Wreaths Across America Partners with Woody Williams Foundation

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine and LOUISVILLE, Oct. 05, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Wreaths Across America and the Woody Williams Foundation have announced a new national partnership aimed at expanding support for Gold Star Families, veterans, service members, and military families. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on September 12, immediately following the dedication of Maine’s first Woody Williams Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, marks a significant step in honoring the legacy of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Medal of Honor recipient.

Williams, who founded the Woody Williams Foundation in 2010, dedicated the latter years of his life to recognizing and serving Gold Star Families. The foundation’s mission is to establish permanent memorials, conduct outreach, and provide scholarships to Gold Star Family members. The partnership with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization focused on remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the value of freedom, aligns with Williams’ vision.

Under the new agreement, WWF affiliate committees will have the opportunity to register as WAA “payback groups,” earning $5 for every $17 sponsorship made through their group. These funds can support local outreach programs and events conducted by the affiliates, while also contributing to the placement of veteran’s wreaths through WAA and supporting the organization’s many free, year-round programs. This dual benefit allows donors to “do good twice,” as Tim Schumacher, President and CEO of The Woody Williams Foundation, explained.

The partnership also includes collaboration on educational programming for young people and expanded awareness of each other’s missions through national and grassroots communications, events, and volunteer networks. Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, emphasized the importance of building connections between people who already care deeply about remembering and honoring heroes.

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes an initial three-year framework for collaboration between WAA and the WWF, while allowing the organizations to pursue additional opportunities that support their shared missions. The partnership is expected to enhance the impact of both organizations in their respective communities, ensuring that the legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice is never forgotten.

Through this partnership, Wreaths Across America and the Woody Williams Foundation aim to create additional opportunities for communities nationwide to remember the fallen, support Gold Star Families, and teach younger generations about service and sacrifice. The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to achieve a greater impact in honoring and supporting those who have served and their families.