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 4,909 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics were 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 in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

Previously, Trucking Tributes explained the premise behind the annual Truckloads of Remembrance, Virtual Convoy campaign coordinated by the Wreaths Across America trucking division supported by trucking consultant, Elisabeth Barna.

This year, Wreaths Across America welcomes and appreciates the involvement of the NATSO Foundation in the Truckloads of Remembrance Virtual Convoy. The NATSO Foundation will be working to fill (virtually) one trailer load of sponsored veterans’ wreaths to be delivered and placed by volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery this December. This is approximately 4,500 wreaths, which will be laid on the final resting place of servicemembers as part of National Wreaths Across America Day, scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025. Through the program, with each $17 veteran’s wreath sponsored through the NATSO Foundation’s group, a wreath will be placed on the headstone of an American servicemember, the year-round mission of WAA is supported, AND the NATSO Foundation will receive $5 back!

Amy Toner is the Executive Director of the NATSO Foundation. NATSO is the trade association of America’s travel center and truck stop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel center and truck stop industry; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate. The NATSO Foundation is the research, education and public outreach of NATSO.

Amy shared the decision to join the virtual convoy was unanimous. “After speaking with Elisabeth Barna, I took the idea to the NATSO Foundation’s board, and they immediately agreed to participate. They felt it was a perfect fit, a good partnership for the foundation.”

As Amy explains, education for owners and operators of truck stops and travel centers is the primary focus of the NATSO Foundation’s work. “We have an annual leadership conference and our own podcast. We also focus on safety initiatives that keep repairmen and trucks safe on the roadside. We have a human-trafficking prevention campaign as well. We don’t have members pers se but are funded through donations and sponsorships. Our biggest fundraiser for the foundation is a fun-run we host in February each year at the NATSO Connect. It’s typically a 5K walk and run that starts early one morning before the conference gets underway. Now, we’re teaming up with Wreaths Across America too.”

The funds raised by the NATSO Foundation as a Wreaths Across America sponsorship group will be used to support these trucking-specific education initiatives. Additionally, funds earned will be used to support the Bill and Carolyn Moon Scholarship program, which presents two $5,000 scholarships to deserving students with ties to the truck stop and travel center industry to put toward higher education.

Thank you, Amy, and the NATSO Foundation for your commitment to our veterans through the mission to remember, honor and teach.

If you’d like to get involved with the Truckloads of Remembrance Virtual convoy you can reach out to Elisabeth at Elisabeth.Barna@outlook.com.

If you’d like to join the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet, you can get started with a click right here!

You can hear more with Amy on Trucking Tributes, which can be listened to every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio and Wednesday at 8:30 AM EST as part of RadioNemo on Sirius XM Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking.”

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com