Dear Michael Barbour,

The days are getting longer and, thankfully, a little warmer here at WAA Headquarters in Maine, and there is definite excitement in the air for 2022!

As we have poured over after-action reports, volunteer feedback and compared notes, the underlying theme across all departments was just how essential our volunteers are to Wreaths Across America’s continued success.

It is not lost on me or the WAA staff that the passion for the mission is demonstrated through so many dedicated individuals who not only understand, but live the mission and are our ambassadors on the local level. Every ceremony represents so much work and attention to detail but there is a component beyond those that continue to bring new people into the WAA family and that is, sincerity.

In communities all over the country veterans are honored by local families, but a common thread of understanding, and sacrifice for greater good pulls us all together and makes us stronger as one.

WAA looks forward to continuing to use our platforms: social media, newsletter and blog, and Wreaths Across America Radio to share stories, and to teach and fill the minds of our children through illustrations of service and sacrifice of real-life heroes.

We continue to depend on your understanding and help to carry out the year-long mission to fuel the next generation.

On behalf of the entire WAA Family, we thank you for your continued passion!

“Education is not the filling of a pot, but the lighting of a fire.” – W.B.Yeats

Remember – Honor – Teach

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester

Executive Director

#FindAWay2022

A Lasting Legacy, Determination, Dedication and Distinction

As we learn and look to celebrate the people and stories of Black History Month, Joe Reagan shares details about the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The “Six-Triple Eight” as they became known was the first and only all black Female Women Army Corp (WAC) unit to be deployed overseas during WWII and their mission was critical to the morale and success in the war.

The Tuskegee Legacy

WWII had begun the first week James Sheppard was enrolled in high school. “A lot of young men at the time wanted to do their part for their country. It was a patriotic thing, and millions were signing up to get in. Dad heard they had established a program from African-American pilots, and he thought that was the thing to do.”

Tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio to learn more about the legacy of Master Sgt. James A. Sheppard, a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, as told by his son Bob Sheppard to Susan Patten.

The special Black History Month feature will air on the following days and times:

• Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 4pm ET/1 pm PT
• Friday, Feb. 25 at 11 am ET/8am PT

You’re Invited to this VIRTUAL Event:

Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Disappearance of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739

Join us on VIRTUALLY on Wednesday, March 16, at 12pm EST/9am PST, as we commemorate the lives and legacy of the 93 United States Army soldiers and 11 civilian crew members who disappeared without a trace on this day, in 1962 while enroute to Vietnam on a top secret mission.

Save the Date

Our first Radio RoundTable of the year is planned to air on Thursday, March 24 at 7pm ET.

This discussion, hosted by Executive Director Karen Worcester and Director of Military & Veteran Outreach Joe Reagan will focus on Military Caregivers. Guests will include Melissa Comeau, Director of the American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network and

Molly Brooks, Registered Nurse as well as the CEO and Founder of Hero’s Bridge.

The team is accepting questions for this discussion in advance. If you have a question you’d like to hear discussed, please contact the team today!

Featured Merchandise

2021 Rockers are Back in Stock!