December 11, 2020
Mohawk FNA is pleased to again participate in the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet by transporting two truckloads of wreaths from the organization’s headquarters in Columbia Falls, Maine, to cemeteries in Texas and Tennessee to place on veterans’ graves for National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 19.
Mohawk’s trucks will be among hundreds from all over the country that will collectively deliver more than a million wreaths to approximately 1,200 cemeteries across the United States. This is the second year that Mohawk and its Drivers have committed to supporting the Wreaths Across America mission.
OTR Drivers Jamie Calvert and Lester Moore, have teamed up to transport one of the loads. “I am one of the lucky ones that made it home, so it means a lot to me to be able to do this for the ones that were not so lucky,” said Calvert, a U.S. Army veteran.
OTR team drivers Ron and Leah Eppich are transporting the second load. The Eppichs are a Gold-Star family, a designation given to those who have lost a family member in service to their country.
Sunnyvale, Texas, Driver Jose Andrade will deliver wreaths to the Dallas Fort Worth National Veterans’ Cemetery and Local Driver Bobby Winters will deliver to the Knoxville State Veterans Cemetery and Oakridge Memorial Gardens in Tennessee.
“One in five Mohawk truck drivers is a veteran,” said Cameron Taylor, Sr. Manager of Fleet Operations, who has played a key role in organizing Mohawk’s participation, as well as law enforcement escorts for the wreath-loaded trailers. “We’re proud of their service, and we’re proud of the contributions they make to our business every single day.”
“The Mohawk Transportation team is proud to sponsor Wreaths across America again this year and we are are commited to continuing our support for the years to come,” said Jeff Wachtel, Vice President of Transportation. “As these trailers travel our American highways and interstates, it is our hope that they encourage conversation among adults and children of the sacrifices our veterans have made.”
The specially-wrapped trailers were designed for the occasion by Mohawk FNA’s Marketing Creative Operations team, explained Sr. HR Director Micah Riggle who has championed the Company’s involvement in Wreaths Across America.
“There was a great deal of excitement around this project our first year, and we are experiencing that same level of enthusiasm this year. It’s inspiring to see our team members in Transportation and across Mohawk working together to make sure everything is in perfect order,” Riggle said. “When I see the Mohawk trucks and wrapped trailers roll in under police escort, the gravity of what we are doing really hits me. I encourage everyone to go to WreathsAcrossAmerica.org to better understand why we are supporting this project.”
Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. Go to the Mohawk Driver Facebook page to learn more about our involvement in Wreaths Across America.