Wichita Army Veteran Enters Trucking Industry with CDL Scholarship Support

A Wichita Army veteran is officially stepping into the trucking industry after receiving financial assistance to complete CDL training.

Driver Resource Center announced Kenneth Laymon as the fourth-quarter recipient of its Future of Trucking Scholarship, an award designed to help aspiring drivers offset training costs and enter the commercial transportation workforce.

Laymon, 32, received a $1,000 scholarship to attend Kansas Truck Driving School in Wichita. He combined the scholarship with his VA education benefits to complete his CDL program.

For veterans transitioning into civilian careers, financial support like this can significantly shorten the path to employment in the trucking sector.

From Military Service to the Driver’s Seat

Laymon has expressed a long-standing interest in driving professionally and is now beginning that career.

He is currently in orientation with TMC Transportation in Des Moines, Iowa, where he will start his role as a professional truck driver.

Scholarship programs like this one continue to play a role in addressing industry workforce needs while supporting individuals entering the CDL pipeline.

“We’re honored to support Kenneth as he takes this next step toward a rewarding career in the trucking industry,” said Brock Bauza, director of enrollment, DRC. “As a veteran, Kenneth has already demonstrated dedication, discipline, and a strong commitment to safety, and we sincerely thank him for his service.”

Expanding Access to CDL Scholarships

The Future of Trucking Scholarship was first launched in 2024 for residents in the St. Louis area. It has since expanded to additional states, including:

• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• Kansas
• Texas
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Kentucky

Applications are open for the next scholarship round, with a deadline of March 20.

To learn more about eligibility requirements and submit an application, visit the Driver Resource Center scholarship page here.

Programs like this play a growing role in strengthening the trucking workforce pipeline by helping qualified candidates enter CDL training without carrying unnecessary financial strain.

Source: The Trucker