Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes have unveiled the semi-finalists for the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award. With a record-breaking number of nominations this year, these exceptional individuals have the chance to win a Kenworth T680 Signature Edition truck.
This award, launched in 2016, aims to honor veterans transitioning into the transportation industry. The semi-finalists represent various branches of the United States Military, including the National Guard and Reserve.
The semi-finalists for this year’s award are:
- Andre Matthews, U.S. Army, Melton Truck Lines
- Anthony Nelson, U.S. Air Force, Roehl Transport
- Brandon Meredith, U.S. Army, Slay Transport
- Christian Slingerland, U.S. Army, Paschall Truck Lines
- James Ferrante, U.S. Navy, Epes Transport System
- James Smith, U.S. Army, Viking Electric
- Jeffrey Pitts, U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, NFI Industries
- Jessica White, U.S. Army, Stevens Transport
- Kareem Isaac, U.S. Army National Guard, Ryder
- Joseph Harmon, U.S. Marine Corps, USA Truck/DB Schenker
- Larry Todd Kraus, U.S. Army, Werner Enterprises
- LaTravis Wilcox, U.S. Marine Corps, Prime Inc.
- Ondrae Meyers, U.S. Marine Corps, CRST
- Ryan Buttenob, U.S. Air Force, Schneider
- Tameca Dale, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Army/Kingdom Message Carriers
- Tobie Myers, U.S. Army and Army Reserve, Putnam Trucking
- William “Bill” Masters, U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard, Veriha Trucking
In celebration of Kenworth’s 100th anniversary, the award this year is the T680 Signature Edition truck. Boasting a powerful Paccar MX-13 engine with 455 horsepower, a 76-inch sleeper, and advanced Paccar transmission and rear axles, it’s a true standout.
As part of the eighth annual award program, the semi-finalists will be honored and attend a special ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Sept. 21 in Columbus, Ohio. The following day, they’ll have the opportunity to tour the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant and attend a ceremony at the MHC Road Ready Center, where finalists will be announced.
These finalists, along with the ultimate winner, will be part of an expanded and dedicated week focused on veterans. This week includes the Veteran-Ready Summit on Dec. 15, the announcement of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award on Dec. 16, an Employment Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support Signing Ceremony later that afternoon, and participation in Wreaths Across America on Dec. 17.
To determine the winner, a public vote will take place online from Nov. 1 until Veteran’s Day. This vote plays a crucial role in the decision-making process of the award’s Selection Committee, which ultimately selects the deserving recipient of the next Transition Trucking award.
Source: Overdrive
