With an impressive legacy spanning nearly two decades at Maverick, Hammond has solidified himself as a key member of the team. He has played an instrumental role in mentoring over 59 aspiring drivers, received acknowledgment as a Dedicated Driver of the Month, and earned the ultimate accolade for Dedicated Driver of the Year in 2022. Upon receiving this latest honor, Hammond shared his heartfelt appreciation, saying, “I am so proud to be a part of this. This is such an honor.”

Hammond also reflected on the significance of his wife’s role in his life, attributing much of his success to her unwavering encouragement. “She is my rock and makes me a better person,” he said. The couple has been happily married for 17 years, and her steadfast support has been a guiding force throughout his career.

Maverick first introduced the “Salute” trucks in 2018 as a powerful tribute to both veterans and active-duty military members. Each truck is decorated with custom vinyl wraps featuring symbols from all branches of the U.S. military, as well as imagery that commemorates iconic moments in the nation’s history. Currently, five Maverick drivers with military backgrounds proudly operate these meaningful vehicles.

These trucks serve not only as moving dedications but also as an ongoing symbol of gratitude. Drivers of the “Salute” trucks are actively involved in Veterans Day commemorations each November and participate in multiple events year-round to honor military personnel.

Based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Maverick Transportation has been a driving force in trucking since its establishment in 1980. Operating a fleet of over 1,600 vehicles, the company specializes in flatbed, glass, and marine transportation across North America. Through initiatives like the “Salute” trucks, Maverick underscores its unwavering commitment to honoring the men and women who have served the country.

Source: Truckers News

Image: Maverick

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“We are honored that these leading organizations have recognized the workplace environment J.B. Hunt strives to create for our veterans,” stated Brad Hicks, the president of highway services and executive vice president of people at J.B. Hunt. “Supporting our veterans ties in with our culture and legacy, providing a much deeper meaning. We continue to enhance our workplace so that service members feel valued for their service, experience and expertise as well as the excellence, commitment and honor they represent.”

According to the company release, J.B. Hunt has maintained its Military Friendly® Employer status for 18 consecutive years, making the Top 10 for the second time. It’s also their first recognition by Military Times as Best for Vets and inclusion in Newsweek’s selection of America’s Best Workplaces for Veterans. Earlier in the year, the Arkansas Veterans of Foreign Wars acknowledged J.B. Hunt as Employer of the Year. Details about the award criteria and methodologies can be found on the respective organizations’ websites.

“As a company founded by both a veteran and driver, J.B. Hunt understands that the skills and expertise gained through military service can lead to a successful career in transportation and logistics,” the company said in the release. “Nearly one in every nine J.B. Hunt employees is a veteran, and the company is committed to adding approximately 1,600 veterans to its organization each year.”

From Military Service to Professional Success

J.B. Hunt’s commitment to veterans goes beyond hiring; it includes comprehensive programs designed to facilitate the transition from military to civilian careers. These initiatives include:

• Military Leave Benefits: Offering extensive support for employees at all career stages, including up to 26 weeks annually for family members of active-duty personnel needing care due to injury or illness.

• Active-Duty Support: Providing active-duty employees with a deployment and re-entry guide and differential pay policies to support dual military and civilian careers.

• Military Leave Concierge Service: Tailored aid for National Guard and Reserve members and their families, provided by a Gold Star family member.

• SkillBridge Program: Enabled through the Department of Defense, this program allows service members and their spouses, within 180 days of release from active duty, to gain civilian work experience. The company’s Apprenticeship Program is available for those interested in driver positions.

• Veterans Employee Resource Group: A supportive community aimed at empowering and engaging veteran employees professionally and personally.

In addition, J.B. Hunt annually observes Memorial Day and Veterans Day company-wide and has hosted the Arkansas Run for the Fallen Traveling Memorial since 2017. They also actively participate in Wreaths Across America, ensuring the delivery of thousands of wreaths to national cemeteries to honor fallen veterans during the holiday season.

