“Laying the wreaths shows that we do not leave the fallen alone—they are still thought of. We do not forget all they have done to keep this country safe and free,” – Cathleen Arment, TriWest ECHO Specialist
TriWest was proud to once again support Wreaths Across America, reaffirming its commitment to the nation’s heroes. Surrounded by American flags and the smell of evergreen, 143 volunteers came together at national cemeteries to lay over 2,300 TriWest-sponsored wreaths on Dec. 13, 2025.
For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used to symbolize honor and serve as a living tribute. Through Wreaths Across America and its partner organizations like TriWest, this tradition represents a living memorial that honors active duty military, Veterans, and their families.
“The wreaths laid today serve as a powerful gesture that unites communities, families, and even generations. It serves as an opportunity to learn about the men and women who served and sacrificed to protect our freedom,” said Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America. “I am in awe of what our volunteers accomplish to remember our nation’s service members each year. Each person has played a part in the year-long mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
The annual wreath-laying ceremony began over 30 years ago at Arlington National Cemetery by Maine businessman Morrill Worchester. In the winter of 1992, his Worchester Wreath Company found itself with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. As Morrill recalled a poignant boyhood experience at the nation’s capital, he was inspired to place these wreaths at Arlington in one of the older cemetery sections that had been receiving fewer visitors as the years passed.
“Laying the wreaths shows that we do not leave the fallen alone—they are still thought of. We do not forget all they have done to keep this country safe and free,” said Cathleen Arment, TriWest ECHO Specialist who has participated in this ceremony for seven years—twice with TriWest at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona, and previously at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Henderson, Nevada. “I want to see all of our national cemeteries filled with wreaths and love.”
Terry Moulton, TriWest Chief Military & Veteran Services Officer, attended the Phoenix event and spoke to volunteers ahead of the morning ceremony. He emphasized the privilege we have at TriWest to serve the military and Veteran population in our daily work and through opportunities like Wreaths Across America. It is yet another way to pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who have served our nation.
This year, National Wreaths Across America Day took place at 5,598 locations nationwide, with volunteers placing over 3.1 million wreaths. It’s a deeply symbolic tradition that shows the nation’s Veterans and their families that the world will not forget how they sacrificed for our freedom.
“I participated in Wreaths Across America in Lubbock, Texas, to honor my grandfather, Alton A. Briggs, who is a former U.S. Navy sailor,” said Doug Briggs, TriWest Director of Pricing Analysis and Negotiation, Procurement. “It was a heartwarming event and very emotional to honor my grandfather and all Veterans.”
“I come from a very patriotic family, but I don’t know much about my grandfather’s service; he did not like to discuss it. He served in the Pacific theatre of World War II along with all but one of his brothers. I have wondered what he experienced. When we brought war topics up or World War II, he went silent then left the room. And he was a very strong man.”
When volunteers say the name of a Veteran aloud while placing a wreath, it symbolizes that they live on in our hearts and are remembered for years to come.
“One fond memory was pausing to read the names on the headstones as I placed a wreath. It was a quiet, reflective moment that reminded me of the individual lives behind the sacrifices,” said Mickey Joseph, TriWest Sr. Business Process Analyst, TRICARE Operations Management. She laid wreaths at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix. “I wanted to be part of Wreaths Across America because it brings people together for a meaningful cause, honoring Veterans. It’s an opportunity to give back to the community and show appreciation for those who defended our freedoms. My father served in the Navy. He and my mother are buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota.”
Families and volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate in Wreaths Across America ceremonies, which rely on the assistance of community members, local businesses, and organizations like TriWest to sponsor and place wreaths. In fact, one third of volunteers this year were children. Part of the mission of Wreaths Across America is to teach the next generation the value of freedom.
“This was a very special experience to share with my 12-year-old daughter; respect for our nation’s military is something I have ingrained in her,” said Marissa Duffy, TriWest Claims Reviewer, Claims Administration. Together, they laid wreaths at Fort George Wright Cemetery in Spokane, Washington. “The military and Veterans hold a very special place in my heart, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to show a little extra appreciation to them and the sacrifices they made, as well as their loved ones.”
“The opening ceremony was very special. The placing of the wreaths and the playing of Taps was such a solemn, powerful moment. We said the name of the Veteran as we placed our wreaths, quietly acknowledging them and their brave actions.”
TriWest would like to thank each team member who played a part in this honored and solemn tradition. Your heartfelt involvement reaffirms our commitment to do Whatever It Takes!® to best care for the military and Veteran communities.