By: Nancy Fassbender
The Wreaths Across America Remembrance Day event is scheduled for December 13, 2025. We invite members of the community to join us as we honor our interred veterans across three cemeteries: Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, Mountain View Cemetery, and the Phoenix National Veterans Cemetery. This year, we are proud to pay tribute to over 4,500 veterans laid to rest at these locations.
We are seeking volunteers to assist with event preparations. On December 12th at 3:00 PM, volunteers are needed to help unpack and fluff the wreaths that will be placed during the ceremony. Your help is vital to ensure the event runs smoothly and respectfully.
If you plan to assist, please contact Nancy Fassbender at nfass@hotmail.com and indicate which cemetery you will be attending on December 12th and December 13th.
The Remembrance Day event will begin promptly at 10:00 AM on December 13th. Two distinguished speakers will join us to pay tribute to our veterans:
CSM Rick Kreiberg, U.S. Army (Retired): With a decorated military career, Rick Kreiberg has received honors such as the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and nine Meritorious Service Medals. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and, following his service, founded Veterans Affinity to support senior veterans in accessing housing, healthcare, and benefits. Rick will speak at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park.
Captain Brian Udell, U.S. Air Force (Retired): Brian Udell’s ten-year Air Force career included roles as an Instructor, Mission Commander, and Air to Ground Top Gun winner. He has flown over 100 combat missions in Southwest Asia, accumulating nearly 2,000 hours in the Strike Eagle. His service was recognized with the Air Medal (four oak leaf clusters) and the Aerial Achievement Medal (three oak leaf clusters) for combat missions over Iraq. He will speak at MountainView Cemetery.
Following the placement of wreaths, Texas Roadhouse, along with the VFW Post 7968 and Auxiliary, will host a lunch for all participants and volunteers. We are grateful for their support and the contributions of all our sponsors and volunteers who have made this event a tremendous success.
Wreaths Across America may offer a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) event for 2026, available for one month beginning December 13th. Due to publication timing, advance notice will be limited. If you would like to help make the 2026 event another success, please reach out to Nancy Fassbender at 520-280-4715 or via email at nfass@hotmail.com for more information if this opportunity arises.
