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U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Alaska’s National Forests providing the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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Alaska’s National Forests providing the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

USDA Forest Service

Release Date: Mar 27, 2024

Contact(s): Brandon Raile, (907) 723-4358

JUNEAU, Alaska – March 27, 2024 – The Alaska Region of the Forest Service, which features the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, is honored to have been selected to provide the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. An annual symbol of hope and celebration, the tree offers an opportunity to showcase Alaska’s majestic landscape, unique culture, rich traditions, diverse ecosystems, and abundant resources. The tree will symbolize Alaskans’ connection to the lands they call home, as well as the special relationships between our forests and the tribal communities, partners, and sponsors coming together to send this unique holiday gift to the U.S. Capitol.

The first and only previous U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to come from Alaska was sent from the Chugach National Forest in 2015. This year, the tree will come from the Tongass National Forest – America’s largest national forest.

“I am excited to announce that Alaska’s Tongass National Forest has been chosen to provide this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree to grace the West Lawn. The Tongass is a special place for so many Alaskans who call it home – a place rich with resources and Native cultural history. This holiday season, I can’t wait to share some of the amazing aspects of the region and our state with the Capitol and the entire nation as we welcome The People’s Tree,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “In 2015, Alaska’s other national forest, the Chugach National Forest, provided the Capitol Tree for the first time. Each forest acts as a hub of recreation and opportunity for thousands of Alaskans, a source of pride across our state. I look forward to once again spotlighting the majesty of Alaskan trees during Christmastime in the nation’s capital.”

“It’s an honor to have the 2024 U.S. Capitol tree come from Alaska,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “With over 22 million acres of pristine wilderness, Alaska’s forests not only symbolize the grandeur of our nation but also embody the spirit of resilience and unity. As we prepare to share a piece of Alaska with the nation, I want to acknowledge Alaska’s National Forests team for their tireless work. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

“On behalf of the hundreds of Forest Service employees who call Alaska Home, please know that as Team Alaska, we are overjoyed to be able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and to spread joy and cheer across the country,” said Acting Alaska Regional Forester Chad VanOrmer.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree – known as “The People’s Tree,” reflecting the nickname for the U.S. House of Representatives, “The People’s House” – adorns the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and has been selected each year since 1970 from a different National Forest.

The Alaska Region has partnered with nonprofits Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic to create a conservation education campaign directly tied to the project, educating Alaskans and Americans nationwide on Alaska’s National Forests and the multi-use mission of the agency. The Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic will also support a “whistlestop tour” to communities across the country as the tree is transported from Alaska to Washington, D.C. The campaign is made possible with support from 2024 presenting sponsor, 84 Lumber, contributions from companies large and small, and with vital participation of volunteers locally and across America.

We invite everyone to learn more and follow the journey of the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree at:

Follow Alaska’s National Forests at:

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2023 Tree from Monongahela National Forest Lit on West Lawn

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The holiday season has officially begun, as the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest was lit during a public ceremony. The Architect of the Capitol welcomed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Alex Mooney (R-WV), essay contest winner Ethan Reese and the Richwood High School Marching Band.

This year’s tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. The People’s Tree will be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2024. Visiting the tree is free and open to the public. No ticket is required.

Watch the ceremony

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Readied for its Journey

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After being harvested on Nov. 1, staff spent three days prepping the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for its journey from the mountains of West Virginia to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. 

West Hempfield Township-based AHF Products Inc. lent its facility to ready and wrap the tree in Beverly, West Virginia. AHF is a second-year sponsor. Beverly is located near Elkins, WV, home of the Monongahela National Forest. View this timelapse of part of the process. 

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour Kicks off in Elkins

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The 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will visit Elkins in early November on its way to Washington, D.C. The free event, set for Saturday, Nov. 4, will feature a parade, live music, and activities for children. 

“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will kick off its journey to Washington, D.C. from Elkins,” Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco said. “Our community looks forward to being a part of this gift to the nation and the joy it will bring to our community this holiday.”

The Nov. 4 festivities in Elkins will include remarks by invited government officials, free treats and hot chocolate, a coat drive, music, and children’s activities.

The event will begin with a parade, as local bands escort the tree down Third Street from the Jennings Randolph Federal Building to the Elkins Depot. Onlookers will receive small U.S. and West Virginia flags, provided by Our Town, Inc., to wave as the bands and trees go by. 

