DALLAS — Kenworth has teamed with the FASTPORT Trucking Track Mentoring Program and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring our Heroes Program to find America’s top rookie military veteran, who has made the successful transition from active duty to driving for a commercial fleet and has named the top four finalists in the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program.
The four finalists were named during the Great American Trucking Show here last week.
Kenworth has again donated The Driver’s Truck – a fully-loaded Kenworth T680 Advantage with a 76-inch sleeper and PACCAR MX-13 engine, to serve as the program’s recognition award.
The top four, with their branches of service and employers, include:
- Mordaunt “Platt” Brabner, U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy, TMC Transportation
- Summar Hanks, Air Force, U.S. Xpress
- Quinton Ward, U.S. Army, Werner Enterprises
- Christopher Young, U.S. Army, Stevens Transport
“Kenworth is donating a T680 Advantage for the third consecutive year to acknowledge and thank our military veterans for their service. It is important for the trucking industry to continue its on-going efforts to provide support and career opportunities to our veterans,” said Kurt Swihart, Kenworth marketing director.
“This year’s four finalists in the recognition program have achieved significant accomplishments in their military careers, and now, as professional truck drivers. We urge trucking companies to reach out and give a helping hand to our many veterans, who are striving to make a smooth transition back into civilian life,” said Brad Bentley FASTPORT president.
Other truck drivers, who achieved the Top 10 finalists list and were recognized at GATS, include:
- Toby Hunt, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, Prime, Inc.
- Jeremiah King, U.S. Navy, PAM Transport
- Tilford Sereal, U.S. Navy, TMC Transportation
- Ricardo Sumrall, U.S. Navy, Melton Truck Lines
- Phillip “Tom” Vargo, U.S. Navy, Roehl Transport
- Brian “Kelley” Ward / U.S. Navy / Veriha Trucking
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 December 14 in Washington, D.C., during a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
For further information on the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award program, please visit www.transitiontrucking.org.
CAPTION FOR PHOTO
Kurt Swihart, left, Kenworth marketing director, congratulates the four finalists in the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program, from left Quinton Ward, Mordaunt “Platt” Brabner, Summar Hanks, and Christopher Young. (Courtesy: KENWORTH TRUCK CO.)
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
