Honoring Service and Leading with Heart: A Conversation with Courtney George of Wreaths Across America

In this powerful episode of On The Front Line: The Safety, Learning and Operations Podcast, host Dr. Gina Anderson speaks with Courtney George, Director of Transportation and Industry Relations at Wreaths Across America. Their conversation is a heartfelt tribute to the power of remembrance, the strength of quiet leadership, and the essential role of transportation professionals in honoring those who served. From advocating for the unsung heroes of trucking to educating future generations about sacrifice and freedom, Courtney shares how service, leadership, and storytelling can transform communities and culture.

From Remembrance to Leadership: Driving Purpose in Transportation and Beyond

Courtney George’s work at Wreaths Across America centers on honoring veterans by remembering their stories—not just their service. She explains how the organization moves beyond placing wreaths to inspire personal connection, community reflection, and education. Their curriculum brings real stories into classrooms across the country, helping students understand freedom’s cost and value. Courtney emphasizes how remembrance becomes a living, breathing act of leadership when it’s carried out with intention and compassion.

Throughout the conversation, Courtney shines a light on the trucking industry’s overlooked contributions. She highlights how professional drivers play a vital role not only in logistics but in acts of service—like transporting wreaths or joining the fight against human trafficking. She shares actionable insights on changing public perception, creating recognition campaigns, and championing the safety and training initiatives already at work across the industry. Courtney also reminds listeners that leadership doesn’t always come with a title—it comes through connection, humility, and showing up, even in adversity.

The episode closes with Dr. Anderson honoring Courtney with the Pelican Award, recognizing her quiet yet impactful leadership. Together, they explore how adversity fuels innovation, and how legacy is built through sustained service and community building. Whether you're in operations, transportation, education, or nonprofit work, this episode offers both practical strategies and deep inspiration for leading with heart.

About Courtney George

Courtney George is the Director of Transportation and Industry Relations at Wreaths Across America. From volunteer to executive leader, she’s devoted her career to honoring veterans, serving communities, and advocating for the vital role of the trucking industry in remembrance efforts.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit dedicated to remembering fallen U.S. veterans, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the value of freedom. Through annual wreath-laying ceremonies, educational programming, and industry partnerships, the organization engages communities across the country in meaningful acts of service.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Courtney George on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/courtneybgeorge

• Wreaths Across America: wreathsacrossamerica.org

Key Episode Highlights:

• How remembrance can create personal and community transformation

• Strategies for bringing veterans’ stories into education and leadership training

• Elevating the trucking industry’s essential and often overlooked contributions

• The role of quiet, service-based leadership in building stronger teams

• Innovation through adversity and the importance of community collaboration

Conclusion

Courtney George’s message is a powerful reminder that service, remembrance, and leadership are deeply interconnected. Through her work with Wreaths Across America, she exemplifies how compassion, humility, and purpose can shape stronger communities and inspire a culture of respect across industries. Her story encourages all of us—whether in transportation, education, or nonprofit leadership—to lead with intention, uplift others, and create lasting impact through quiet, consistent acts of service.

Ready to transform how your organization leads and learns?
Visit Luma Brighter Learning to discover how we support leaders and frontline workers through personalized, connected learning.
Think you have a story worth sharing? Apply to be a guest on On The Front Line and join the movement toward safer, more compassionate workplaces.