Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/630204
6 www.FlatbedTruckingJobs.com February 2016 BEST PRACTICES thank the volunteers for all the man- power, time, money and equipment they give so we can put on this huge event," said Karen Worcester, execu- tive director of WAA. "Trace was able to do that tonight, defi nitely. I can't imagine a better way to thank them." Wreaths laid at Arlington National Cemetery Warm sunshine, patriotism and respect for America's veterans and fallen heroes brought record crowds to participate in Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery. While the volunteers placing wreaths swarmed the cemetery, the backbone of the event, truckers hauling 240,480 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery made it happen. It's no surprise that the trucking industry respects the country's Armed Forces. Many truck drivers come from a military background and the industry is fully committed to providing funds, equipment and manpower to provide transportation for this year's WAA effort. Derek Whittle, a driver for Cargo Transporters and a member of American Trucking Associations' Road Team, has been trucking for 36 years. He served in the Coast Guard for four years and says it's his honor to be part of the Wreaths Across America. "It's hard not to feel emotional when you see the results of all the hard work from so many. It's such an amazing chance to give back to those who have given the ultimate sacrifi ce. We are proud to support this program," he said. Owner-operator Don Queeney from Chesapeake, Va. donated his truck and time for the second year to deliver wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. His moving company transports household goods of mostly military families and he says he's seen fi rst hand the dev- astation of families who are moving due to the death of fallen hero. "This is a service I feel very strongly about. It's something I can take a small part in to honor and show re- spect to those buried here and give comfort to their families," he said. Volunteers put wreaths down at Alabama National Cemetery Hundreds of volunteers laid 3,700 wreaths down at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Ala. Saturday. The wreaths arrived Thursday morn- ing and were unloaded and set up at strategic points in the cemetery in prepara- tion for the wreath laying. They were delivered by a driver for CalArk, Inc. Bob Barefi eld, a member of the support committee, said the trucker did a tremendous job. "I always ask the truck driver to talk with us about what it means to them to participate in Wreaths Across America and to bring the wreaths to the sites, and she was very emotional and just thought it was very good," Barefi eld said. Barefi eld said truckers are essen- tial to Wreaths Across America. "We love our veterans and we love our truckers," Barefi eld said. "If it weren't for them, not only for this but for everything the truckers do, we wouldn't have the freedoms that we have in America. We're just proud to be a small part of it." F