Parade viewers will then be encouraged to join the back of the parade and march along to the Depot. Once there, the festivities will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Elves from The Old Brick Playhouse will also join the celebration. The event is free and open to the public. 

The Elkins Depot Welcome Center will be decorated, and the nearby streets will be adorned with wreaths purchased in honor or memoriam by local citizens. The installation of these wreaths and six snowflakes on Randolph Avenue is being provided by a donation from FirstEnergy. 

The “Elfkins Planning Team” has been working on the arrangements for this kick-off event. The planning team includes Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco and his staff, the Randolph County Development Authority, the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber, Elkins Main Street, the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, the Old Brick Playhouse, Citizens Promoting Community, and Our Town, Inc. 

Manchin Announces Ethan Reese as Winner of 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Essay Contest

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Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced Ethan Reese from Beverly Elementary School in Randolph County as the winner of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree essay contest. More than 400 entries were received from fourth graders across West Virginia. Ethan will travel to DC this holiday season to take part in the official tree-lighting ceremony alongside members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the public.

“I’m thrilled to announce Ethan Reese from Beverly Elementary School has won the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree essay contest out of more than 400 outstanding submissions,” said Senator Manchin. “Ethan will join us in DC this holiday season to officially light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be from West Virginia’s beautiful Monongahela National Forest. The celebration will showcase not only our remarkable forestry, but also our strong community spirit. Thank you to everyone who entered the contest and shared with me what our Wild and Wonderful home means to you – I can’t wait to celebrate with Ethan, our fellow West Virginians and our fellow Americans.”

For this year’s essay contest, fourth grade students were invited to describe in 500 words why they love West Virginia’s forests and public lands, incorporating the theme of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: “Endlessly Wild & Wonderful.” Senator Manchin selected Ethan to receive a once-in-a-lifetime all-expenses paid trip for him and one guardian to travel to Washington, DC to take part in the official tree-lighting ceremony alongside members of Congress and the public. Ethan will be invited to attend several other festivities during his visit at a date to be determined in late November or early December.

The Capitol Christmas Tree – known as “The People’s Tree” – lights up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the holiday season and is selected from a different national forest each year, a tradition that began in 1970 when Monongahela National Forest provided the first tree on behalf of the Forest Service. Monongahela National Forest also provided the tree in 1976. This year, the tree will be harvested in Randolph County from the Greenbrier Ranger District and will travel around West Virginia throughout November before heading to Washington.

For more information about the tree, travel route, schedule and special events, please click here.

A video of Senator Manchin congratulating Ethan is available here.

Ethan’s winning essay can be found below:

My name is Ethan Reese, and I am in 4th Grade at Beverly Elementary School. I live very close to where the Capitol Christmas Tree is from, the Monongahela National Forest. I spend a lot of time there with my family, and I am the great-great grandson of one of the very first Superintendents of the Monongahela National Forest. The biggest reason I love West Virginia forests and public lands is because they allow me to spend time with my family. I take photographs with my dad, hike with my mom, fish with my grandpa, identify wildflowers with my grandparents, travel and explore with my parents, and camp with all of my family.

One of my favorite things to do in West Virginia’s forests and public lands is to identify plants and animals, especially birds. I did see a black bear once, which was pretty exciting. I really enjoy wildflower identification the most. My parents and grandparents tell me I “get it honest” because my grandfather is a biologist, and my great grandfather was a botanist. My great grandfather even discovered a plant on Cheat Mountain that was thought to have been extinct in West Virginia. When I travel around the state with my parents, I like to watch for wildflowers, listen to birds and smell the fresh air. The sounds of the rivers are very relaxing. I have visited many places with my parents in West Virginia, but still have a lot of other places I would like to visit.

Our forest and public lands were something that allowed my family to still go outside and explore during the pandemic. For us, most of that was in the Monongahela National Forest, where I visited the Virgin Timbers on Cheat Mountain for the first time. My grandma is a retired history teacher, and she told us that over 100 years ago most of West Virginia looked like those Virgin Timbers. I learned that most of our forests were clear-cut long ago, but there were many people who helped restore our forests. One of those people was my great-great grandfather, Arthur Wood, who became Superintendent of the Monongahela National forest in 1931. He set a plan in motion to plant millions of trees to rebuild the forest for future generations. Thanks to those efforts, I am lucky my generation knows the Mountain State as one covered in Endless trees and Wonderful wildflowers, and home to many Wild animals.

