Honoring our country’s military is important to J.B. Hunt. We are known as a top military-friendly employer because of the training programs and initiatives we implement, like our Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG), and the work we do with outside organizations to provide resources and recognition for veterans and our military.
For the eighth year, we’re working with Wreaths Across America to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom and honor the sacrifices made by those who continue to serve our country.
“VERG is the ERG that I have been most directly tied with,” shared Bo, a client manager and VERG member. “Some of the major events that they put on, like Wreaths Across America, that’s something I’ve attended every single year since being with the company, and I think that’s just a very impactful event overall.”
Keep reading to learn more about our work with Wreaths Across America and why supporting this mission is so important to our company.
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America strives to Remember our fallen U.S. veterans, Honor those who serve and Teach the value of freedom. This mission is dear to J.B. Hunt, and closely aligns with our corporate social responsibility pillar of supporting veterans.
Since 2013, we’ve proudly supported this mission alongside the entire trucking industry, helping Wreaths Across America safely deliver 2.2 million wreaths to over 2,100 cemeteries across the United States, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
“I have a strong thankfulness for our American military. My family has served in all branches of the service over the years to help keep our nation free,” said Senior Manager of Driver Personnel, Monica. “Wreaths Across America is extra special to me because my grandfather and father are both buried in the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Between myself and my son, as we lay the wreaths on their graves each year it gives us an opportunity to reflect and remember their sacrifices.”
Driven To Serve
This December, J.B. Hunt will deliver approximately 207,000 wreaths to 10 national cemeteries, covering 100% of the cost of these loads. This is the most we’ve delivered since we began our work with Wreaths Across America. We are extremely proud of the 170 J.B. Hunt company drivers who were nominated to participate, and the 75 drivers ultimately chosen to deliver wreaths across the country this year.
Each year, we hold a ceremony at our corporate campus in Northwest Arkansas to provide all employees with the opportunity to take part in Wreaths Across America. The event signifies the arrival of wreaths heading to Fayetteville National Cemetery, transported in one of four J.B. Hunt Wreaths Across America-inspired wrapped trucks.
During the event, J.B. Hunt leaders and VERG members speak to the significance of Wreaths Across America and the importance of honoring those who serve in the military. As the ceremony concludes, employees who sign up in advance can follow the truck to Fayetteville National Cemetery to lay wreaths and pay their respects.
“The Wreaths Across America ceremony at J.B. Hunt really exudes a mixture of emotions,” shared Kaytlyn, an Intermodal pricing manager and VERG member. “This event holds so much significance in my life, both as the granddaughter of a WWII veteran and as a veteran myself.”
Join Us for Our 2021 Wreaths Across America Ceremony
All employees are invited and encouraged to attend this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony. The event will take place on Friday, December 17 at 10 a.m. Central Standard Time. For employees not in Northwest Arkansas, or for anyone who would like to participate, check out the J.B. Hunt Drivers Facebook page to watch the ceremony virtually.
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