RCCF Named Top Group in Indiana by Wreaths Across America

In 2024, Wreaths Across Ripley County was the largest WAA partner in the State of Indiana.

The Milan High School Football Team participating in Wreaths Across Ripley County. Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) – Each year, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognizes top sponsorship groups for excellence in serving their local community while helping to share the yearlong mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

WAA recently awarded special recognition to the Ripley County Community Foundation as one of the outstanding groups in Indiana.

In 2024, Wreaths Across Ripley County placed remembrance wreaths on 4,761 veteran’s graves across Ripley, Franklin, and Dearborn Counties; making it the largest Wreaths Across America partner in the State of Indiana.

“Wreaths Across Ripley County is truly a community effort and we would like to thank the community, dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, essential truck drivers, area officials, and members of the media for coming together in unity and supporting those who have protected our freedom and for making Wreaths Across Ripley County a success,” stated Amy Streator, Executive Director, Ripley County Community Foundation.

In 2025, WAA and Wreaths Across Ripley County will be guided by the theme of Keep Moving Forward. This year’s theme was inspired by the last words of Captain Joshua Byers, United States Army, KIA, in Fallujah, Iraq, July 23, 2003. Joshua Byers was the Company Commander of Fox Troop in the 2/3ACR service in Iraq in 2003 when an IED struck his Humvee. As the smoke filled the air, Josh gave his driver a last command: “…keep moving forward.” Though Josh didn’t make it home, this command saved lives and became a battle cry for his unit and family. “This year, we will share not only the Byers’ story of resilience but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America.

The Ripley County Community Foundation invites you to help by sponsoring a wreath for the 2025 Wreaths Across Ripley County initiative. Each $17 sponsorship supports WAA’s year-round mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach as well as ensures that a live balsam wreath will be placed in remembrance on the headstone of an American hero.

To sponsor a wreath, visit the Ripley County Community Foundation’s website at www.rccfonline.org, or mail donations to 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006. Donations made through the Wreaths Across America website need to be paid through group IN0166P – Ripley County Community Foundation, Inc.

You can help support Wreaths Across Ripley County efforts through the Ripley County Community Foundation by volunteering to lay wreaths on veteran’s graves on National Wreaths Across America Day 2025 – Saturday, December 13. A remembrance ceremony will be held at noon at the Ripley County Courthouse, 115 N Main Street, Versailles, IN and wreaths will be placed immediately thereafter.