And then there were four.
Kenworth and its partners recently pared the people vying for the title of America’s top rookie military veteran down to the final four drivers in the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” contest.
The recognition program, sponsored by Kenworth, the FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring Program and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes Program, seeks to identify the top US rookie military veteran who has successfully transitioned from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet.
The top four finalists, listed with their military branch of service and current truck fleet, are:
- Chris Bacon, US Marines, TMC Transportation
- Wade Bumgarner, US Navy, Veriha Trucking
- Joseph Campbell, US Marines and US Army, Roehl Transport
- Steve Harris, US Marines, Stevens Transport
“Congratulations to finalists Christopher Bacon, Wade Bumgarner, Joseph Campbell and Steve Harris, and to the other six successful drivers who achieved Top 10 status in this year’s ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ recognition program,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director. “We once again are providing a Kenworth T680 as the program’s top award in appreciation to our military veterans for their service.
“It is important for the trucking industry to continue its efforts to offer support and career opportunities to our veterans.”
Kenworth is providing ‘The Driver’s Truck’—a fully loaded Kenworth T680 with a 76-inch sleeper—to serve as the award for the fourth consecutive year. The Kenworth T680 features the complete PACCAR Powertrain with a PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR 12-speed automated transmission and PACCAR 40K tandem axles.
Drivers were nominated by trucking companies that made a hiring commitment and pledge to hire veterans on www.truckingtrack.org or, by members of the National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools, or Commercial Vehicle Training Association-member school.
All the drivers were recognized at the President George W Bush Library during a tour and reception. The winner will be announced Dec 6 in Washington DC during a ceremony at the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“This year’s four finalists had significant accomplishments in their military careers, and now are making excellent achievements as professional truck drivers,” said Brad Bentley, FASTPORT president. “We urge the trucking industry and organizations across the United States to especially reach out to our veterans and help them make a smooth transition back into civilian life,”
For more information on the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award program, visit transitiontrucking.org.
