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

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The annual campaign—now in its tenth year—is a collaboration between Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program. It’s designed to spotlight military service members who have successfully transitioned into professional driving careers.

“This year’s ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ award semi-finalists exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to service that military veterans bring to the trucking industry,” said Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing. “Kenworth is proud to partner with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative for the tenth year, and we look forward to recognizing the distinguished semi-finalists who continue to serve our country through excellence behind the wheel.”

2025 Transition Trucking Semi-Finalists Named

The drivers selected for this year’s honor come from diverse military backgrounds and were trained by various respected institutions. The 12 semi-finalists are:

• Kathleen (Kat) Carreto, U.S. Army National Guard (E-5), Roehl Transport
• Bradley Lecky, U.S. Army (E-4), Crawford Electric, a Sonepar USA Company
• Federico Hudson, U.S. Air Force (E-7), Van Wyk, Inc.
• Gaylon Hensley, U.S. Army (E-7), Melton Truck Lines
• Daniel Hemphill, U.S. Army (E-4), Wayne R. West Trucking
• Mark Scriven, U.S. Army (E-6), Stevens Transport
• Joseph Barotti, U.S. Air Force (E-6) and U.S. Marine Corps, Werner Enterprises
• Nicholas Baughan, U.S. Army (E-5), Werner Enterprises
• Macy Mattice, U.S. Army (E-4), Melton Truck Lines
• Ryan Gordon, U.S. Army (E-5), Prime Inc.
• Precious Cannon-Scott, Air National Guard (E-4), Prime Inc.
• Charles Jones, Jr., U.S. Army (E-7), Roehl Transport

Honoring a Decade of Veteran Impact

First launched in 2016, the Transition Trucking award continues to serve as a powerful platform for uplifting veterans entering the transportation workforce. The 2025 semi-finalists will be honored at a special event on September 18 at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio. A visit to the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing facility will follow, where finalists will be named.

Each year, Kenworth donates a truck to the winner, and this year’s prize is a T680 featuring a 76-inch sleeper, PACCAR Powertrain, and high-end amenities like a fridge, TV space, and GT703 ultraleather heated and cooled seats.

The truck also includes cutting-edge safety features such as Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control, Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors, and Lane Keeping Assist.

“The Transition Trucking award campaign continues to highlight the extraordinary impact veterans are making in the transportation industry while also inspiring a new generation of service members to explore the real economic opportunities a trucking career can provide,” said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes. “As we celebrate a decade of partnership with Kenworth and Fastport, we’re proud to honor these remarkable individuals whose legacy will inspire and empower the veteran drivers of tomorrow.”

Brad Bentley, president of Fastport, added, “We’re honored to recognize this outstanding group of 12 semi-finalists, one of the most diverse and accomplished in the program’s history, including many participating in Registered Apprenticeship Programs. For 10 years, this campaign has changed lives by awarding a Kenworth truck to a deserving veteran, and this year’s finalists continue to prove that the future of our industry is in capable, committed hands.”

Finalist Selection and Public Voting

The winner of the 2025 award will be announced on December 12 during a veteran-focused celebration week. Public voting will take place online from November 1 through Veterans Day and will help inform the award’s final decision.

“This voting is an important determinant for the award’s Selection Committee, which makes the ultimate choice for the next Transition Trucking award winner,” Fastport stated.

Image Source: Kenworth
Source: The Trucker

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The announcement took place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., where Troxell was presented with a brand-new Kenworth T680—a generous donation from Kenworth, marking the ninth year of their support for this event.

A Legacy of Service

Troxell comes from a family with deep military roots, as his grandfather, father, and uncle all proudly served their nation. Following in their footsteps, Troxell joined the Army in 2004, dedicating 20 years of his life to service. His commitment earned him distinction, including a Purple Heart after sustaining severe injuries in 2009.

Much like his decision to dedicate himself to the military, his choice to enter the trucking industry was inspired by his family’s strong connection to the trade.

A Record-Setting Achievement

Fastport, a key partner in the award program, expressed gratitude to the community for their involvement. “Thank you to everyone who voted and contributed to one of our largest voter turnouts ever,” the organization stated on Facebook. “Thanks to Kenworth, Hiring Our Heroes, and all who made this possible. Together, we honor and support veterans transitioning into the trucking industry.”

Honoring Finalists

The ceremony also recognized the other exceptional finalists who have transitioned from military service to successful trucking careers. Navy veteran Douglas Couch, a driver for Roehl Transport, Inc., was named runner-up and received a $10,000 cash prize.

Additionally, runners-up Shawn Haley, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran driving for Veriha Trucking LLC, and Billy Taylor, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran with Werner Enterprises, each received $5,000.

“These individuals have successfully transitioned from military service to driving careers, and their stories inspire others to follow suit,” said Brad Bentley, President of Fastport. “They truly embody the potential of the next generation of trucking professionals.”

Beyond Awards

Finalists also received valuable memberships from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), with Couch additionally awarded access to the comprehensive Truck To Success program.

Eligibility and Program Details

To qualify for the Transition Trucking award, nominees must be U.S. residents who are military veterans or members of the National Guard or Reserves. They must have graduated from a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS- or CVTA-member driver training school with a valid CDL, and been employed by a carrier or fleet committed to hiring veterans after Jan. 1, 2023.

For more information about the program and future awards, visit the official Transition Trucking website.

Source: Land Line

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