I love that I have a great connection to one of West Virginia’s forest treasures, the Monongahela National Forest, through family history and my love of nature! I am excited that the Capitol Christmas tree is from the forest where I love to explore, and I know my great-great grandfather would be so happy that, almost 100 years later, our beautiful Monongahela National Forest, and other state lands, have been kept Endlessly Wild and Wonderful!

Shawnee Tribe Names 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 

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Monongahela National Forest announced today that the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree has been named “wa’feem’tekwi” by the Shawnee Tribe. The name means “bright tree” in the Shawnee language and is pronounced phonetically “wa thame tech we”.

“We are grateful for the strong relationship the Eastern Region of the Forest Service has with the Shawnee Tribe,” said Regional Forester Gina Owens. “And we deeply appreciate the name they have bestowed on the tree that will be harvested from Monongahela National Forest this holiday season.”

The tribe has also contributed handmade ornaments and messaging for the educational exhibit that will tour with the tree in November. After the holidays, the Shawnee Tribe will use wood from the tree at their ceremonial grounds in White Oak, Oklahoma.

The Forest Service invited the Shawnee Tribe to name the tree as part of the ongoing celebration of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree initiative and to honor the agency’s unique nation-to-nation relationship with the Shawnee Tribe.

“On behalf of Monongahela National Forest, I’d like to thank the Shawnee Tribe for naming this special tree. Names are important and “wa’feem’tekwi” reminds us of our connection to the Shawnee Tribe and the importance of our mutual relationship,” said Shawn Cochran, forest supervisor for Monongahela National Forest. “This is the third time Monongahela National Forest has provided the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree from West Virginia.”

About the Shawnee Language Immersion Program

In 2020, almost immediately following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Shawnee Tribe leadership declared a state of emergency for the Shawnee Language, and the Decade of Shawnee began. The Shawnee Language Immersion Program (SLIP) initially started with in-person classes in three Oklahoma communities but moved to virtual classes due to the dangers posed by the pandemic. SLIP is now able to reach all Shawnees across the continent and even the globe!

First language Shawnee speaker George Blanchard helps the language department by creating a curriculum true to Shawnee culture. SLIP focuses on auditory learning and prioritizes speaking Shawnee over reading and writing. The team has also developed an online dictionary and archive through the Indigenous Languages Digital Archive and continues adding words as the program grows. SLIP’s goal is for all Shawnees to have access to language resources to ensure Shawnee can be used in daily life again.

Learn more about the Shawnee Tribe and the Shawnee Language Immersion Program at https://www.shawnee-nsn.gov/. A spokesperson for the Shawnee Tribe is available for media inquiries at media@shawnee-tribe.com.

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Since 1970, the Forest Service has been providing a tree harvested from a national forest to serve as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This year, the selected tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce located on the Greenbrier Ranger District in Randolph County, home to the Supervisor’s Office for Monongahela National Forest. This annual project is made possible with support from partners, including non-profit Choose Outdoors, along with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, as well as volunteers locally and across America. We invite you to follow the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative at https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.

Monongahela National Forest Announces 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour Schedule

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Each year, a different national forest provides a tree to light the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. Monongahela National Forest, in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, will bring this special gift from West Virginia to Washington, D.C., with a series of events in communities along the way.

Between Nov. 4-17, local communities will welcome the 63-foot Norway spruce at parks, plazas, schools, memorials, main streets, and more. Well-wishers can see the wrapped-up tree on its extra-long trailer, sign the banners attached to each side, learn about Monongahela National Forest, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise, and enjoy the holiday spirit in their communities.

“We are grateful to the communities of West Virginia for hosting these special events,” said Shawn Cochran, forest supervisor for Monongahela National Forest, “and the many sponsors that make this tour possible. Our staff looks forward to sharing the holiday excitement and fun with people of all ages on the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree tour.”

The tour will kick off Saturday, November 4, with a special celebration in Elkins, home to the headquarters of Monongahela National Forest. Hosted in partnership with the Elkins-Randolph Chamber of Commerce and Elkins Mainstreet, the city will become “Elfkins,” with annual holiday lights and festivities planned at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, including an appearance by Mark Bowe, host of Magnolia Network’s Barnwood Builders, at the AHF Products® booth.

