Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents Mason Smith with Leonard's Express


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.

It was a summertime job for Mason while he was attending college, but it was paying the bills too, and he got “hooked” on trucking. “Driving a truck is an addiction because once it’s in your blood, you can’t get it out. I’ve been involved in driving some type of commercial vehicle since 1981,” Mason shared. “People have to pay to go see the places that I’m paid to see. It’s an ever-changing job. No two days are the same, and no two roads are the same.”

That explains Mason’s passion for the trucking industry, and today you’ll find him hauling over the road for Leonard’s Express out of Farmington, NY. Named one of the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2022 Best Fleets to Drive For, Leonard’s Express has been a member of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet since 2014, and for the past six years, Mason Smith has been hauling America’s respect.

Mason has many cherished memories of being involved with Wreaths Across America, but a few stand out for Mason, reminding him daily to share the mission. “One of my first trips up to Maine at a driver appreciation dinner, Morrill Worcester (Wreaths Across America’s Founder) gave me a challenge coin that has never left my pocket. I use it as a reminder to challenge people to learn more about Wreaths Across America and get involved. I also love taking people into the Stem to Stone forest, I call it, to show people the lights that shine off the dog tags hanging. I tell people to bring their tissues because it always gets them when they realize what those little lights are they’re seeing out there in the trees.”

Medical issues sidelined Mason’s chance to serve in the Army, but his family’s legacy of military service is rich, and growing up, he spent a lot of time in and around West Point events as his parents were involved with the Masons and Eastern Star. He’s always been patriotic and a supporter of our nation’s military. “I have a tremendous passion for our servicemen. A lot of people don’t understand what they do and what they give up to make our country safe and sound, and they do it because of their love of country, the majority of them, and that says it all.”

Mason was conducting the interview for Trucking Tributes when he excitedly stopped and exclaimed, “Oh, Susan, stop, I’ve gotta tell you something. There’s another Wreaths Across America Truck coming into the parking lot! It’s PTL, and I’ve gotta say hi to her later.” His excitement was palpable, and he explained that’s the feeling many of the “Honor Fleet” drivers have when encountering one another out on the road. “We’re part of a big family.”

That family of professional transportation companies and their employees move the nation and the mission to remember and honor fallen veterans regardless of where they’re laid to rest in this country and overseas. Discover how you can get involved in hauling America’s respect.

Thank you, Mason, and the entire Leonard’s Express team, for supporting the mission to remember, honor and teach! You can listen to more of Mason’s interview in Trucking Tributes listened to exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM (ET).