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 2023, to be specific, 717 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 332 different carriers and partners.
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 2024, with over 4,200 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.
Madeline and Rick Davis have been driving professionally for eighteen years, and they first learned about Wreaths Across America in 2012, hauling for Kennesaw Transportation out of Georgia at the time. It was essential to Kennesaw that employees who were U.S. military veterans got first dibs on hauling America’s respect.
Madeline and Rick are military veterans who met and served in the U.S. Navy, and they asked to be involved. They were stationed in Maine for some time when their children were young. “We fell in love with Maine,” Madeline expressed. “My husband and I truly enjoyed our military service, and we try to give back as much as we can to military families, and this is one way we do that through Wreaths Across America.” Madeline shared that their first trip back to Maine to pick up veterans’ wreaths felt like a reunion. Kennesaw still participates in the mission.
Years later, when they joined another company, Madeline felt compelled to bring the Wreaths Across America mission with them. Today, they represent Longistics Transportation out of Raleigh, NC. “They are just thrilled to be involved as a way to give back to our veterans.”
In the years Madeline and Rick were not involved, Wreaths Across America kept growing and evolving as more Americans sponsored veterans’ wreaths. “I was just blown away,” she responded, witnessing the improvements in the facilities and process. “I love the fact that on both sides of the highway, they have the Pledge of Allegiance and the flag waving they do on Tuesdays. The trucker’s lounge is just beautiful, and they feed you three meals a day for free; that’s just amazing. Showing us how to make the wreaths, the Chapel, the military park on the tipland, and the National Cemetery; it was just mind-blowing, and we learned so much.”
Madeline and Rick have delivered to participating cemeteries, small and large, and they’ve done cross-dock deliveries, too. “I prefer the more hands-on deliveries right at the cemeteries where you can meet the volunteers.”
What speaks volumes is Madeline’s passion and commitment. It’s why Wreaths Across America calls professional drivers involved with the mission, Rolling Ambassadors. “It’s year-round, and I talk about it all the time to people and give out the website information,” Madeline confirmed. “It’s just so humbling for me as a veteran to see the love coming from this family that never served, yet they’ve given back, they appreciate, and that’s so important to us veterans.”
Thank you, Madeline and Rick, and the folks at Longistics for helping support the mission to remember, honor, and teach.
If you’d like to join the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet, you can get started with a click right here!