The schedule of tour events includes:

  • Saturday, Nov. 4, 6:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. Elkins Depot Welcome Center (315 Railroad Ave, Elkins, WV 26241)
  • Sunday, Nov. 5, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Summersville Arena and Conference Center (3 Armory Way, Summersville, WV 26651)
  • Monday, Nov. 6, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Mitchell Chevrolet (400 8th St, Marlinton, WV 24954)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 7, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tamarack Marketplace (One Tamarack Place, Beckley, WV 25801); 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. WV State Capitol Complex (1716 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 8, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Former ACF Industries Parking Lot (3rd Avenue between 22nd and 24th streets, Huntington, WV 25703)
  • Thursday, Nov. 9, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. White Palace at Wheeling Park (1801 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003)
  • Friday, Nov. 10, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 84 Lumber (3208 Earl L. Core Road, Morgantown, WV 26508)
  • Saturday, Nov. 11, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Operation Welcome Home at Mylan Park (452 Mylan Park Lane, Morgantown, WV 26501); 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. West Virginia University at Downtown Morgantown (243 High St, Morgantown, WV 26505)
  • Sunday, Nov. 12, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Swilled Dog/Raymond’s Gymnastic Center (28 Industrial Park Road, Upper Tract, WV 26866)
  • Monday, Nov. 13, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. DavisYard (533 William Avenue, Davis, WV 26260)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WV Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (301 E Main St, Romney, WV 26757)
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center (146 Buffalo Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425)
  • Thursday, Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Joint Base Andrews (Base only)
  • Friday, Nov. 17, Delivery to West Lawn, U.S. Capitol Building

Festivities are free and open to the public for all to enjoy. Tour dates and locations are subject to change at any time. Monitor www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/calendar for updates. Beginning November 4, the tree’s journey can be tracked online at capitoltreetracker.com, hosted by Spireon, a Solera solution.

In addition to presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, partners supporting the 2023 journey include Kenworth Truck Company, Werner Enterprises, Hale Truck and Trailer, Spireon, a Solera solution, WCHS ABC 8/FOX 11, Verizon Frontline, Society of American Foresters, All Crane & Equipment Rental, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Truckload Carriers Association, AHF Products, Bruce®, Armstrong Flooring™ and Robbins® flooring brands, Great West Casualty Company, Warwood Tool, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc. and others.

The top priority is the safety of tour staff, event attendees, and the tree; local public health guidelines will be followed. We ask the public to be aware of the large truck’s substantial blind spots, wide turns, and longer stopping distances on our roads as they welcome the tree to their communities.

Follow the journey of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and be a part of the festivities at www.uscapitolchristmastree.com, @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram, or the Monongahela National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf and https://www.facebook.com/MonongahelaNF.

Werner Enterprises to Haul 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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Werner Enterprises will deliver a 63’ tall gift to the nation this holiday as they transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia to Washington, D.C.

Werner was selected as the hauler for this year’s tree at the recommendation of Kenworth Truck Company and based on industry reputation, according to Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, the non-profit partner assisting the USDA Forest Service in coordinating the annual initiative. The tree will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in early November, followed by a journey with special events in communities throughout the state before being delivered to Washington, D.C. Werner Enterprises also will deliver thousands of handmade ornaments made by West Virginians along with smaller trees for military families stationed at Joint Base Andrews donated by presenting sponsor, 84 Lumber.

Werner is an asset-based logistics provider and the sixth-largest truckload carrier in the United States. Beginning with a single truck purchased by founder Clarence L. (CL) Werner in 1956, the company today delivers world-class supply chain solutions to the global marketplace responsibly and safely – operating nearly 8,300 tractors and 30,000 trailers, with the help of more than 14,000 associates across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Approximately 20 percent of Werner’s workforce are military veterans. Werner has offices and terminal locations throughout North America, with headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Since 2022, the company received more than 30 awards recognizing its efforts in making a difference through sustainability, safety, and serving local communities.

“Werner’s selection as the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree project carrier is truly an honor and testament to our hard work in keeping America moving, no matter the task,” said Werner’s Chairman, President and CEO, Derek Leathers. “The professional drivers entrusted with this prestigious project are highly skilled and embody our core values of safety, service and leadership. They will do an exceptional job carrying out this unique project and tribute to our country.”

