Trucking Tributes

In this week’s edition of Trucking Tributes, host Susan Patten shines a spotlight on the professional drivers and trucking companies who make the Wreaths Across America mission possible.

Without the trucking community, the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach would be nearly impossible. In 2024 alone:

800 truckloads of wreaths were delivered

390+ carriers and partners were involved

4,909 participating locations across the U.S. and overseas

Now, the 2025 season has officially begun, and WAA is calling on carriers and drivers to join the Honor Fleet. With more than 5,200 participating locations nationwide, there are plenty of lanes to fit carriers’ schedules and equipment.

Courtney George, WAA’s Director of Transportation and Industry Relations, emphasizes: “I feel like I say it every year, but we need trucks. Some of our open loads require pickup in Maine at our headquarters, but I’ve got some out of Greensboro, some out of Phoenix, and some out of Mississippi. This year, we’ve got nine cross-docks, so if you can’t make it to Maine, that’s not a big deal. If you’re a carrier or an owner-operator, there is a place for you to help.”

Professional drivers often say this is the most meaningful cargo of their careers—helping families and communities honor their fallen heroes. From wreaths on grills to personal stories that give goosebumps, the impact lasts a lifetime.

Want to get involved? Email Wreaths Across America to start the onboarding process and join the Honor Fleet today.

Guest:

Courtney George | Director of Transportation & Industry Relations, Wreaths Across America

Host:

Susan Patten | Wreaths Across America Radio

Links:

Wreaths Across America: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

National Wreaths Across America Day: Saturday, December 13, 2025

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.

Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...

Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...

We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...

Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

In this edition of Trucking Tributes, hosted by Susan Patten on Wreaths Across America Radio, we spotlight Fastport and the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence contest.

Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation, and without them, the Wreaths Across America mission would be nearly impossible. In 2024 alone, 800 truckloads of veterans’ wreaths were delivered, thanks to more than 390 carriers and partners.

Now, through the Transition Trucking program, Fastport and its partners—including Kenworth, Hiring Our Heroes, and Wreaths Across America—are supporting veterans transitioning into the trucking industry. Each year, one deserving veteran receives the keys to a brand-new Kenworth T680 truck, helping them launch their trucking career and business.

In this episode, Susan Patten talks with Brad Bentley of Fastport about:

The history of Fastport and its mission to support veterans

The evolution of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence contest

The inspiring stories of military veterans turned truck drivers

How this program ties into Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach

Special Event Highlight:

On September 18 in Columbus, OH, the 12 semi-finalists will be narrowed down to the Top 4. The final winner will be announced in Washington, D.C., the evening before National Wreaths Across America Day — December 13, 2025.

Thank you to Fastport, Kenworth, Hiring Our Heroes, and all of our professional drivers for your dedication to veterans and the trucking industry.

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.

Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...

Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...

We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...

Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

This week on Trucking Tributes, presented by Wreaths Across America, Susan Patten sits down with Jeff Moore of A-Mrazek Moving Systems to share his story as part of the Honor Fleet.

Professional drivers are the backbone of the Wreaths Across America mission. Without them, delivering over 800 truckloads of veterans’ wreaths to 4,900+ participating locations would be impossible. These wreaths represent more than just cargo—they represent respect, remembrance, and honor.

Jeff shares how he became involved with the mission, his family’s deep trucking heritage, and the unforgettable experience of hauling wreaths to cemeteries across the country. From heartfelt community welcomes to placing wreaths at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery where his own family rests, Jeff’s story reminds us why this mission matters so deeply.

Thank you to Jeff, A-Mrazek Moving Systems, and all the professional drivers who volunteer their time and equipment to ensure our heroes are remembered.

Learn more about Wreaths Across America:

https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/

Follow Wreaths Across America Radio:

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/...

Honor. Remember. Teach. Join the mission today.

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.

Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...

Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...

We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...

Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

On this episode of Trucking Tributes with Susan Patten, we share the story of Richard Vanier and Stevens Trucking as they proudly join the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet.

Professional drivers and trucking companies make the Wreaths Across America mission possible. Each December, drivers haul millions of veterans’ wreaths to cemeteries across the nation and beyond. In 2024 alone, 800 truckloads of wreaths were delivered with the help of over 390 carriers and partners.

Richard’s story is one of family, service, and honor. From team-driving with his mother, Tracy, to hauling wreaths through snow and ice, Richard describes why transporting wreaths is the most meaningful cargo of his career. His reflections on joining the mission with Stevens Trucking and the welcoming community in Maine highlight the true spirit of unity among truckers.

Learn more about Wreaths Across America and how professional drivers make this mission possible at: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org

Thank you to Richard & Tracy Vanier, Stevens Trucking, and Alabama Motor Express for continuing this mission of respect and remembrance.

Host: Susan Patten | Trucking Tributes on Wreaths Across America Radio

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.

Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...

Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...

We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...

Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

On this episode of Trucking Tributes, we shine a light on the professional drivers who make the Wreaths Across America mission possible. Each December, thousands of truckers transport veterans’ wreaths to cemeteries across the nation — ensuring that millions of fallen heroes are remembered, honored, and taught to future generations.

This week, we hear from Lisa Flater, a U.S. Air Force veteran and professional driver for Leonard’s Express, who proudly serves as part of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet. Lisa shares her emotional journey, from her first wreath delivery to driving Leonard’s Air Force-wrapped trailer, and the moving patriotism she’s witnessed along the way.

With over 800 truckloads delivered in 2024, representing more than 390 carriers and partners, the mission

Trucking Tributes can be heard every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio, and at 9:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM CT on RadioNemo’s Road Gang Radio, streaming exclusively at RadioNemo.com.

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below.

Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne...

Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro...

We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we...

Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr...

On this week’s Trucking Tributes, Susan Patten welcomes John Elliot and Nick Miller with Load One Transportation to discuss their work at Load One Transportation, how they got into the trucking industry, their involvement with Wreaths Across America and more. 

Listen to Trucking Tributes every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11 AM and 4 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio, and Tuesdays at 9 AM ET / 8 AM CT on RadioNemo’s Road Gang Radio. Stream anytime by searching “RadioNemo” on your favorite podcast platform.

This week on Trucking Tributes with Susan Patten, we honor U.S. Army Veteran Vince Strupp of V&J Strupp Trucking, LLC.

For the past 14 years, Vince has been an essential part of the mission at Wreaths Across America, hauling loads of remembrance wreaths across the country to ensure our fallen heroes are never forgotten.

Hear Vince’s inspiring story — from serving in the U.S. Army to serving behind the wheel — and learn what keeps him coming back year after year to be part of this powerful tribute to our veterans.

On this week’s Trucking Tributes, Susan Patten welcomes Anne-Marie Lynn, Director of Business Development and Marketing for U.S. Legal Services — a company devoted to defending the professional drivers who carry out one of the most sacred missions in transportation: delivering veterans’ wreaths for Wreaths Across America.

Anne-Marie shares her unexpected journey into the trucking industry, her family legacy at U.S. Legal, and her passion for supporting drivers who face the everyday risks of the road. She also reflects on her personal connection to Wreaths Across America, her first experience at Arlington in 2015, and how she’s helping spread the mission throughout her company and community.

Tune in to hear how Anne-Marie and U.S. Legal Services are standing behind the men and women behind the wheel — because sometimes the most valuable cargo isn’t just in the trailer, but in the stories and service of those delivering it.

Listen to Trucking Tributes every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11 AM and 4 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio, and Tuesdays at 9 AM ET / 8 AM CT on RadioNemo’s Road Gang Radio. Stream anytime by searching “RadioNemo” on your favorite podcast platform.

This week on Trucking Tributes with Wreaths Across America, we meet Dan Welker, a U.S. Navy veteran and professional truck driver with Smith Transport, who has been chosen to haul one of the most meaningful loads of his life. Veterans' wreaths bound for Arlington National Cemetery as part of the WAA Honor Fleet.

Dan shares his incredible journey from serving aboard the U.S.S. Seattle to a 20-year career behind the wheel, mentoring drivers and giving back to his community. With a deep family history of military service and a heart for honoring America’s heroes, Dan’s story reminds us how professional drivers play a vital role in Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.

In 2024, over 800 truckloads of wreaths were delivered by more than 390 carriers, helping to honor veterans at over 4,900 locations nationwide. Dan’s upcoming role in the annual convoy to Arlington is a powerful example of unity, patriotism, and purpose in the trucking community.

This week on Trucking Tributes with host Susan Patten, we shine a spotlight on the independent spirit of America’s professional drivers and the essential role they play in Wreaths Across America’s mission to remember, honor, and teach. In 2024 alone, more than 800 truckloads of veterans' wreaths were delivered by over 390 carriers — a powerful testament to the unity and dedication of the trucking industry.

Joining Susan is Norita Taylor, Communications Specialist for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), who shares the organization’s history of advocacy, the critical challenges facing small business truckers today, and how OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops program helps deliver care to active-duty military and veterans alike. From regulatory hurdles like hours of service to the emotional weight of carrying wreaths that symbolize a nation’s gratitude, this episode reminds us why these drivers don’t just transport freight — they carry America’s respect.

Tune in for heartfelt stories, behind-the-scenes insight, and a deep appreciation for the people who ensure millions of wreaths reach their final destination each December. Listen on Wreaths Across America Radio every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11 AM & 4 PM ET, or on RadioNemo’s Road Gang Radio at 9 AM ET / 8 AM CT. Stream anytime by searching “RadioNemo” on your favorite platform.