Truckers: Red, White and True
“Why does it seems that truckers are patriotic?” the CB cracked on this calm evening.
I was halfway to the microphone when something said, “Think for a minute.”
The black ribbon across North America is our home. The green fields, lush valleys, rugged mountains and even the desert are our front and back yards. The cities are our places of business. Just as America has been targeted, we truckers are targeted by the very people we serve.
When you speak of truckers and of America, it is one in the same. Both have a spirit, though unexplained, that cannot be broken. Both are strong, and both will survive almost anything and come back better.
Yes, I’m proud of what I do. Hear me loud and clear and make no mistake. I will stand tall, shoulder to shoulder with any American that wants to defend her and what the stars and stripes stand for. I am “The Snowbear.” I am Canadian. I am very proud to have American friends.
J.R. Bendekovics
Smithville, Ontario
Smiles for Miles
I am a second-grade teacher in Gary, Ind., and am writing to inform you of one very special truck driver and friend, John T. Conway.
John T. Conway, my students’ Trucker Buddy, enjoys donating his precious personal time to my classroom of 26 inner-city students. As he drives his truckloads across the country, Mr. Conway sends postcards to my students relaying his location, spent mileage, gas prices, what’s loaded on the truck, and most importantly words of encouragement for educational success.
Every time we receive a postcard, eyes light up and smiles spread across faces, displaying the excited feelings the children share of this trucker who takes the time to send a smile from across the miles. The children enjoy locating the states from which the cards are sent and then posting them next to the U.S. map with a string attached from postcard to state. Our map has many strings and postcards from all over the United States.
Just when I think Mr. Conway can’t possibly give any more of his time, he surprises my students by sending T-shirts, baseball cards, fruit and Wisconsin cheese. I find it absolutely amazing the energy he has for my class, for we share this Trucker Buddy with three other classrooms of children, two from Indiana and
one from Wisconsin.
My students had the privilege of meeting Mr. Conway and his enormous baby-blue truck when he visited our school on the day our country was saddened with terror, Sept. 11, 2001. Not only did Mr. Conway give the children his time on this tragic day, he provided them words of American pride and inspiration. The children enjoyed this visit, a visit that helped them cope with that terribly memorable day, and can’t wait for his return before the winter holidays.
My second-graders and I are very blessed with this wonderful Trucker Buddy and friend. America needs more Trucker Buddies like this one – America needs more truckers like John T. Conway.
Dana Hansen
Gary, Ind.
Filthy Chatter
After hearing others being asked to use clean language on the CB, lately I’ve been hearing the potty mouths respond, “I’m an adult, so I can talk any way I want.” To which I’d like to say that an adult speaks so as to set an example. It is the immature that let unbridled filth fall from their mouths without restraint.
Bennett Nelson
Broken Arrow, Okla.
Random Gripes
Truck drivers are supposed to be professional drivers, right? So, why don’t they slow down in construction zones and put on their four-way flashers?
I’ve noticed many trucks not loaded correctly. The lightest part of a truck is the back end of the trailer, which should be carrying the heaviest part of the load.
Robert H. Shimmin, Jr.
Peoria, Ill.
Gimme a Break
I’m writing this letter because I’m mad about the treatment experienced drivers are receiving from some recruiters who refuse to give us a chance to return to trucking. I’m 45 years old, a stable person who has two children, and I love the industry. My problem is I’ve not driven since 1996. One recruiter told me that because the industry had changed so much, it would be hard for me to adapt. I’m part of the drivers who helped pave the way for other drivers to enter the industry. I have 20 years’ experience dealing with the general public, and I have no tickets or accidents in my driving career. Who has the right to tell me I’m not wanted?
Mickey Thames
Hartford, Ala.
