The Non Commissioned Officers Association was founded in 1960 in San Antonio, Texas by a group of retired non-commissioned and petty officers seeking to create a patriotic, fraternal, and benevolent Association. Through the years of its existence, there have been a number of changes and improvements in the Association that should be of interest to prospective members. NCOA’s membership includes and is open to all Current, Separated, or Retired Enlisted personnel who have served honorably in an Active, Reserve, or National Guard capacity in the U.S. Armed Forces. The NCOA offers its members a wide range of benefits and services designed especially for enlisted service members and their families.
The Roguette Auxiliary falls under the International Auxiliary membership division and is compromised of spouses/former spouses, widows/widowers, and family members over the age of 18 who are related to enlisted service members, whether active duty, separated, veteran, Reserve of National Guard in grades E1 through E9. In addition to the Auxiliary membership counting towards the Associations total membership, Auxiliary members support the Non Commissioned Officers Association and its’ aims, goals and ideals in a multitude of ways.
2025 was an exceptional year for Wreaths Across America – and the reason it was so successful is because of the thousands of dedicated volunteers like you!
Thanks to this collective effort, 7,778 sponsorship groups registered to bring the program to their communities, and more than 1,054 new groups signed up to support the mission. I’ve said it before, but I genuinely believe this mission resonates with many people. The National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony and wreath-laying event enable families, communities, and the nation to set aside differences and honor those who have championed our freedom. In 2025, thanks to the joint efforts of volunteers, local businesses, and individuals like you, just over 3.1 million veterans’ wreaths were sponsored and placed by more than 4 million volunteers.
I am humbled by our volunteers’ incredible dedication, commitment, and the continued growth of our year-round mission. The $17 sponsorships afford us the opportunity to provide so many outstanding programs for free, some of these include the TEACH Program with free, downloadable lesson plans and service-based learning for youth of all ages; the Mobile Education Exhibit, a museum on wheels that travels the U.S. sharing the mission and serving as an official ‘Welcome Home’ unit for Vietnam War veterans; our National Museum and Gold Star Family History & Hospitality House in Maine that offers guests an opportunity to learn about the many stories of service, sacrifice and success through personal memorabilia; our veteran outreach efforts including partnerships with VSOs nationwide that are supporting living veterans and their families; and Remembrance Tree Program which allows families to create a living memorial to loved ones who served; and Wreaths Across America Radio, A Voice for America’s Veterans, this 24/7 internet radio station is sharing the stories of service, sacrifice and success from all across the country and now has over 100 veteran-centric shows in the line up. Oh, and each sponsorship places a veteran’s wreath!
As a volunteer-based organization, none of our success would be possible without your effort. Thank you for making a difference in your community and championing this impactful mission! Please know the staff is here to support your efforts, however we can.
I look forward to seeing how we can reach more people in 2026!
With gratitude,
Karen Worcester
Executive Director, Volunteer
Wreaths Across America
Desk of the Chairman February 2026