Helping Those Who Serve 

Truckers have a long history of giving back, and Truckers for Troops continues that tradition. OOIDA explains, “The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veteran facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.” 

The campaign focuses on sending care packages to troops overseas and providing assistance to veteran support facilities across the country. 

How Drivers Can Participate 

Truck drivers can get involved by joining or renewing their OOIDA membership for one year at $35. Ten percent of this fee goes directly toward care packages, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar. 

Participation options include: 

• By Phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours, mention Truckers for Troops, and you will be connected to Membership. 

• Online: Click “Become a Member” on the OOIDA website to join or renew after hours. 

• Mail: Indicate “Dues & Donation” or “Donation Only” on your payment and specify “TROOPS.” Send donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation. 

Campaign Impact Over the Years 

Truckers have made a lasting difference. OOIDA reports, “Over the past 18 years, OOIDA has raised more than 800,000 dollars and sent more than 3,288 care packages, serving more than 39,400 members of the military. The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state. Currently, they have locations in Sioux Falls, S.D., Longmont, Co., St. Louis, Mo., and anticipate expanding to Oklahoma City, Okla., Milwaukee, Wis., and Glendale, Ariz.” 

Veterans Community Project Spotlight 

Truckers supporting this campaign are also helping the Veterans Community Project, which provides veterans transitioning out of homelessness with tiny homes and access to community centers. OOIDA says, “This invaluable project transitions veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with ‘tiny homes’ filled with amenities. All veterans can also access a community center for other types of support and services. With several locations and plans for national expansion, the project aims to touch lives in every state.” 

Sending Care Packages 

Drivers with a family member or friend serving in the U.S. military can request a care package by sending the name and complete mailing address to troops@ooida.com. Include the projected stateside return date. 

Letters and cards showing appreciation can be mailed to:
Attention: Truckers for Troops
P.O. Box 1000
Grain Valley, MO 64029 

OOIDA notes, “Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. No particular theme, and not necessarily holidays or Christmas.” 

For more information or to get involved, visit the Truckers for Troops website. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: OOIDA

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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

The post U.S. Army Veteran Cory Troxell Wins 2024 Transition Trucking Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This yearly contribution from Truckers For Troops includes both a monetary donation and household goods for VCP’s tiny house community in Kansas City. This ongoing partnership has been a meaningful tradition for several years, providing essential support during the holiday season.

Speaking at the event, OOIDA President Todd Spencer emphasized the importance of these contributions. “They (VCP) provide a very needed and worthwhile service,” Spencer said. “It’s a service that we’re glad to support.”

This year, the generosity of OOIDA members extended beyond Kansas City. Truckers For Troops also made donations to new VCP communities in St. Louis and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the nonprofit organization continues to grow its reach across the United States.

“Our members want to show support in any way they can, and we’re always looking to do more,” shared Norita Taylor, OOIDA’s Director of Public Relations, during the VCP-St. Louis event in July.

At the Sioux Falls location in October, VCP staff highlighted just how impactful the donation had been for their mission and the vital services they provide to homeless and at-risk veterans.

Outside of these contributions, Veterans Community Project operates additional communities in Glendale, Arizona; Longmont, Colorado; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OOIDA’s Truckers For Troops campaign this year once again offered a special membership deal to encourage participation. New and renewing members could join OOIDA for $35 per year, with no limits on the number of years they could sign up at the discounted price. Ten percent of all membership payments during the campaign were allocated to Truckers For Troops, directly benefiting their ongoing efforts.

Since its inception in 2007, the Truckers For Troops initiative has raised over $800,000 for military personnel and veteran-focused organizations.

To learn more about how to join OOIDA’s impactful fundraiser, visit the Trucker For Troops Website.

Source: Land Line

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