Professional drivers Jesus Davila and Tim Dean will do the honors of safely delivering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C., on behalf of Werner, while husband and wife team Steve and Gina Jones will transport the handmade ornaments and 84 companion trees. Between them, the drivers bring impeccable safety records and extensive community service and have received recognition through various prestigious driver awards. Learn more about these incredible drivers here.

Kenworth Truck Company returns for the tenth year as a major sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. A specially decaled Kenworth 100th anniversary T680 Signature Edition will deliver the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The T680 is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.

In addition to presenting sponsor 84 Lumber and Kenworth Truck Company, partners supporting the 2023 journey include Hale Truck and Trailer, Spireon, WCHS ABC 8/FOX 11, Verizon Frontline, Society of American Foresters, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Truckload Carriers Association, AHF Products, Bruce, Hartco and Robbins, Great West Casualty Company, Warwood Tool, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc. and more.

For more information on the initiative, how to get involved, and to follow the tree’s journey, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.

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Meet the 2023 Drivers

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Werner Enterprises was selected as the hauler for the 2023 U.s. Capitol Christmas Tree. Meet the team who will help safely deliver the tree, along with ornaments and smaller Christmas trees. 

Jesus Davila

Jesus Davila joined Werner in 2018 and has more than 550,000 accident-free miles. As a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of 12 years, he was deployed more than six times including during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraq Freedom. He received multiple awards in the military including and an Infantry Purple Heart with two personal decorations with valor and two combat action ribbons. He is part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet for military veterans and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. Jesus serves as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain, Werner Road Team Captain and Driver Leader. He also is part of the Dollar Elite Team and Leader Advisory Council at Werner, where he makes a positive impact on his fellow professional drivers. Jesus was also nominated by Werner for the Texas Driver of the Year Award and the TA Citizen Driver Award. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle, and their children.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to partake in such a prestigious event that not many professional drivers have the chance to do. The trucking industry plays a vital part in Keeping America Moving and without the drivers, goods would not reach the consumers that need them. This event shows that professional drivers are needed in many capacities of the industry, both large and small.”

Tim Dean

Tim Dean joined Werner in 1988 and become the second professional driver in Werner’s history to achieve five million accident-free miles. In 2009-2010 he served as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain and has been a Werner Road Team Captain and mentor since 2005. Tim has competed in the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships for 22 years, placing first in his class nine times and was Grand Champion two times in 2012 and 2018. He was awarded the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance IDEA (International Driver Excellence Award) in 2019. In addition, Tim was the Nebraska Trucking Association Driver of the year in 2019. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his family in Griswold, Iowa.

“It’s both an honor and a privilege to participate in the Capitol Christmas Tree project. During my 35-year career with Werner as a professional driver, the selection for this project is at the top of the list among the incredible opportunities I’ve experienced. With approximately 20 percent of our workforce at Werner being military veterans, I’m also proud to support those who served our country during this special opportunity.”

Gina Jones

Gina Jones joined Werner in 2012 and has achieved more than one million accident-free miles. She serves as both an ATA America’s Road Team Captain and a Werner Road Team Captain. As a strong advocate for women in the trucking industry, Gina actively participates in Women in Motion, an initiative of the American Trucking Associations. Gina has also been named Team Driver of the Month at Werner and has received nominations for the company’s Acceleration Award along with the Women in Trucking Association’s Female Driver of the Year Award. In 2023, she was a finalist for the TA Citizen Driver Award. She and her husband, Steve, are team drivers and members of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. When she is not on the road, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and riding her Harley.

“What an amazing opportunity for Werner Enterprises, the first large carrier, to be selected to be a part of this event.  I’m extremely grateful for Werner for allowing me to participate in this once in a lifetime experience!”

Steve Jones

Steve Jones joined Werner in 2011 and has achieved more than one million accident-free miles. As a U.S. Army Veteran of seven years, he and his wife, Gina, are part of Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet for military veterans and connects with students in truck driving schools across the country. Steve serves as a Werner Road Team Captain, Driver Leader and participates in various other committees throughout the company that positively impact professional drivers. He has also been named Team Driver of the Month at Werner and was nominated for the company’s Acceleration Award. When he is not on the road, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and riding his Harley.

 “Considering there are only a handful of professional drivers and carriers in the country that have had this amazing opportunity, Werner’s selection as a whole along with my personal selection to carry out this project is extremely humbling. It will truly be an experience I never forget.”

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