involvement is something that everyone at Crowley is proud of,” Patrick shared. “With so many of our employees being veterans, it just made sense to get involved.”

Jessica Baczkowski joined Crowley six years ago and is a Senior Specialist for Supplier Relations. She took on the WAA Project about two years ago. “I got to sit in on the planning sessions with Jerome when it started,” Jessica said. “It was inspiring to see how many people were involved and excited to support this mission. Last year, Jerome was transitioning into a new role, and I told him I wanted it [WAA project] and that I would take it on. I immediately freaked out. It’s a lot of controlled chaos that goes on with any logistics project, but this one is special. It’s been an honor to participate in making sure the wreaths get from Maine to Puerto Rico and volunteering locally in Jacksonville, Florida, ensuring we’re well represented there to place as many wreaths as possible.”

The first part of the logistics chain is getting the wreaths from Maine to Florida. “Then we get the wreaths off the truck and into a refrigerated shipping container to be put on our LNG vessel, dedicated to serving Puerto Rico. Once the wreaths make their 3-day journey to Puerto Rico, our team on the island takes over, ensuring the wreaths are delivered to the Puerto Rico National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day. Additionally, this year we have our team in Pennsylvania that reached out and wanted to participate, so we’re transporting some wreaths from Maine to the Philadelphia National Cemetery.

The actual wreath-laying is a great way for more Crowley employees to participate. It’s wonderful to see the families out there honoring and paying respect to the fallen in their families. When I start this every year, I think about the cemeteries that don’t get any wreaths or don’t have enough wreath coverage to honor every veteran laid to rest, and it’s heartbreaking. I never served, but my father was in the Navy, and my brother-in-law is in the Navy. This is our way of honoring people who gave the ultimate sacrifice and remembering what they did for us, the reason we get to participate. That's why we stay involved and teach as many people as possible.”

Patrick confirms the sentiment. “The Wreaths Across America mission speaks to the heart of Crowley and generations of the Crowley family. The people involved are passionate about it and share their enthusiasm throughout the company.”

Check out this great video capturing some of Crowley’s involvement. 

Thank you, Jessica, Patrick, and the Crowley family, for supporting the mission to remember, honor, and teach. You can hear more of Jessica and Patrick’s interview on Trucking Tributes, listened to every Tuesday at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM Eastern on Wreaths Radio.