Honoring heroes with Wreaths Across America and J.B Hunt

By Chad Previch, Senior Communications Manager

As part of Norfolk Southern’s commitment to honoring veterans, we continued our annual tradition of supporting Wreaths Across America in partnership with J.B. Hunt.  

This year, Norfolk Southern transferred 50 freight loads carrying over 325,000 wreaths from our trains to J.B. Hunt’s trucks in Ayer, Massachusetts, the starting point for delivering wreaths to cemeteries across the nation. In addition to providing transport, Norfolk Southern donated $100,000 to support Wreaths Across America’s mission to remember and honor the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans. Since 2022, NS has donated $250,000.

On Dec. 13, Ed Elkins, a veteran and NS EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, laid wreaths at the Marietta National Cemetery, along with other Norfolk Southern volunteers and those from J.B. Hunt, the Young Marines and Boy Scouts of America. The work of placing wreaths on veterans’ graves ensured every hero was remembered.

Why it matters

• Honoring service members: By moving wreaths efficiently across our network, we help ensure more families and communities can participate in this important act of remembrance for the men and women who served our country.
• Nationwide impact: Norfolk Southern supports distribution to locations across the eastern U.S., connecting volunteers, families, and veterans’ groups with the wreaths they need for ceremonies safely and on time.
• Strong partnerships: Our work with Wreaths Across America reflects a shared commitment to remembrance, service, and community.

What they’re saying

“We are extremely grateful for Norfolk Southern’s ongoing support in helping us honor our veterans and teach the value of service. Their partnership helps make it possible for us to remember every hero who has passed.” — Karen Worcester, Executive Director, Wreaths Across America

“Supporting Wreaths Across America is one of the many ways our people show up for the communities we serve. We’re honored to help carry these wreaths and to help carry forward the legacy of the veterans they represent.” — Ed Elkins, veteran and NS EVP and Chief Commercial Officer

NS has been recognized as a Military Friendly® company and was named to the 2025 Military Times Best for Vets: Employers list.