American unity on display with Wreaths Across America Day
National Wreaths Across America Day took place at over 4,225 participating locations across the country, including Arlington National Cemetery. Volunteers remembered the nation’s heroes as they said their names aloud, honoring over three million veterans this year.
Wreaths Across America thanks the communities, volunteers, and sponsors for coming together and supporting those who have protected our freedom. Each person has played a part in the year-long mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
“What I love most about this day and this mission is that it is so much more than just the placement of a wreath," said Karen Worcester, executive director at Wreaths Across America. “The wreath is the catalyst. It brings together communities, families, and strangers to learn about those who have served and sacrificed. We have more than three million volunteers across the country, and a third of them are children. This mission and the events happening today provide the opportunity to teach kids about what freedom is.”
For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families. When volunteers say the name of a veteran aloud while placing a wreath, it ensures they live on in our hearts and memories and are always remembered.
Trucking voices amplify accessibility in Kazakhstan
Ardak Alimakanova, a lifelong resident of Kazakhstan, is speaking up for accessibility. Fluent in English, Kazakh, and Russian, she’s using her voice to help visually impaired people learn about her country’s rich past.
Alimakanova is one of 20 Chevron employees who volunteered for a project called “Opening the World: Creating Accessible Environment in the National Museum of Kazakhstan for Blind and Visually Impaired Children.”
As visually impaired visitors pass through the halls of the museum’s 16 exhibits, they can hear Alimakanova paint a picture of nearby artifacts and their cultural significance.
Over the course of three days, Alimakanova and other Chevron volunteers recorded audio content in their preferred language. For Alimakanova, she read in Russian. She was thrilled to donate her time and expertise to such a meaningful project.
“This was an interesting and fun experience,” Alimakanova said. “I’m honored to help create a mood for listeners and acquaint them with a place and time in history.”
Vipar Heavy Duty Family of Companies donates to the Wyakin Foundation
The Vipar Heavy Duty Family of Companies’ annual Impact Conference brings together hundreds of aftermarket leaders to build relationships and exchange industry knowledge, but it also serves another purpose—generating awareness and support for worthy causes. This year, the company and its network of distributors, suppliers, and business partners again raised a substantial donation for the Wyakin Foundation.
“Together with our distributors and suppliers, it’s been an honor to support the Wyakin Foundation and its mission of helping wounded veterans achieve future success through educational and career opportunities,” said Jeff Paul, Vipar Heavy Duty Family of Companies’ VP of marketing. “We appreciate the continued generosity from our network and the positive impact it has on our industry and those we serve.”
Vipar has used opportunities at the Impact Conference, including the Impact Memorial Golf Tournament, to fundraise for several charities through the years.
“We started working with the Wyakin Foundation in 2019 as they are well known and respected for helping veterans transition into much-needed roles in the trucking industry,” Paul said. “Their mission is a natural fit for us, our distributors, and our suppliers.”
The company also made a local donation to GiGi’s Playhouse, which provides numerous therapeutic and educational programs for people of all ages with Down Syndrome, as well as other services to empower them and their families. The nonprofit organization helps more than 30,000 individuals daily and has nearly 60 locations throughout the U.S. and Mexico.
University of Utah student-athletes receive new vehicles
The Crimson Collective and its Utah 360° streaming app powered by For The Win 360° recently surprised its student-athletes again with a landmark agreement honoring the University of Utah’s women’s and men’s basketball and women’s gymnastics teams. This extends an offer to every eligible student-athlete with a choice of receiving a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Edition or a 2024 Ram 1500 Big Horn truck, complete with the Night Edition package.
“As a former University of Utah gymnast, it's incredibly meaningful for me to support our female student-athletes, as well as our talented young men,” said Nicole Mouskondis, co-CEO of Nicholas and Co. and board member of Crimson Collective. “When we began with the Crimson Collective, we envisioned an equitable platform that supports and connects all student-athletes, and particularly our women's teams. This initiative is not just about providing transportation; it's about showing all our student-athletes that their achievements and contributions to the community are equally celebrated on and off the field.”
The Collective is designed to support Utah student-athletes and their contribution to nonprofit organizations in the Salt Lake community.
Transervice delivers holiday joy to employees’ families and the Salvation Army
Since Transervice was founded in 1969, the provider of customized fleet maintenance and transportation solutions has had a tradition of delivering early holiday presents to its employees’ children and grandchildren, aged newborn to 13, at their facilities across the U.S. The company then doubles that amount of presents to donate to The Greater New York Division of The Salvation Army.
When President and CEO Gregg Nierenberg joined Transervice in 2021, he committed to continuing the tradition that honors employees’ families and partners with the Salvation Army to bring holiday joy to thousands of less fortunate children in the company’s local community.
See also: Transervice Logistics owner ZS Fund acquires Lily Transportation
