The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is acknowledging Military Appreciation Month with a Truckers for Troops campaign from May 12-18. The program 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.
Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000, sent more than 3,278 care packages, serving more than 39,276 members of the military. The organization for owner-operators has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled and homeless veterans.
During the campaign period, truckers can join OOIDA or renew their memberships for $35, with 10 percent of that money going toward care packages. OOIDA matches the 10 percent dollar for dollar.
During business hours, call 816-229-5791, mention Truckers for Troops, and get transferred to Membership.
Visit www.OOIDA.com and select "Become a Member" to join or renew.
If mailing in payments, indicate “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only” and specify “TROOPS” on your payment. Direct donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation.
Donations only and more information can be found at: Truckers for Troops website. Individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund are also welcome and can be paid to the OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
Anyone who has a family member or friend serving with the U.S. military, and who would like for them to get a care package, can send the name and complete address to [email protected] and be sure to include projected stateside return date.
Cards and letters can be sent to: Attention: Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information.
Truckers for Troops also participates in Wreaths Across America supporting the efforts for wreath placement at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreath sponsorships are $17 each and Truckers for Troops will receive back $5 per sponsorship, which will go to care packages and veterans services. To sponsor a wreath, go here: Truckers for Troops website.
Pilot hiring 7,500 new employees
As the summer travel season looms, Pilot is planning to hire more than 7,500 people.
Pilot is hiring for a variety of roles across its owned and operated travel center brands, on-site restaurants and tanker fleet. Opportunities include hourly positions, leadership roles, facility maintenance technicians and fuel tanker drivers, according to the company.
“At Pilot, we’re more than a workplace — we’re a community of journey makers who show people they matter at every turn,” said Julius Cox, executive vice president and chief people officer at Pilot.
The company said its perks and benefits for eligible team members include:
- Competitive, weekly pay
- Gas discounts
- $10 meal and beverage credit each shift
- Paid time off
- Low-cost, comprehensive health and well-being plans
- Access to 24/7 on-demand healthcare (U.S. team members)
- Paid parental leave (U.S. team members)
- Adoption reimbursement
- Rewards and recognition programs
- Tuition assistance
- Pilot Cares hardship assistance program
To learn more about Pilot’s benefits and to apply for a job, visit jobs.pilotflyingj.com.
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