Our club participated in the event at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on 12 December 2025, placing 78 wreaths on graves in section L. We had 7 volunteers and 2 pickup trucks to accomplish our service project.
Our members in their trucks were in line to collect the boxes of wreaths by about 10:30 Friday morning. We had planned to begin placing wreaths about noon. However, there were many other organizations participating to place wreaths, and some used large uhaul trucks and trailers to pickup wreaths that they had ordered. After waiting in line almost 3 hours, the boxes of wreaths were loaded onto our members trucks and then driven to our designated section, section L, of the cemetery. (Something to consider in planning this service project next year.) We completed laying the wreaths in about 30 minutes.
Clean-up to remove wreaths after the Holidays occurred 3 January 2026. 5 club members participated, using 2 pickup trucks to load wreaths. The task was completed in about 1 hour.
From: waa coordinator <waa.fortsamhoustontx@gmail.com>
Date: December 30, 2025 at 10:10:18 PM CST
Subject: Wreath Clean Up Details– January 3, 2026
Hello Group Leaders & Volunteers,
We are off to a wonderful start in 2026, with a little over 5,000 wreaths already ordered during the wreath match promotion. Your continued dedication is truly making an impact, and we are grateful for all you do.
As we prepare for the end-of-season clean-up, please review the information below.
Clean-up will begin at sunrise on Saturday, January 3, 2026 (around 7:00 a.m.). If your team has adopted a specific section, you do not need to check in—please head directly to your assigned area, begin gathering wreaths, and place them along the curb. Volunteers with trucks will load wreaths and transport them to the back area. Please see the attached map for dumpster locations.
If you know anyone who would like to volunteer, this is a great opportunity for them to join us. Unlike wreath distribution, which requires structure and organization, clean-up allows us to welcome additional helping hands. Sections currently in need of support due to not being adopted include: 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 94, 2D, 46A, 8A, AC, CAA–CNN, and CA–CZ.
Volunteers are welcome to bring tarps, broomsticks, wagons, gloves, or any items that may make gathering wreaths easier.
If you know someone who sponsored a wreath and would like to keep it, please let them know they may pick it up on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Parking & Courtesy Reminders
Parking along San Antonio Street should be reserved only for areas not accessible from other roads.
Groups with larger numbers of volunteers may park in the back on the grass — refer to the map for the designated area.
The cemetery remains open to the public—please be considerate of anyone visiting loved ones who are not part of the clean-up.
Keep pathways clear so vehicles and traffic may move freely.
We truly appreciate your leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to honoring our veterans. Wishing you and your teams a happy and safe New Year, and we look forward to working alongside you on January 3 and in the New 2026 Year!
Respectfully,
Lettie Sanchez, Location Coordinator
Contact Lion Bob Oldham for details.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is
“Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”
Wreaths Across America Fort Sam Houston
Wreaths Across America Organization
Excerpt of email from
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