ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Veterans who lost their lives while serving deserve high respect, and a local man is helping a national group bring awareness to just that through Wreaths Across America.
“Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a nationwide nonprofit fundraiser with the mission of remembering and honoring the sacrifice of the courageous individuals who gave their all for the freedoms we enjoy today, and teaching others about the great burden of loss carried by their loved ones,” CAP Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Joel Phan said. “WAA partners with the United States Civil Air Patrol and this year, we are again asking for donations to support this mission. The goal is to raise money and lay a Christmas wreath at the headstone of a fallen U.S. armed forces service member. $17 sponsors one wreath, four wreaths is $68, a group of 10 wreaths is $170, or there's also a corporate sponsorship for 100 wreaths is $1,700. All donations are tax-deductible. The deadline for all donations is Sunday, Nov. 9 because we have to consolidate everything and send it to the national organization in time for everything to get put together. We will take donations via cash or check, and anyone wanting to make a donation needs to fill out a form, which they can get from me, and people can contact me by phone at (720) 749-9038 or by email at
Phan has only been involved with WAA for a few years, and he said it has been a very rewarding experience so far.
“I got started with it in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol in Colorado back in 2021. I got introduced to it there because it's a nationwide campaign and the Patrol and Wreaths Across America partner every year because of those shared values of patriotism and honor,” Phan said. “Ultimately, I became part of the fundraising team, and it's been an enjoyable experience. I enjoy being able to give back to these veterans, and I have a lot of respect for them and understand the sacrifices they've made. A lot of people don't fully realize just how big a sacrifice our military personnel makes in order for those back here in the U.S. to enjoy the freedoms we do. A big aspect I enjoy about this is bringing attention and honor to these veterans for everything they've done.”
Phan said he hopes a lot of donations will come to the cause.
“Being military veteran is incredibly difficult – it's difficult on those who have worn the uniform, and it's difficult for their families back home. My father served in the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Afghanistan, and my mother can tell you firsthand how hard it is having a family member in the service and in that line of work,” Phan said. “Losing someone you love who's in the military is incredibly hard, and I can't imagine what that's like for the people who have to deal with that type of loss. We don't really have a set, hardline goal, but each of us cadets was asked to sell a minimum of five wreaths, which I have been fortunate to do. The main goal is really to just reach as many people as we can because these wreaths are a tangible reminder of the sacrifices these veterans have made, and it's also something nice for those veterans' families to see when they visit those headstones, because it shows there is someone else out there who cares. These veterans gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S., so we owe it to them to honor that sacrifice in this small way. The forms have to be mailed and processed by the Wreaths Across America organization, and then we'll get the wreaths shipped to us, and of course there are circumstances that can surround all of that. We will have the ceremony sometime in December, but those details are being finalized, but we will let people know about that ceremony soon.”
Overall, Phan said, he hopes many people in the community will show their appreciation for veterans who lost their lives while serving.
“The sacrifice these veterans have made for our country is something every U.S. citizen shouldn't take for granted, and that applies whether you come from a military family background or not,” Phan said. “If you live in the U.S. and enjoy a good life, it's only fair to honor and remember the veterans who made that possible.”
