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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