Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for rescuing four crash victims
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Thomas Patterson from Owasso, Oklahoma, a TCA Highway Angel for rescuing four people trapped in a car that overturned on the highway. Patterson drives for Melton Truck Lines out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Patterson was driving along a highway in Missouri on July 9 when he spotted a car flipped on its side. The vehicle had smoke billowing out of it.
“I saw a car on fire and pulled over to make sure [the people inside] were okay,” Patterson said.
Patterson stopped, got out of his truck, and broke the flipped car’s windshield. He discovered four young adults trapped inside, and he was able to help each one get out and get away from the car. Patterson departed from the scene as soon as emergency vehicles arrivedvso that he would not block traffic with his truck. He said he never hesitated to stop to help.
“I’m prior military,” the Navy veteran said. “It’s just kinda in me.”
Averitt named 2024 Workplace Giving Partner of the Year by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Averitt has been named the 2024 Workplace Giving Partner of the Year by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This award honors corporate partners, individual volunteers, and donors from across the country.
This is Averitt's fourth time receiving this award, having previously received it in 1999, 2010 and 2020. The award highlights Averitt's more-than-30-year partnership with St. Jude and its continuous support through initiatives such as the Team Up Community Challenge, which matches associate community service hours with a financial contribution to Averitt’s charitable-giving organization, Averitt Cares for Kids.
Averitt has also donated tens of thousands of Hot Wheels toys and Play-Doh to the hospital over the past two years. Furthermore, the $1.5 million donation from Averitt associates last year set a record as the largest employee-generated donation in the hospital's history to date.
“We are incredibly proud to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its mission to develop cures for children's diseases,” Gary Sasser, Averitt chairman and CEO, said. “This award is a testament to the generosity of our associates, and we look forward to continuing our support for many years to come.”
General Motors and In One Instant promote teen driver safety
In One Instant, a teen safe driving program, recently celebrated more than six years of support from General Motors to educate and empower young drivers across the U.S.
This collaboration has helped In One Instant implement its program in more than 4,600 schools nationwide, including 569 schools in communities where GM operates. To date, 871,250 students have completed the program in GM communities, with the goal of surpassing 1 million students in 2025.
Students who have completed the program have shown positive behavioral shifts as evidenced by the personal commitments they have made: 86% won't text and drive; 91% will not drive if impaired; 91% won't get in the car with an impaired driver; and 89% will wear seat belts.
"General Motors was one of our first corporate supporters," In One Instant Founder and President Gail Schenbaum said. "Our collaboration over the years has not only educated students in General Motors communities but also fostered a culture of safety within their families and neighborhoods. Together, we have been successful in educating teens about safe driving behaviors to help address what the CDC cites as the No. 1 cause of unintentional deaths among teens, car crashes."
See also: Ford’s 2025 Police Interceptor vehicle, with standard hybrid powertrain, gets upgrades
TravelCenters of America raises nearly $300,000 for trucking charities
TravelCenters of America has raised nearly $300,000 for St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund and TAT in two separate fundraisers this summer. An annual charity golf event held in August was TA’s most successful event ever, raising almost $200,000 that will be distributed evenly between the two non-profits.
“We are deeply grateful for the entire TA team for their continued support and generosity. Their commitment to support and promote our programs significantly amplifies our efforts to assist truck drivers in need,” Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy, SCF, said. “This long-time collaboration not only highlights the spirit of community within the trucking industry but also provides essential support to our drivers, ensuring they receive the help they need while on the road. Thank you, TA, for being a steadfast partner in our mission.”
SCF, which provides financial assistance to professional drivers out of work due to illness or injury, will receive an additional $89,000 from funds collected during a register round-up campaign held in June and July at participating TA, Petro, and TA Express locations.
“This outstanding contribution furthers the important work of fighting human trafficking in our communities. The truck stop industry plays a critical role in that protective force, and TA leads by example and action,” Esther Goetsch, TAT executive director, said. “In addition to raising awareness through events like these, TA trains their employees annually and displays posters in the restrooms at TA locations that serve as a resource for victims. TA is an instrumental ally against one of the most significant human rights violations of our time.”
Specialty Exchange trailer hypes Army-Navy game
Drivers on the road this fall may see the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s newest tractor-trailer design shouting out this year’s Army-Navy Football Game, taking place December 14 in Washington, D.C.
The trailer will be on display at the 125th playing of the legendary college football rivalry game at Commanders Field, but until then, it will be a working truck, delivering merchandise to military communities throughout the Central and Eastern regions of the U.S.
Against a red, white, and blue background, the trailer wrap showcases iconic D.C. military memorials, the Army-Navy Game logo, and the message “Where Heroes Shop,” letting veterans and civilians know they can shop at the Exchange tax-free for life.
The game represents an opportunity to reach thousands of cadets, midshipmen, and members of the military community at the stadium, as well as millions of fans watching on CBS.
“The Army-Navy Game brings together our nation’s heroes—those who are serving, have served, and are preparing to serve,” Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, U.S. Military Academy Class of 1973, said. “It is an honor for the Exchange to serve these men and women who make our freedoms possible.”
