Four veteran drivers have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, a national recognition program that shines a spotlight on military veterans who have successfully launched second careers behind the wheel.
Eric Eversole, vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes, emphasized the leadership veterans bring to trucking:
“Veterans bring mission focus, adaptability, and leadership to every role they take on, including careers behind the wheel. These finalists show how military experience translates into excellence in the trucking industry, and we’re proud to honor their service and celebrate the vital role veterans play in keeping America moving.”
The program is a joint effort by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes, Kenworth Truck Company, and Fastport. Each year, the initiative recognizes rookie veteran truck drivers who exemplify professionalism, safety, and service. After nominations, review, and the announcement of four finalists, the final step will be a nationwide public vote.
Celebrating Veterans in Trucking
Twelve semi-finalists were recently honored at a reception hosted at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. The following day, finalists were revealed during an event at Kenworth’s Chillicothe manufacturing facility. Attendees enjoyed live broadcasts with Jimmy Mac and Lindsay Lawler of Road Gang Radio, along with exclusive plant tours offering a behind-the-scenes look at Kenworth’s flagship production site.
Meet the 2025 Finalists
Nicholas Baughan, Werner Enterprises
Baughan, from Nunica, Michigan, has served in the U.S. Army since 2004 and continues in the Army Reserve until his upcoming retirement in 2026. His career began in military police before moving into infantry. He has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning several commendations, including the Purple Heart. His military journey has taken him across Europe and South Korea, holding leadership roles from team leader to senior intelligence sergeant.
Charles Jones Jr., Roehl Transport
Sergeant First Class Charles C. Jones Jr. (Ret.) entered the Army through the Delayed Entry Program after high school in 2004. Over his 20-year service, he worked as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, instructor, standards operator, and platoon sergeant. His career included three combat tours in Iraq and two assignments in South Korea. After graduating from Georgia Driving Academy in late 2024, Jones began his civilian driving career with Roehl Transport in 2025. He and his wife, Katrina, raise two children, Alvin and Monica.
Macy Mattice, Melton Truck Lines
From 2010 to 2018, Mattice served in the Army as an 88M motor transport operator, specializing in moving heavy equipment. Today, she drives a flatbed for Melton Truck Lines, bringing the discipline of her service years into her trucking career. Originally from Winter Springs, Florida, she now lives near Jacksonville with her son, Rusty. Known for her adventurous spirit, she enjoys animals, travel, and taking on new challenges.
Mark Scriven, Stevens Transport
Scriven, a former Army staff sergeant, spent nine years as a patriot missile operator and maintainer. His service earned him multiple achievement medals, along with recognition as a combat lifesaver. Now, he applies his leadership skills and discipline as both a driver and trainer with Stevens Transport. A father of three, he welcomed a newborn daughter this past August.
The Prize Package
Kenworth will once again provide the grand prize truck for the program’s winner—a tradition that has lasted ten consecutive years. This year, the champion will be handed the keys to a brand-new Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and PACCAR Powertrain, featuring the MX-13 engine, TX-12 automated transmission, and DX-40 tandem rear axles.
Kyle Kimball, director of marketing for Kenworth, shared the company’s pride in supporting the program:
“Kenworth is proud to partner with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for the tenth year to honor and recognize the distinguished semi-finalist drivers who exemplify excellence behind the wheel. Celebrating the accomplishments of this elite group is a special honor each year, and we look forward to awarding the keys to the grand prize Kenworth T680 truck to this year’s winner in Washington, D.C.”
The T680 comes with Kenworth’s Diamond VIT interior in slate gray and madrona trim, Ultraleather heated and cooled seating, a rotating worktable, a factory-installed refrigerator, and space for a microwave and TV. The truck also boasts cutting-edge safety features, including Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with torque-assisted steering.
Beyond the grand prize, all finalists will be recognized. The runner-up will receive $10,000, while the two remaining finalists will take home $5,000 each.
Brad Bentley, president of Fastport, underscored the significance of these drivers:
“Our four finalists represent three military branches and continue to serve their country in a critical industry. Each of them is also committed to delivering loads on time for veteran-ready employers and sharing the roads safely with the motoring public.”
What Comes Next
Public voting for the 2025 Transition Trucking Award opens November 1 and will continue through Veterans Day on November 11. The winner will be revealed during a December 12 ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C.
This program continues to spotlight how military skills translate into trucking excellence, offering veterans meaningful second careers while ensuring the industry benefits from their leadership and commitment.
Image Source: Kenworth
Source: The Trucker
