This holiday season, hundreds of thousands of wreaths were placed on the tombstones and memorials of the nation's fallen heroes thanks to Wreaths Across America. With the help of professional drivers and customers across the nation, Pilot Flying J was proud to contribute $100,000
to the WAA campaign to honor the men and women who gave their lives to defend our country.

In October, the company announced its "Cup with a Cause" campaign, which donated $3 from every $4.99, limited-edition travel mug purchased by customers at Pilot Travel Center or Flying J Travel Plaza locations across the U.S.

In December, Pilot Flying J donated $100,000 to WAA to assist the non-profit organization in coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and nearly 800 additional veteran cemeteries and memorials across the country and overseas.

WAA and the Truckload Carriers Association earlier in 2012 announced a partnership through which TCA helped dispatch drivers and coordinate logistics of wreath delivery across the country.

The WAA program started in 1992 and has grown ever since to include more volunteers, more locations and more wreaths. This December, a total of more than 420,000 wreaths were placed to honor U.S. veterans, including 110,662 wreaths placed on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.

Wendy Hamilton, senior national account marketing manager for Pilot Flying J, attended the WAA annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington on Dec. 15.

"We arrived at Arlington with the convoy of semi-trailer trucks carrying thousands of wreaths, and thousands of people had lined the streets welcoming the volunteers," Hamilton said. "It was a humbling and inspiring display of respect and gratitude for our nation's military heroes and for their families. Not only during the holidays but year round, we will take to heart the organization's mission to 'Remember, Honor, Teach.'"

"Cup with a Cause" mugs are still available for purchase. As a token of appreciation for customers who support the "Cup with a Cause" campaign, each travel mug includes a coupon for a free refill. Customers can redeem the coupon for any premium coffee or cappuccino selection.