A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Purple Heart recipient was named the winner of this year's Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award.
Cory Troxell, who drives for Dallas-based Stevens Transport, recieved the award in ceremonies held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., He received a new Kenworth T680.
Douglas Couch, a driver for Roehl Transport, Inc. and a Navy veteran, was named runner-up and received $10,000.
Earning $5,000 as finalists were Shawn Haley (U.S. Marine Corps, Veriha Trucking LLC) and Billy Taylor (U.S. Coast Guard, Werner Enterprises).
Troxell was born into service with his grandfather, father, and uncle serving in the Army. Motivated by a strong sense of family pride, service, and patriotism following 9/11, Cory enlisted in the Army in 2004. In 2009, Cory was severely wounded in an enemy IED attack, eventually earning him the Purple Heart. He continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Drawing similarities to his decision to join the Army, he chose to drive trucks, a career path already cut by his family.
“I honestly thought after coming out of the military that you fade away. No one thinks about you anymore; you’re done. But this is proof that’s not true. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and for actually doing something for veterans that I didn’t think was possible,” said Troxell.
To help him continue in the trucking profession, Troxell was awarded the Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.
The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 leather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The 76-inch sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth's Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.
“It was a privilege to hand over the keys to the Kenworth T680 to a veteran who exemplifies commitment and courage. On behalf of Kenworth and our dedicated employees, we extend our gratitude for his service to our nation and our best wishes for a prosperous future in the trucking industry,” said Cara Howes, Kenworth assistant director of marketing.
“The dedication and resilience of our veteran finalists are nothing short of inspiring. They remind us of the enduring values that make America a leader in opportunity and innovation and the boundless potential that awaits those who transition from military service to meaningful careers,” said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes.
“Cory’s outstanding military career and continued excellence as a professional truck driver highlight the strength and determination veterans bring to the trucking industry. He represents the best of what this program aims to achieve, and we are confident he will inspire and pave the way for others in the military community to find success in this field,” said Brad Bentley, president of Fastport.
As part of the prize packages, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association gave memberships to all of the finalists. The association also gave the full Truck To Success program to Couch.
To be eligible for the Transition Trucking award, a driver must be a legal U.S. resident; a military veteran or member of the National Guard or Reserves; a graduate of a PTDI-certified, NAPFTDS- or CVTA-member driver training school, with a valid CDL; have been employed by any for-hire carrier or private fleet that has pledged to hire veterans; and have been hired as a CDL driver after Jan. 1, 2023.