Source: The Trucker

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Since its inception in 2007, Truckers for Troops has become an integral part of OOIDA’s work, originally focusing on sending essential items to service members in combat zones. The program has expanded over the years to provide much-needed support to various veterans facilities, including those that assist wounded, disabled, or homeless veterans.

“Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000, sent more than 3,283 care packages, serving more than 39,396 members of the military,” states OOIDA, “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, SD; Longmont, CO: St. Louis, MO; and will be expanding to Oklahoma City, OK; Milwaukee, WI; and Glendale, AZ.”

How to Participate

During this week-long campaign, truckers can join or renew their membership for $35, with 10% allocated to funding care packages. OOIDA will match this contribution dollar for dollar.

• Phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours and mention Truckers for Troops. After hours, use the same number, press 1, and leave a voicemail.
• Online: Visit https://www.ooida.com/ and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.
• Mail: Send payments indicating “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only,” specifying “TROOPS.” Direct donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation.

For more information on donations, visit the Truckers for Troops website. The OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accepts individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund.

Spotlight on Veterans Community Project

The Veterans Community Project is an innovative initiative boasting a 60% success rate in aiding veterans’ transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The project provides veterans with “tiny homes” equipped with amenities and access to a community center for support. With several operational sites and plans for further expansion, VCP aims to make a positive impact nationwide.

Send Care Packages

If you have a family member or friend serving in the military and would like them to receive a care package, send their name and complete address to troops@ooida.com, including their projected stateside return date.

Show Appreciation

To send cards and letters of appreciation, address them to Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. You may include town or school names, but avoid last names or personal details. There’s no specific theme required, and they don’t need to be holiday related.

Source: The Trucker

Image: OOIDA

The post Supporting Our Troops for 18 Years with Truckers for Troops appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, alongside Kenworth Truck Company and Fastport, this award shines a spotlight on the unique skills and dedication veterans bring to the field. Voting is open until Veterans Day, Nov. 11, giving you a chance to support your top choice among these dedicated rookie military drivers.

According to a recent announcement, the selection process includes a rigorous nomination, thorough review by a panel, and a public voting phase to identify America’s standout rookie veteran driver. The winner will be revealed at a special ceremony on Dec. 13 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. This year’s grand prize is the cutting-edge Kenworth T680 with a 76-inch sleeper, PACCAR Powertrain, and premium components. The runner-up receives $10,000, and the remaining finalists each earn $5,000.

You can cast your vote on the Transition Trucking website (https://transitiontrucking.org/vote/), where you’ll find videos introducing each finalist. Your vote plays a significant role in helping the selection committee choose this year’s award recipient.

Meet the 2024 Finalists:

• Douglas Couch, U.S. Navy (E-5), Roehl Transport, Inc.
  Douglas served aboard the USS Nimitz CVN 68 as a Culinary Specialist 2nd Class from 2012-2016, overseeing a team that fed over 5,000 personnel. Since switching to trucking, he has driven more than 150,000 miles with an unwavering commitment to safety.
• Shawn Haley, U.S. Marine Corps (E-4), Veriha Trucking LLC
  Serving from 1987 to 1991, Shawn provided security for Presidents Reagan and Bush. After running a successful business for two decades, he took on the challenge of becoming a regional truck driver, enjoying the sights of the country.
• Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner Enterprises
  From Port Security to drug interdiction, Billy’s 20-year Coast Guard career was diverse. Since retiring, he drives for Werner Enterprises, contributing to the Anheuser-Busch account in Ohio, bringing the same dedication to his new role.
• Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport
  Born into a legacy of military service, Cory joined the Army in 2004. Despite being severely injured in 2009, he continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Following his family’s path, he now excels as a truck driver.

For more information, visit https://transitiontrucking.org/. Celebrate these outstanding veterans by casting your vote and supporting their journeys in the trucking industry.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Transition Trucking

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