Legendary Teamster Drivers John Schank and Fred Austin of Lynden Transport will have the honor of making this important delivery

As we begin to focus on the fast-approaching holiday season, all Teamsters should take a moment to revel in pride knowing that “The People’s Tree,” as the Capitol Christmas Tree is called, will be in the safe hands of two Teamster drivers as it travels from Alaska to Washington DC. The drivers are members of Teamsters Local 959 and have collectively driven over 10 million accident-free miles as employees of Lynden in Alaska. Their stellar records of safety and professionalism are why they were selected for this nationally recognized honor.

“We are happy that this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree that is being transported from Wrangell, Alaska to Washington D.C. will be transported by our very own members John Schank and Fred Austin,” said Teamsters Local 959 Secretary-Treasurer Gary Dixon.

“Each year, the Capitol Christmas Tree is celebrated as a symbol of togetherness, and once again the Teamsters Union will be a crucial part of making that magic moment happen,” said Teamsters Joint Council 28 President Rick Hicks. “We are honored that these members of Teamsters Local 959 will be representing all of us on such a large public stage. We know they will display the same professionalism that all Teamsters strive to bring to their jobs, and they are making us proud.”

“These two experienced drivers will transport the Sitka spruce from Alaska all the way to the Nation’s Capital,” Dixon added. “As of today, the tree – nicknamed Spruce Wayne – has left its last stop in Alaska and is on its way to Washington, DC. We look forward to its arrival!”

You can read more and get updates of the story in the links below. Please join Teamsters Local 959 in cheering on John and Fred on their journey to deliver Christmas to Washington!

https://www.facebook.com/USCapitolChristmasTree

https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/

https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/2024/10/15/lynden-selected-as-2024-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-carrier/

Teamsters Local Union No. 174