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.

Dennis Nation recently celebrated five years of professional driving for Baylor Trucking out of Indiana. His driving career spans over forty years and technically started in the military. “My old school description of my military MOS is 64 Charlie,” Dennis chuckled. “The second or third year, while I was in, they changed it to 88 Mike.”  

No matter what they called it, he was involved in transportation in the U.S. Army, and he served from 1985 until 1993. “Just before I turned thirteen, I was entered into a foster home, and I consider them my parents to this day. My Dad served in the military, and I had brothers who served too, so they set the example for me, and I wanted to carry on that tradition.” Dennis shared some of the highlights of his military service. “My first duty station was in Germany, and I spent about five years in Germany. I was also assigned to be the driver for President Bill Clinton’s personal doctor in his Inaugural Parade. That was quite an honor.”

Dennis said his driving position for Baylor is referred to as a local driver, but the reality is he’ll drive anywhere he’s needed. “As Cari Baylor will tell you, I’m one of the few drivers she can call when she’s in a pickle.” He had heard of Wreaths Across America before joining Baylor, so he was ready and willing when Baylor needed a driver to go to Maine to pick up veterans’ wreaths.  “I really love going to Maine; it’s gorgeous up there. For the five years I’ve been with Baylor, I’ve participated in the Wreaths Across America mission for the last four years. One year was quite a challenge because of a big snowstorm, but the years before that were really a piece of cake. I try to participate to honor my Dad. He was so impressed to know before he passed away that I did this. He’s now laid to rest in Kansas.”

Carrier companies and their drivers understand entirely that Wreaths Across America cannot control the weather. Still, staff and volunteers do their utmost to ensure other elements of the experience, from driver check-ins to wreath loading, go as smoothly as possible. Not all drivers have to come to the Northeast to pick up loads, as there are multiple cross-docks operated throughout the country, thanks to other trucking partners involved with the mission. Multiple options exist to accommodate participation in the mission for members of the Honor Fleet.

“It’s really awesome up there in Maine, and as soon as you walk through the door of the driver’s lounge, you’re welcomed with open arms. I was able to tour the wreath facility, meet Morrill, and learn how the wreaths are made. He’s a real jokester, and I just loved spending time with him and his son. One thing I’ll say to the drivers is that if it’s your first time, and you get a chance to take the tours of the museum and the factory, you need to do it. It’s amazing seeing how fast they can make those fresh wreaths. It’s unbelievable really, and I learned more this second time than I did my first year, and there’s more to be done. If I get to go again this year my Dad’s dog tag is going to be hung.” Dennis is referring to the free Wreaths Across America Remembrance Tree program.

The first year Dennis participated, he departed Downeast Maine as part of the Annual Wreath Escort to Arlington National Cemetery before separating. “It was bone-chilling to see not just the younger generations out there on the sides of the roads waving flags and wanting you to honk your horn but the older people outside too. They were along the road, standing in their doors, in the back of pickups, and seeing the smiles on their faces, which was probably one of my favorite experiences of the whole thing. It really opened my eyes.”

Thank you, Dennis, and Baylor Trucking for your commitment to our veterans through 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 Dennis 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