Kenworth has teamed with the FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring Program and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes Program to find America’s top rookie military veteran, who has made the successful transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet.
The top three finalists in the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program were named as America’s top rookie military drivers at the recent Great American Trucking (GATS) Show in Dallas. For the second consecutive year, Kenworth will donate The Driver’s Truck(TM) – a fully-loaded Kenworth T680 Advantage with a 76-inch sleeper and PACCAR MX-13 engine, to serve as the program’s recognition award. The winner will be announced in December in Washington, D.C.
The top three finalists, with their branches of service and employers, are:
—Wayne Roy (Marine Corps). Carrier: U.S. Xpress
—Daniel Shonebarger (Navy). Carrier: Melton Truck Lines
—Gregg Softy (Army). Carrier: Stevens Transport
“We have a very elite group of drivers who have achieved significant accomplishments in their military careers and as professional truck drivers,” said Brad Bentley FASTPORT president. “It is important for organizations across the United States to do what they can to especially reach out to our veterans to help them make a smooth transition back into civilian life. This is one way that the trucking industry is doing its part.”
Other drivers recognized at GATS that made the Top 10 list of finalists are:
—Mary and Larry Berman – (Mary: Army National Guard and Reserves; Larry: Coast Guard and Army). Carrier: U.S. Xpress
—Sean Harding (Army). Carrier: Stevens Transport
—Christopher King (Air Force). Carrier: TMC Transportation
—Britney Motes (Army). Carrier: Werner Enterprises
—James Rogers (Army). Carrier: Prime, Inc.
—Robert West (Air Force). Carrier: Werner Enterprises
Drivers were nominated by trucking companies that made a hiring commitment and pledge to hire veterans on www.truckingtrack.org or, by members of the National Association of Publically Funded Truck Driving Schools, or Commercial Vehicle Training Association-member school.
“We are again donating a T680 Advantage as our way of thanking our military veterans for their service,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “It is important for the trucking industry to provide career opportunities and support to those who have served and made sacrifices for our country. Congratulations to Wayne Roy of U.S. Xpress, Daniel Shonebarger of Melton Truck Lines, and Gregg Softy of Stevens Transport for making the top 3, and to all the other drivers who made the Top 10.”
All the drivers were recognized Thursday at the President George W. Bush Library during a tour and reception. The winner will be announced Dec. 15 in Washington, D.C. during a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in Washington, D.C.
For further information on the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award program, please visit www.transitiontrucking.org.
