By Amanda Dobrochowski
I recently had the incredible opportunity to go on an over-the-road (OTR) journey for four days with Tania, a female driver from MTM Trucking and Logistics, all in support of Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to placing wreaths on the graves of our nation’s veterans.
Each December, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at thousands of U.S. locations. This effort is made possible by the dedication of volunteers, including hundreds of trucking companies and professional drivers who form the “Honor Fleet.” MTM driver Tania Wong-Mills was one of these drivers; I was honored to drive with her.
As an operations assistant at MTM, my days are usually spent in the office, handling various tasks. This four-day trip in December gave me the chance to see the real-world impact of what we do from a new perspective — on the road, delivering wreaths to honor our fallen veterans.
Over those four days, we drove 3,967 miles and made three cemetery stops. We transported 4,800 wreaths in 205 boxes on 11 pallets.
It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for both the trucking industry and the importance of this mission.four
The Meaning Behind Wreaths Across America
Before this journey, I had a general understanding of what Wreaths Across America was all about: delivering wreaths to veterans’ graves across the country to honor and remember those who served. However, experiencing it firsthand was something I’ll never forget.
As we traveled to Maine for the pickup of the wreaths, then from cemetery to cemetery, we knew our deliveries were part of a larger mission that would ensure every wreath would be placed with care by volunteers who gathered to honor the fallen.
It was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, and it felt surreal to be part of something so meaningful, where every mile driven served a greater purpose.
Each stop felt like a solemn ceremony. At every cemetery, families and volunteers were waiting to help with the wreath-laying, creating a sense of unity and respect. It put everything into perspective — while we were on the road facing our own set of challenges, there were so many people working together to ensure that no veteran’s grave would be forgotten.
The Journey: Time for Reflection
The journey itself wasn’t just about moving wreaths from point A to point B. It was an emotional and deeply reflective experience. On the road, we had the opportunity to think about the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. The truckstops and long hours of driving became background noise to the larger mission we were working toward.
I could feel the weight of the responsibility, knowing that these wreaths were headed to cemeteries where families would be coming to pay their respects. It made every challenge — every crowded parking lot, every delayed stop — worth it. The magnitude of the mission reminded me that trucking isn’t just about transporting goods: It is about contributing to something far bigger and connects people and places for causes that matter.
The Role of the Driver: Dedication and Passion
I also gained a new level of respect for the driver I was with, Tania. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she handled every aspect of the journey with incredible professionalism and grace. Her dedication to the mission was clear from the start. She spoke passionately about the importance of delivering the wreaths with care and respect, understanding that each delivery was a part of a tribute to the veterans who served our country.
What struck me most was how this wasn’t just a job for Tania; it was a calling. Despite the challenges of the road, the long hours, and the stress of tight schedules, she showed unwavering pride in being part of Wreaths Across America. Her work ethic was inspiring; she navigated each stop with precision, always prioritizing the mission over the obstacles encountered.
More about Tania Wong-Mills, honored as one of safest truck drivers in Maryland
Tania’s drive and commitment go beyond her work on the road. She’s not only passionate about her job, but also about providing for her family.
It’s evident that she approaches everything she does with the same determination and dedication, ensuring that she works hard to provide and create opportunities for the ones she loves. Watching her balance the demands of the road and the responsibility she carries for her family gave me a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices that so many drivers like her make every day.
Wreaths Across America and the Trucking Industry
In my role as an operations assistant I’ve often thought about how the trucking industry is viewed. We tend to focus heavily on efficiency, cost, and time management, but this experience reminded me of the true heart of what truckers do every day. They aren’t just moving boxes, they’re delivering moments.
This trip really emphasized the importance of drivers in our society and the impact they have on causes that are bigger than just transportation. Wreaths Across America showed me that trucking connects people with the things that matter to them. It also highlighted the challenges that drivers face to make that happen.
I gained a new appreciation for the long hours drivers put in every day. We started early, waking by 8 a.m. and getting on the road by 10 a.m.; we didn’t stop until midnight.
As we made our way across the country, we faced real struggles: Finding parking, for example, was a constant issue. In some places, there were few or no spots left. We passed countless trucks parked along the side of the road, which drove home the reality of the challenges drivers face daily.
This is backed up by statistics: A study by the American Transportation Research Institute found drivers on average sacrifice 56 minutes of drive time every day to secure parking, amounting to a $5,600 annual pay cut. According to the American Trucking Association, there is only one truck parking space available for every 11 truck drivers.
Despite these obstacles, we pushed forward, managing our time carefully to ensure we didn’t run out of hours or fall behind. The commitment and perseverance required to handle the physical and logistical demands of the job became evident to me.
Despite these challenges it was all worth it.
Emotional Reflections
As we made our deliveries, there were moments when the emotional weight of the journey really hit. Seeing the rows of headstones, each one representing a life of service, made me realize the magnitude of what we were doing. We weren’t just delivering wreaths; we were delivering a message of gratitude, respect, and remembrance. For the drivers, this kind of work is deeply personal. It’s about being part of a legacy that honors those who served and sacrificed for our country.
What was truly moving, though, was seeing how communities came together to support this cause. At every stop, volunteers of all ages gathered to ensure the wreaths were placed with care.
Many of them shared stories of their own family members who had served — whether it was a father, a grandfather, or a sibling. It was incredible to witness how many people felt a deep, personal connection to this mission. They weren’t just donating their time and energy because it was the right thing to do. Many had loved ones who had served, and this was their way of paying tribute.
It was a powerful reminder that Wreaths Across America is more than just a logistical effort. It’s a movement built on a shared sense of respect and gratitude, and one that unites people from all walks of life in honoring those who gave everything for our freedom.
A New Perspective on the Job
Coming back from this journey, I can honestly say that my view of the trucking industry has shifted. Earlier in the year I attended events sponsored by the TCA (Truckload Carriers Association) in Washington, D.C., where we discussed the issues affecting the industry. But until I joined Tania on the road, I never truly understood what it was like. Getting in that cab and experiencing the day-to-day realities of being a truck driver opened my eyes in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Trucking is not just about moving goods; it’s about delivering purpose. Wreaths Across America made me realize how much more the job entails. Every time a truck hits the road it’s not just transporting freight but it also is connecting people to moments and causes.
The journey also gave me a deeper understanding of the struggles truckers face every day. I never truly understood how exhausting the trucker’s existence could be until I experienced it firsthand. The long hours, lack of decent food options and the constant search for parking took a toll. There were many times we drove for hours without a good place to stop, and when we did find a spot, it was often cramped or felt unsafe.
As a woman on the road, I also felt the need to constantly be aware of my surroundings, wanting to feel safe and secure, which added another layer of stress to the journey.
On top of that, we saw reckless driving by other vehicles, which only made things harder. Navigating and maneuvering in unfamiliar areas is often difficult. These are things I’d heard about, but I never fully grasped how difficult and dangerous they could be until I was in Tania’s shoes. I’ll never again look at the trucking industry in quite the same way.
For me, this was a humbling and deeply fulfilling experience, and the honor of being part of such a meaningful journey is something I’ll carry with me forever.
More Information about Wreaths Across America
In 2024, more than 3 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 4,909 participating locations worldwide. The year-round program includes speaking each veteran’s name out loud in grateful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made for our freedoms.
Ways to follow and contribute:
Radio: Tune in Wreaths Across America Radio, also available on the iHeart Radio app, TuneIn, and the Audacy app.
More audio: Listen to audio through the Wreaths Across America SoundCloud page.
How to get involved: National Wreaths Across America Day will take place Dec. 13, 2025. This free event is open to all, and community members are encouraged to participate by volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero. Here’s how.
