Candy Gardner, Michigan, Owner/Operator: Candy is involved in many endeavors; she’s a Trucker Buddy to a special needs class, she helped
found Operation Roger Truckers’ Pet Transport and is a team leader, she participates in a truckers’ telephone ministry, always working on behalf of
her fellow truckers and stays active in political issues.
Jim Hoffman, driver for John Christner Trucking: Aided four victims of an accident in 2 degree weather. He administered first aid for bleeding,
broken legs, shock, and cold.
Tom Johnson, Driver for Con-Way: Rescued a mother and baby during an accident. The baby was pinned under the vehicle from his chest down. He and other motorists lifted the cab of a pickup off the baby in order to push him out from under it.
Michael Keasling from Texas. Michael, a lease-purchase driver, has been
driving for about 2 years. His wife Stephanie wrote that Michael is a hard-
working, SAFE driver. He puts safety first on on-time deliveries second.
However, by aligning his priorities correctly, Michael is always able to do
both.
John Kern is an Operation Roger volunteer and board member, so he is always helping pets get to their new homes. As a Knight of the Road, John upheld one of the Knightly charges to always help a fellow knight in need. John helped an injured driver get to the hospital, called the drivers family to ensure that everyone knew about the accident.
Mike Kopfinger found that you can fight city hall and win. When his dream
of becoming a truck driver was threatened, he hung in and navigated his
way through the bureaucratic maze because he was "fighting for a dream". It's important to know people who make a stand and don't give up when
times are tough.
Gerald Kuhns said truck driving “gets in your blood.” The 78-year-old
Fairmont resident has been in the trucking industry for 58 years, and he
likes everything about his job. He started at W.S. Thomas Transfer Inc. in Fairmont in 1949, left the company for a while, and later returned to work there. He now works about two days a week. “I’ve been (to) almost every state,” Kuhns said. “If it weren’t for trucks, you wouldn’t be eating. It’s
just a good job.”
Brenda Meachem: A Trucker Buddy who gives her student’s presents on her birthday. She reaches convinces family, friends and co-workers to help her fulfill the dreams and needs of children.
Elizabeth Pavlistaof Miami, AZ Risking her own life Elizabeth struggled to pull a large woman from the burning car. Just as the car fuel tank exploded, she helped to pull the woman farther from the flames.
Merrill Pilger, an Operation Roger volunteer, was walking back to his truck
one day at a truck stop when another truck driver motioned for his help.
Merrill found the driver had been ill for days at the truck stop; a virus had
left the driver partially paralyzed. Thankfully, Merrill had the heart and
took the time to investigate the situation.
Howard Regener: Saved his life and the lives of two men who caused a tragic accident Goodyear Highway Hero Award.
John Rose, Owner/Operator: Trucker Buddy of the Month. Sends each of
his students personal cards and teaches them lots of life’s lessons.
Steve Udelhoven, Mount Hope, WI. Company equipment driver of the year, He sets his goals, analyzes how to meet them, and then makes sure he gets them done. IF he says he’ll do something, he does it – whatever it takes to do it.
John Vascoy was awarded a commendation by the city of Roseville, Michigan for heroic actions and for going above and beyond the call of duty
in providing necessary assistance to paramedics who otherwise would not have reached the accident in time. John pulled his rig across the interstate to block traffic that was preventing paramedics from reaching accident victims.
David Virgoe, a Knight of Pure Valor. David gave his life to prevent a serious accident that could have taken the lives of many motorists.
David Whyte, Australia, The son of a truck driver, David believes that truck drivers are professional people who enjoy what we do and love driving. However, there is a need for greater understanding and tolerance on the roads by all drivers.” David won the crown of Young Australian Truck Driver 2007.
Brian Wyant. Out of 1000 drivers,Smith Transport named Brian the 2006 driver of the year. Last year he drove 139,000 miles, had no service failures, no safety incidents, idled his truck only 4.1% of running time and had a 98% fuel mileage compliance. Brian’s co-workers say this about him: He's the best of the best and makes our jobs easier.
Chris W has been a professional driver for 12 years and he is now an owner
operator. He’s a million miler & has been to all 48 states with no accidents.
Chris takes a stand for his country, he’s actively involved with fellow
truckers in the my convoy community and he’s one of the first to respond
when someone is in need. He’s got it all going on: honor, fervor, valor
and ardor.
