The Wreaths Across America Transportation Team, together with countless volunteers across the nation, take pride in having the finest representatives of our industry contribute to this meaningful mission. United, we achieved the tremendous task of honoring and remembering our nation’s fallen heroes. The dedication by all involved ensured the memories of our veterans live on, their final resting places are adorned with the honor they deserve, and ensured the mission of Wreaths Across America, “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.” was met with overwhelming success.
Stevens Transport was honored to participate in the Wreaths Across America program this year and is especially grateful for the opportunity to support three missions, delivering to Arlington National Cemetery, the DFW area, and South Carolina. Since our initial involvement in 2017, Stevens Transport has been deeply intertwined with the Wreaths Across America initiative, contributing to their living tribute of fresh evergreens. This tradition represents a living memorial that honors our nation’s fallen heroes, Veterans, active-duty military, and their families. We believe the WAA 2024 Theme: Live with Purpose aligns with our enduring commitment, and we are proud to have had the opportunity once again.
Driver and U.S. Army Veteran, Shane Lassiter, was a part of a convoy from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. On December 13th, Virginia State Police, Arlington County Police, and Fairfax County Police escorted the trucks to Arlington National Cemetery. On National Wreaths Across America Day, Lassiter joined volunteers in placing wreaths. He was able to honor a friend and fallen soldier he served with in Iraq, placing a wreath and saying his name out loud, ensuring his memory lives on. “The event was humbling and very rewarding.”, said Lassiter.
Four drivers supported the DFW area and South Carolina missions, U.S. Army National Guard Captain Mark Joseph, U.S. Army Veteran Justin Collins, Charles Grier, and Patrick Castillo. From the initial loading and delivery to the yard in Dallas by Collins, to the seamless deliveries completed by Grier, Joseph (DFW area), and Castillo (SC). It was a successful collaboration represented by our drivers honoring the Wreaths Across America tradition for our active-duty, Veterans, and deep-rooted military family members.
The support from a dedicated transportation network allowed us to aid in the mission that met unprecedented heights, by helping deliver over 2 million Veterans’ wreaths across the 4,600 participating national cemetery locations nationwide.
We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with our partners again. The 2025 National Wreaths Across America Day is set for Saturday, December 13th – let us continue this meaningful journey together!
2024 Stevens Transport Honor Fleet:
Shane Lassiter – Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, representing Stevens Transport in D.C.
Mark Joseph – DFW Load Driver and U.S. Army National Guard Captain
Justin Collins – DFW Load Driver
Charles Grier – DFW Load Driver
Patrick Castillo – DFW Load Driver to South Carolina