TACOMA, Wash., Dec. 9, 2014 – It was a special send-off recently from Interstate Distributor’s yard in Tacoma, Wash. Behind the wheel, and in the passenger seats of two Kenworth T680s were husband-and-wife driver teams with a special pedigree. Each team served in the United States military, and as veterans, they were chosen by Interstate to pick up and deliver donated wreaths in the Wreaths Across America program sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).According to Marc Rogers, Interstate Distributor chief executive officer, it’s the first time the company has participated in the program, and it won’t be its last. “It is really is a special program, and with our emphasis on hiring veterans, plus our proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, we felt the need to volunteer our equipment and drivers for this special project,” said Rogers. “We will never forget our military’s sacrifices. We would like to thank all our Interstate veterans and their families for their service and patriotism in honoring our fallen heroes.”
Each Kenworth T680 features a special graphics wrap donated by Kenworth Truck Company to help commemorate the Wreaths Across America program. The graphics feature a theme of “Honoring Our Heroes” with a silhouette of military figures in a waving American flag.
Rick and Donna Fogt are driving a black T680 to Columbia Falls, Maine. After their arrival, they will join a caravan of 60 big rigs traveling to Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths will be laid on each gravesite by volunteers this Saturday (Dec. 13). “I’m so honored for us to represent Interstate,” said Donna Fogt, who served six years in the Army. “This opportunity is a dream come true.”
Allen and Patricia Erwin are driving a T680 painted in Interstate’s signature green with the special graphics to Kansas City, Mo., to pick up donated wreaths and deliver them to the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Allen served six years in the Army National Guard, while Patricia’s father and stepfather served in the military. “It’s an honor and privilege to be able to represent those military dependents who are unable to place wreaths at the resting place of their loved ones themselves,” said Patricia Erwin.
Sponsored by the TCA, close to 230,000 wreaths will be laid at Arlington National Cemetery alone this year, which will cover every grave marker at the cemetery. Last year, more than 540,000 remembrance wreaths were placed in all 50 states. Eighty trucking companies volunteered their services.
Interstate Distributor is a leading provider of transportation services, including regional and trans-continental coverage, dedicated fleets, expedited teams, specialized and refrigerated equipment, and intermodal service. For more information, visit INTD.com.
Kenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth's Internet home page is at Kenworth.com. Kenworth is a PACCAR company.