Harvard Jones

, I’ve been participating in WAA America for about 15 years. The first few years on motorcycles and the the last 9 years I’ve been leading approximately 100 jeeps to Florida National Cemetery where we place roughly between 1500-2000 grave specific wreaths. Over the last 5 years or so, I have gotten to speak to many people whose loved ones are buried there and heard their stories. Many unable to lay a wreath on their own for what ever reason. Being able to honor their family members in their absence gives me great joy. Christmas 2022 I was approached by a few guys from Tampa Mopar Society about figuring out a way to raise money for Wreaths Across America as well as awareness. A few days after this conversation I came up with the idea of Wheels for Wreaths and last year we had our first Wheels for Wreaths Jeep and Mopar show in which with a great team we raised just shy of $18,000 which sponsored 1500+ wreaths. Our goal is to continue raising money and awareness in hopes that 2026 there will be 100% coverage at the Bushnell National Cemetery.

 Over the last 11 years I have been participating in laying wreaths for the Wreaths Across America event to Remember and Honor our nations veterans final resting sites with Grave specific wreaths at the Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell Florida. Being a Proud 6-year Veteran of our Nation’s Air Force, this is something that has always been near and dear to my heart. I feel so much sorrow when I see a fallen Brother or Sister in Arms that goes without the remembrance wreath.
 

In late 2022, my good friend Havard Jones approached me on volunteering to help close the gap of the 130,000 + final sites that do not receive a wreath at the Florida Nation Cemetery. So, with a great group of other friends that have become my extended family, we have been able to create Wheels for Wreaths.
 

In August2023, we were able to setup and deliver our 1st annual Jeep, Mopar and Motorcycle event in which we were blessed to raise nearly $18,000.00 as a local donation to Wreaths Across America. I ask each of you to come out and support our team in this great cause as our mission is to lay a remembrance wreath at each final resting site by 2026.
 

. I have been participating in Wreaths Across America Since 2013. I first heard about it when my oldest son Austin was in JROTC in high School. We would go every year with his JROTC class to place the wreaths. When we moved to Florida in 2018, we joined TJK for the grave specific wreath laying. This is where we met Harvard for the first time. 

When Harvard asked me to be a part of Wheels For Wreaths, I jumped at the chance. Not only to help out my friend but this is a wonderful cause, and I was honored to be a part of it. Placing wreaths now holds an even more special place in my heart, my father-in-law is now resting at the National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. 

We are now starting our second year with Wheels for Wreaths and I am so excited to see what this year brings with the overwhelming love and support we got last year.  

My family and I originally started with Wreaths Across American when our oldest son was a member of his High School JROTC as a Freshman in 2013. In the state of Georgia at that time, all JROTC classes laid every Wreath at the Canton National Cemetery. After he graduated High School in 2017 and joined the Army, my wife Shannon and I re-located to the Central Florida area and were taken in by the Jeepers that helped lay grave specific wreaths at the Bushnell Nation Cemetery. At that time, this is where we met Havard Jones and since have had the honor and privilege of being asked to join this great team. Since moving back to Florida, Wreaths Across America has taken on a most special meaning to me and my family, as my father was laid to rest at the Canton National Cemetery where we started our journey. Over the last 10 years, it has been my absolute privilege to be able to give back just a little for the Veterans that gave so much to each of us.

 . I am the Founder and President of Tampa Mopar Society. I have been involved doing fundraisers, LEO parades and  Military Escorts all over the State of Florida with our awesome Mopars. I was fortunate enough a little over a year ago to be invited to a Wreaths Across America event in Bushnell by Harvard. We showed up and once we concluded that event I told Harvard let’s do a fundraiser.
 

Well his team and a few Jeepers ran with it and the event to date raised the most funds for an event I have ever attended. Looking forward to round 2. October 19, 2024.  

  In 2017 I purchased my Jeep. That was the first year that I helped lay wreaths at Bushnell National Cemetery. My father is buried there and I did not know about the wreaths at that time.  While doing the wreaths events and other events around the Jeep community you get to see a lot of different jeeps. Everyone talks about the different modifications that they have done to their jeeps myself included. The biggest modification for me is the friends and family that I have gained while owning my Jeep.  One of those families that I am proud to be a part of is the team of Wheels for Wreaths.  
 

A little over a year ago we came together to raise money for remembrance  wreaths at Bushnell. The first year we were able to raise an amazing amount. We have set a hight goal for 2026 to have Bushnell completely covered with remembrance wreaths. I know we can do that with your help.