Since its dedication on Nov. 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has evolved into the most-visited attraction on the National Mall in Washington, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. Despite this, a significant number of Americans, including many veterans of the Vietnam War, may never have the chance to witness the memorial in person.
In an effort to honor and preserve the legacy of those who served in Vietnam and educate present and future generations about the war’s impact, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) created The Wall That Heals—a three-quarter scale replica adorned with the names of over 58,000 individuals inscribed on the original structure. This replica embarks on an annual journey, covering thousands of miles and stopping in communities across the U.S. In a historic move for 2024, The Wall reached Hawaii, making stops in Hilo in January and Wailuku in February.
The 375-foot-long, 7.5-foot-tall chevron-shaped replica travels in a 53-foot trailer that transforms into a mobile education center. The trailer’s exterior features a timeline detailing “The War and The Wall,” capturing the attention of passersby on the highway.
Transporting The Wall during its annual tour is a considerable undertaking, and the trucking industry has played a crucial role in supporting this mission. Since 2015, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has sponsored The Wall’s journey.
“TCA is proud to continue our partnership with VVMF to help bring The Wall That Heals to communities across our nation and support the mission of honoring veterans and educating all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War,” said Jim Ward, TCA president. “This is a great opportunity for our members and their drivers to get involved and bring this special memorial to their communities.”
For TCA’s member carriers, participating in the transport of The Wall is considered an honor and privilege. Many drivers, often military veterans themselves, eagerly await the opportunity to be part of this meaningful experience. Maverick Transportation, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, has been involved in moving the memorial since 2021.
Maverick’s commitment to supporting the nation’s military aligns with its corporate culture, according to John Coppens, the vice president of operations for Maverick. The company’s involvement in hiring military veterans intensified when it became part of the GI Bill’s on-the-job training program in the early 2010s.
“We first started talking about the idea of getting involved in 2018, and then with the emergence of our Military Veteran wrapped trucks — nicknamed ‘Salute’ — in 2019, we really wanted to be part of the program,” Coppens said. “We were scheduled for an event in 2020, but COVID-19 canceled it, so our first move was in 2021.”
Numerous motor carriers contribute to transporting The Wall each year, and Maverick is responsible for at least one move annually, sometimes more as needed.
“We have a total of five Salute veteran tribute trucks, and we’re always open to doing more with The Wall That Heals,” he said. “It’s a popular program and a great one for those carriers that wish to recognize their veterans and the programs they have built to support them and their families. … It’s a big honor and many drivers with military roots, specifically those with connections to veterans of the Vietnam War, find the privilege of transporting the wall more emotional and personally gratifying than they ever expected.”
The selection process for drivers to pilot The Wall varies between carriers. At Maverick, interested drivers undergo an interview process that delves into their military experience and passion for the program. Once chosen for this honor, the drivers face various challenges.
“One of the main hurdles is overcoming the attention driving a Salute truck brings, specifically when hauling The Wall or being part of a parade or other charitable events,” Coppens said. “The extra attention is great, but it can also be exhausting.”
In 2021, Eric Curlett, a 20-year Marine Corps veteran with nearly a decade of experience at Maverick, piloted the Salute tractor-trailer carrying The Wall and mobile education unit.
“I was very proud to haul The Wall,” Curlett said. “It was an honor. I am a veteran of a foreign war, and to see something like this that honors the people who fought — it was a top honor of my life.”
In 2022, Curlett assisted in setting up The Wall during its visit to Cabot, Arkansas, providing him the opportunity to connect with visitors and hear their stories.
“I met and witnessed a Vietnam veteran who was able to receive an award for serving while The Wall was set up in Cabot. That was such an honor,” he said. … Toward the end of the setup, she carried a piece of The Wall that had her father’s name listed on it. That really stood out to me.”
The experiences have left a lasting impact on him and the entire Maverick team, instilling pride in supporting The Wall That Heals, the nation’s military veterans, and their dedicated drivers.
“We love and respect our Salute drivers for all they have done and continue to do to represent their service men and women as well as Maverick,” Coppens said.
Source: The Trucker
Photos: Maverick Transportation
