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 brand new Kenworth T680s were husband-and-wife driver teams with a special pedigree. Each team served in our country’s military and as veterans they were chosen by Interstate to pick up and deliver donated wreaths in the Wreath’s Across America program sponsored by the Truckload Carrier’s Association (TCA).
According to Marc Rogers Interstate’s President and CEO 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 features a special graphics wrap donated by Kenworth Truck Company to help commemorate the WAA program. The graphics features a theme of “Honoring Our Heroes” with a silhouette of military figures in a waving American flag.
Rick and Donna Fogt have been with Interstate since 2003. They are driving a matte black tractor 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 who served six years in the Army. “This opportunity is a dream come true.”
Allen and Patricia Erwin are driving a signature green tractor to Kansas City Mo. to pick up donated wreaths and deliver them to the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Allen and Patricia Erwin joined Interstate in April 2012. Allen served six years in the Army National Guard. His Father and step-father also served. The extent of Patricia’s service was that of a military “brat” awaiting the safe return of loved ones from maneuvers and deployments.Patricia’s father and step-father served in the military.
“It is an honor to represent Interstate during the Wreaths Across America event. We consider it a privilege for us to be able to donate our time to be of service to those who have served us so well. It is both an honor and a privilege to be able to represent those military dependents who are unable to place wreaths at the resting place of their loved ones themselves.” Patricia Erwin
Sponsored by the TCA close to 240000 wreaths will be laid at Arlington National Cemetery alone this year which will cover every grave marker at the cemetery. Last year more than 540000 remembrance wreaths were placed in all 50 states. Eighty trucking companies volunteered their services. To learn more about Wreaths Across America visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
About Interstate Distributor Co
Headquartered in Tacoma WA Interstate Distributor Co. is a leading provider of transportation services including local regional refrigerated dedicated intermodal and transcontinental. With terminal and yard facilities located in major markets throughout the United States and Western Canada Interstate has a national presence in the transportation industry. Established in 1933 Interstate currently employs more than 1800 associates. On May 17 2011 Interstate Distributor Co was acquired by Saltchuk Resources Inc. a family of diverse companies focused
on transportation real estate and energy. Saltchuk ensures exceptional performance and safety within its operating companies where employees are proud and would want their family members to work.
At Interstate we strive to be the most efficient and green fleet in the industry and seek to continually reduce our
company’s carbon footprint by conducting ongoing evaluations in fuel economy.
For more information visit www.intd.com and www.saltchuk.com