Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, ships, and livestock trailers, but trucks and theirprofessional drivers transport the lion’s share of America's respect. In 2024, to be specific, 693 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 397 different carriers and partners.

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.

Strong patriotism and an intense desire for doing the right thing for the right reason is what motivated Judd Rocciola and his business partner to get involved with the mission. “College wasn’t my thing,” Judd admitted. “I got into moving and storage when I was twenty years old, and it was a fit. My cousin was a secretary at a moving and storage business, and she said, ‘these guys always seem to be working’ so I started in the warehouse, one thing led to another and here it is. I’ve made a lot of life-long friends in this industry and as much as I’ve tried to get out of it, I can’t. It’s in my blood. I like the high speed and the go, go, go, so I started buying trucks, being an owner operator, and four years ago myself and my business partner, Joffre Galeas, and our wives, started “Roc Relocations.” Together, they have over 45 years of experience in the industry.

As with most moving companies, ROC Relocations has military families as part of their clientele. “I’m out here trying to make a living, and they respect what you’re doing for them, and I respect what they’re doing for us. It’s sort of a ‘give back’ to one another. Military service wasn’t for me, but this is a way to give back to them for all they’ve done to give to us and protect us through the years. It’s meaningful and I feel honored to move them and we try to give them the best we can.”

Judd, his business partner Joffre, and another driver, Walt Shafer, had talked about Wreaths Across America and thought it would be a cool thing to do, but they were busy building and growing their business. It was a craft fair in his small hometown that led to their participation in the mission. Judd saw a Wreaths Across America sign and discovered their small local church in town was participating for the first time. “I just went up to them and said no ands, ifs, or buts, call whoever you have to and let’s get this going. I want to haul your wreaths. A couple of days later I talked to Courtney George and explained this is what we can do for you, and this is what we can handle.”

In a most generous offer starting out, Roc Relocations provided three trucks in their very first year hauling America’s respect. They also embraced the TEACH pillar of themission bringing their kids with them. “Joffre brought his daughter Angie, to assist in loading wreaths, and I brought my daughter, Kaitlyn.”

As life would have it, Judd and his daughter had to sleep in the truck in frigid weather when one of the trucks broke down in an area where no decent hotels were accessible. “She was a little cranky when we first got up there, but when we arrived, she was excited.” Judd says their welcome and reception at the driver’s check-in lounge felt as though they were staying with a relative.

Together, the ROC Relocations family, along with good friend and employee, Walt Shafer,transported over 13,000 veterans’ wreaths to participating locations in Connecticut, Allentown, Pennsylvania area, and North Jersey areas.

Judd and Joffre also attended the wreaths celebration in Long Island the night before National Wreaths Across America Day. “We met a lot of people and sat with a gentleman who has been doing this for years and there was just a vibe that I can’t describe. We felt good about ourselves and good about what Wreaths does. I spoke to Courtney George and said, let’s talk about next year, I want to do what I can to help out.”

Thank you, Judd and ROC Relocations for your dedication to the mission to remember, honor and teach.

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 Judd 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