Schneider leads 2018 Wreaths Across America convoy, hauls 5 loads

Wreaths Across America (WAA) started as a simple family tradition in Maine, but it has grown into a national tribute to fallen military veterans. Now, on the third Sunday in December, more than a million wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves at more than 1,200 locations across the country.

Schneider was once again a proud supporter of the six-day event, hauling five total loads for Wreaths Across America 2018 — two by Ride of Pride military tribute truck drivers, two by owner-operators and one by a company driver.

The ultimate goal: A simple act of kindness to make sure every veteran is remembered.

David Buck and 2017 Ride of Pride truck lead main convoy

Schneider’s current Ride of Pride driver David Buck has previously been a Wreaths Across America volunteer for seven years, placing wreaths at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Ill., near his home.

But the 2018 Wreaths Across America event was his first year delivering wreaths.

Buck, like previous 2017 Ride of Pride driver David Price, had the honor of leading the tractor-trailer portion of the main 2018 WAA convoy — Gold Star families led the convoy — with 265,000 wreaths from Columbia Falls, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

David Buck’s trip highlights:

After being rear-ended on the first leg of the trip, David quickly got a new trailer, and 30 local volunteers quickly helped transfer wreaths to the new trailer. He was able to catch up with the main convoy that same night.

David had the privilege to lead the main convoy, which totaled 49 vehicles, including 20 police officers. It was comparable to a presidential escort, and they even shut down part of New Jersey’s George Washington Bridge for the convoy.

After stopping three to four times a day at schools and memorials, and traveling through towns lined with people waving flags, the convoy pulled into Arlington at daybreak on Dec. 15. Despite a cold, hard rain, 60,000 volunteers came out to place wreaths.

Altogether, all Schneider drivers ran almost 9,000 loaded miles with Wreaths Across America 2018. David took over 500 photos during the journey, many of which can be found on the Ride of Pride Facebook page.

Next year, David hopes to come full circle with his WAA experience, delivering wreaths to the cemetery he once volunteered at.

Jon Ritscher and 2016 Ride of Pride truck deliver to Florida cemetery

Jon Ritscher still captains the 2016 Ride of Pride truck, having driven into Arlington during Wreaths Across America 2016. During 2017 and again in 2018, Ritscher had the honor of joining two other trucks to deliver 13,500 wreaths — 100 percent coverage — to Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fla.

Jon shared more about his experience in this post on the Ride of Pride Facebook page.

Ultimately, David and Jon both hope to continue their involvement in future years, and they encourage others to do the same.