Ten military veteran truck drivers have been named finalists in the annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” program that gives a truck to a rookie military veteran trucker.
The finalists in the competition for a new, fully-loaded Kenworth T680 include:
- Brian “Kelly” Ward, Veriha Trucking, U.S. Navy
- Christopher Young, Stevens Transport, U.S. Army
- Jeremiah King, PAM Transport, U.S. Navy
- Julio Rodela, Prime Inc., U.S. Marines
- Mordaunt “Platt” Brabner, TMC Transportation, U.S. Marines and Navy
- Phillip “Tommie” Vargo, Roehl Transport, U.S. Navy
- Quinton Ward, Werner Enterprises, U.S. Army
- Ricardo Sumrall, Melton Truck Lines, U.S. Navy
- Summar Hanks, US Xpress, U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard
- Tilford Sereral, TMC Transportation, U.S. Navy
The finalists will be recognized at the George W. Bush Library and Museum in Dallas on August 23 during a reception where they will be honored for their contributions to the military and civilian sectors by trucking and transportation leaders, as well as government and association representatives. On that night, the final three contenders for the award will be revealed and will enter into a popular vote to help determine who will be the ultimate recipient of the Kenworth T680.
The three finalists will also be announced on stage at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas.
The winner will be named in December. Last year’s winner was Greg Softy, an Army veteran who drives for Stevens Transport.
Kenworth, Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative are putting on the contest.