Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. Without them, the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach would be nearly impossible. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, ships, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America's respect. In 2023, to be specific, 717 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 332 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 4,800 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are 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.
In a roundabout way, Rose Rojo taught herself to drive a big rig, and it provided her with a new and exciting career she loves. “I was actually an interpreter, for my now ex-husband and I got him into the trucking industry, and that’s how I got my CDL,” Rose explained with a chuckle. “I wasn’t looking to fall into it. I was working as a USDA inspector at the time. I was at Amarillo College and was translating for my ex-husband, Spanish to English and English to Spanish. His instructor said, ‘Rose you’ve been in these classes all along why don’t you get your CDL?’” The rest of the story, as they say, is history!
Rose has been in the trucking industry since 2006, starting as an owner operator and after taking time out to raise a family she returned to the profession she loves. She drives for RE Garrison out of Vinemont, Alabama. “I won TCA (Truckload Carriers Association) Professional Driver of the Year award last year and that was quite a milestone in my career. I love what I do.” Rose has also earned the title of Oklahoma Driver of the Year.
Rose is a trailblazer no doubt as one of the female drivers in a male-dominated industry. It’s rewarding for her to mentor others. “Our company promotes Women in Trucking (WIT) and Tracy Rushing is phenomenal with them. This year has been on-the-go getting out there to talk with more women and I’ve had a ball doing it.” In fact, Tracy Rushing, Executive Director of Safety and Recruiting with RE Garrison was recently named the 2024 Influential Woman of the year by WIT.
Part Pilipino herself, Rose particularly hopes to encourage young Pilipino women to get involved in the trucking industry. Rose was gracious enough to share that her childhood was abusive, and she credits her foster parents with raising her with strong values and ethics. She has a strong calling to give back to her community. Her involvement with Wreaths Across America provides her that opportunity.
“Last year when I did this load, the people there were just phenomenal. I delivered in Naples, Florida to the man at the VFW, he was just so welcoming that I was just dumfounded. Everyone there at the stops are so involved in the process and happy to see you. I had young teenage boys hoping up in my tractor singing and having a great time unloading the wreaths. It was so much fun and getting to know the people from different walks of life, learning, and making friends was incredible. To give back to the veterans is such a touching thing you know. My uncle and my dad were Vietnam veterans and to give back to them is such a moving experience. More people need to get involved with Wreaths Across America and you won’t regret it!” So many members of the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet say exactly what Rose has expressed.
Thank you, Rose and all the folks at RE Garrison Trucking for all you do to support 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 Rose 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 on Sirius XM Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking Radio.
Sponsor a wreath at the RadioNemo Wreaths Across America Page.
Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com