Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for aiding crash victim during medical emergency
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Eric “Zach” Rogers, from Florence, Alabama, a TCA Highway Angel for helping an elderly woman who crashed her car while experiencing a medical emergency. Rogers works for Carter Express Incorporated out of Madison, Alabama.
On Aug. 21 around 11:30 a.m., Rogers was traveling on Highway 72 just west of Slayden, Mississippi, when a motorist crossed the lanes of traffic in front of him and ran off the road.
“She cut all the way over in front of me and then ran off the road and spun and slid, then came back across the highway and ended up in the ditch,” Rogers said.
He stopped and went to assist the elderly female driver and her passenger. He found the driver convulsing, so he called 911.
“She was just out of her mind; she couldn’t talk and her eyes were rolling back in her head,” Rogers said. “I actually just held her and prayed because she reminded me of my grandmother, and I knew that she was probably somebody’s grandmother—they probably weren’t ready to lose her.”
He remained with her until emergency services arrived and then completed his load.
“I don’t feel like I did anything special,” Rogers said. “I treated her like I would have wanted someone to treat my grandmother, had they been in the same situation.”
Truckers for Troops 18th annual campaign begins during Veterans Day week
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is preparing to launch its annual Truckers for Troops campaign from November 11-17, starting the same week as Veterans Day. This annual drive focuses on supporting U.S. troops overseas and veterans back home.
The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veterans facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.
During the one-week campaign, truck drivers can join or renew for $35, with 10% of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10% dollar for dollar.
This project boasts a 60% success rate in transitioning veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with “tiny homes” filled with amenities and access to a community center for support. With several locations and plans for national expansion, the project aims to touch lives in every state.
Pilot announces 2024 Road Warrior winners
Pilot recently revealed the winners of its annual Road Warrior contest, which recognizes the heart, dedication, and commitment of professional truck drivers who go beyond the call of duty to keep North America moving. After reviewing many nominations and recognizing four weekly winners with $1,000 each, Pilot selected Elizabeth "Liz" Leon of Victorville, California, as the 2024 Road Warrior grand prize winner of $25,000.
Liz Leon, a professional driver for over 19 years and this year's grand prize winner transports containers in and out of Southern California ports for 4Gen Logistics. Liz started her career with Toys R Us, where she fell in love with the road and found her passion for driving. Driving an average of 100,000 miles a year, Liz is accident-free and has been recognized by the California Trucking Association for her phenomenal driving.
Pilot team members flew to Rialto, California, to surprise Liz before she began her shift at 4Gen Logistics. Colleagues and family members, including her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, joined to celebrate the 2024 Road Warrior winner and present a check for $25,000 upon her arrival.
"Congratulations to this year's Road Warrior, Liz Leon, who stood out among the many deserving drivers we read about during the contest," said Jordan Spradling, VP of transportation and logistics at Pilot. "We appreciate all the nominations and stories of drivers like Liz, Herschel, Joe, and Roy, who show up day in and day out, put in countless hours and miles, and embody everything we value at Pilot."
New to this year's Road Warrior contest, Pilot chose four winners from each week's nominations to win $1,000 and to be in the running for the $25,000 grand prize. In addition to Liz, this year's weekly winners include:
- Herschel Evans: A professional driver from Bremen, Georgia, with over 38 years of experience and 3.5 million safe driving miles, he has helped countless families through his charity work, including Atlanta Ride for Kids, Convoy of Care, and Safety Drive for a Cure.
- Joe Mondor: A professional driver from Grand Forks, North Dakota, Joe has logged over 4.5 million safe driving miles over his 33 years in the trucking industry. Joe has been recognized as a true professional, safety leader, and peer mentor.
- Roy Prentice: A professional driver from Reno, Nevada, Roy has accrued more than 3 million safe driving miles and has been a professional driver for more than 30 years. He is known for his passion for helping others in his community and his fellow drivers out on the road.
See also: Recognizing Excellence: Meet NPTC's 2024 National Driver All-Stars
Veterans and active military eat free at TravelCenters of America on Veterans Day
TravelCenters of America continues its tradition of inviting all active-duty military, veterans, and reservists to enjoy a complimentary meal on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at participating quick-service and full-service restaurants nationwide at TA, Petro, and TA Express locations.
Veterans must present proof of service before ordering. Proof of service can include a Uniformed Services ID card, current Leave and Earnings Statement, veterans’ organization membership card, photograph in uniform, DD214 form, a citation, or commendation.
In addition to the free meal, TA is again sponsoring Wreaths Across America, a non-profit committed to keeping the memory of fallen heroes alive by placing wreaths on gravesites at America’s national cemeteries. In addition to purchasing wreaths for cemeteries nationwide, TA team members will gather Dec. 14 to participate in a wreath-laying event at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
TA advocates for veterans year-round by promoting job opportunities and working with the military’s Transition Assistance Program, assisting active military and their families in job placement. TA also partners with the Special Operators Assistance Foundation to help retiring military members transition into civilian corporate careers.
Averitt named Employer of the Year by Tennessee Veterans of Foreign Wars
Averitt has been named Employer of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars. This recognition coincides with Averitt’s commitment to supporting veterans through active hiring initiatives and a workplace environment that values the skills and dedication they bring.
“We are truly honored to receive this award from the VFW,” said Elise Leeson, VP of human resources at Averitt. “Our veterans bring invaluable skills and a strong work ethic, and we are proud to support them through career opportunities that allow them to thrive in a civilian workforce.”
Averitt’s veteran hiring program supports service members transitioning to civilian careers. Averitt provides veterans with career paths such as drivers, leaders, diesel mechanics, and dock workers through tailored recruiting efforts and partnerships with driver training schools. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense for supporting National Guard and Reserve members, Averitt also accommodates military leave.
