From left to right: Jim Morbach, associate vice president of Werner’s student and government recruiting, Troy Davidson, award winner and Werner driver, Lauren Woods, manager of Werner’s military and special programs, and Rick Buchholz, associate director of Werner’s field and government recruiting, stand in front of Davidson’s new truck. (Image Courtesy of Werner)Navy veteran Troy Davidson, who drives for Werner Enterprises, is the proud owner of a new fully-loaded Kenworth T680, valued at $150,000.
On Friday, Dec. 16, Davidson was named the winner of the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, which recognizes America’s top military rookie driver.
The award is a partnership between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, Kenworth and FASTPORT. Davidson was one of three finalists up for the award.
He described winning the award and the truck as “life changing.” He’ll continue to driver for Werner as an owner-operator.
“I’m not going to let anybody down. It’s very humbling and I am honored to be here today to accept the keys of that pretty truck out there,” Davidson said.
Troy Davidson sits inside his new Kenworth T680.Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes and a vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, commended Davidson on his win.
“Following an impressive military career, Troy’s decision to commit his skills to the trucking industry is commendable, and we want to congratulate him on this award,” Eversole said. “We are honored to play a part in Troy’s transition from the military to the civilian workforce, and we’re happy to see that the trucking industry continues to play a huge part in helping veterans find meaningful employment following their military service.”
Davidson joined the Navy in September of 1998. He went through jet engine mechanic training and within two years he was selected to join the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration team. He served with the Blue Angels before he exited the military in 2004. He did some government contract work afterward, but he wanted a bigger challenge that would also let him give back to his country.
Trucking, for Davidson, was a perfect way to continue serving his country.
“I felt that I wasn’t giving to America what it had given to me, for all the benefits I received while I was serving. I thought, what better way to give back to the American public than to be an over the road trucker?” Davidson said.
He was overcome with emotion as he thanked his family, Werner and the award organizers.
“I just want to be a great ambassador for FASTPORT, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Hiring Our Heroes and Kenworth,” Davidson said. “I’m also going to continue to strive in my pride and my professionalism as an ambassador for Werner Enterprises.”
Davidson was one of three finalists including runner-ups Russell Hardy, who drives for Trimac Transportation, and Kevin Scott of TMC Transportation. Hardy and Scott each received $10,000 each.
Troy Davison, Kevin Scott, Russell Hardy and Brad Bentley, with Fastport, stand in front of Davidson’s new Kenworth T680.
Troy Davidson accepts the Transition Trucking award for America's top military rookie driver of the year.
