The Trucker Newspaper - October 15, 2018

Thetrucker.com
Nation October 15-31, 2018 • 15
Courtesy: TRUCKLOAD CARRIERS ASSOCIATION
The keynote speaker at the fundraising gala for Wreaths Across America, Medal of
Honor recipient Sgt. Sammy Davis, shared his story of resilience, detailing the early
hours of November 18, 1967, when then-Private First Class Davis’ artillery unit came
under heavy mortar attack.
TCA’s Wreaths Across America Gala raises
more than $80,000 for annual remembrance
THE TRUCKER NEWS SERVICES
ARLINGTON, Va. — More than $80,000
was raised September 26 as the Truckload
Carriers Association hosted its sixth annual
fundraising gala in support of Wreaths Across
America (WAA) at the Crystal Gateway Marriott
in Arlington, Virginia. More than 230 attendees
— trucking executives, industry suppliers,
military families, and members of the
press — attended.
New this year, WAA hosted its 2018 Virtual
Convoy in conjunction with the gala. The event
was broadcast live to hundreds of thousands of
social media followers encouraging viewers to
help fill a trailer with wreaths. The fundraiser
was quite successful, with $15,000 collected.
The funds will support logistics for the delivery
of 2 million fresh remembrance wreaths,
which will adorn veterans’ gravestones on National
Wreaths Across America Day December
15.
“Each December, hundreds of TCA members
are proud to haul a truckload of respect,”
said TCA President John Lyboldt. “Tonight, we
celebrated this great industry and its passion to
help advance Wreaths Across America’s mission
of remember, honor, teach.”
The evening’s keynote speaker, Medal of
Honor recipient Sgt. Sammy Davis, shared his
story of resilience, detailing the early hours of
November 18, 1967, when then-Private First
Class Davis’ artillery unit came under heavy
mortar attack.
Before concluding his speech, Davis played
“Shenandoah” on a harmonica, which was auctioned
off at the event — a $3,500 donation to
the transportation fund.
Other notable speakers included American
Gold Star Mother and professional speaker
Jill Stephenson, who shared with attendees
the heartfelt story of her son, Cpl. Benjamin S.
Kopp.
After Stephenson spoke, the National Association
of Independent Truckers (NAIT) and
their insurance partner, IAT Insurance Group,
donated $50,000, which will help cover fuel
costs for owner-operators hauling wreaths.
Also during the event, Morrill, Karen and
Rob Worcester thanked the trucking industry
for their continued support and shared new logistics
information. The Worcesters — founders
of Wreaths Across America — encouraged
American Gold Star Mothers in the audience to
join them onstage to share their son or daughter’s
name, rank, and date of death.
During the reception, attendees had the opportunity
to purchase exclusive marble holiday
ornaments and truck decals to showcase their
involvement in and support for WAA. Guests
were also encouraged to have a professional
photo taken.
Throughout the evening, attendees could
place bids on more than a dozen silent auction
items ranging from getaway packages to a Tiffany
& Co. crystal decanter to an American flag
that was flown over the U.S. Capitol on September
11, 2018.
The gala was held in conjunction with
TCA’s Fall Business Meetings and Second Annual
Call on Washington.
For more information about Wreaths Across
America or to haul a truckload of wreaths this
December, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
Search the hashtag #WAA2018 on social media
networks to learn more about this year’s
wreath-laying events. 8
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