by Kiersten Ortiz

Team1Medical was proud to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on December 17, 2022, at the Houston National Cemetery. Several members of the Team1Medical staff and their families joined thousands of other volunteers to honor our veterans by laying Maine wreaths on each headstone. This is a tradition that takes place nationwide every December, and we are proud to be a part of it.

Over 48,000 live, handmade balsam wreaths were placed

It was a chilly day but spirits were high as teams gathered to begin their work. Thousands of volunteers arrived to honor our Nation’s heroes. The ceremony started at 11:00 AM, with many people arriving as early as 7:30 am.

The event was led by Master of Ceremonies Len Cannon of Houston’s KHOU -11 and included the Presentation of Colors, a flyover by the Commemorative Air Force, Houston Wing flying WWII War Birds, a beautiful bagpipe medley by the St. Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band, a presentation of wreaths, a 21 rifle salute by the Semper Fi #3 Memorial Honor Detail, Taps performed by Jason Browne of the U.S. Marines and more.

A total of 48,510 live, handmade balsam wreaths were placed on the headstones of veterans buried at the cemetery, and they will remain in place until Clean-Up Day on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

Team1Medical also raised funds and sponsored wreaths on behalf of many of our clients.

In a small act of respect, the staff at Team1Medical laid wreaths on veteran headstones to remember those who sacrificed much for our country.

Team1Medical also raised funds and sponsored wreaths on behalf of several clients.

This year’s event was more poignant to us, as we honored the recent passing of a veteran and the founder of our parent company—Don Stallard.

Don retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel, after serving five years on active duty in the Air Force as a jet pilot and decorated Vietnam veteran.

Don’s military experience inspired him to found The Reserves Network and gave it its name. He continued to support veterans and veteran organizations through the company’s work.

Many of the staff and relatives of The Reserves Network Family of Companies are retired service members or reservists.

On November 25, 2022, Don Stallard passed away peacefully at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving family.

This is a tradition that takes place nationwide each December, and we are proud to be a part of it.

National Wreaths Across America Day is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

This is the 15th year the ceremony honored both living and passed-on service members at the Houston National Cemetery.

We are proud to be a part of this event, and we encourage you to participate as well by donating wreaths or by finding a location to volunteer near you.

For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit their website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

Team1Medical salutes veterans with Wreaths Across America

We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Wreaths Across America and to remember and acknowledge our brave service members and their families, especially Don Stallard.

Thank you to our clients and candidates for making this possible and thank you to our Nation’s military and your families for your service and sacrifice.

And a special thank you to Don for his positive impact on so many lives. His legacy will live on.