Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative today announced 11 semi-finalists for the 2026 “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award, marking the program's 11th year. The award honors the achievements of military veterans who have transitioned into careers in the professional trucking industry.
Of the nominations received, the following semi-finalists will continue in the award program:
Jeffrey Barber: U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class (E-7), Prime Inc., Trained by Prime Inc.
Brandon Ward: U.S. Navy, Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8), Werner Enterprises, Trained by Roadmaster Drivers School, Orlando, US DOL Registered Apprenticeship
Mohammad Arzola: U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant Major (E-9), HEB, Trained by California Career Schools
Juan Rosado Lozada: U.S. Marine Corps, Lance Corporal (E-3), Roehl Transport, Inc., Trained by Troops Into Transportation, Fort Benning
Kishawn Forbes: U.S. Navy, Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8), Melton Truck Lines, Trained by Florida State College at Jacksonville
Gary W. Williams: U.S. Army, Command Sergeant Major (E-9), Stevens Transport, Trained by Southern Careers Institute
Monica Brooks-Buck: U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class (E-7), Werner Enterprises, Trained by Truck Driver Institute, Saucier, US DOL Registered Apprenticeship
Jenn Wilken: U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant (E-6), Prime Inc., Trained by Prime Inc.
Daryus Jones: U.S. Army, Private First Class (E-3), Anheuser-Busch, Trained by Tulsa Technology, US DOL Registered Apprenticeship
Daniel Doss: U.S. Air Force, Staff Sergeant (E-5), Melton Truck Lines, Trained by Troops Into Transportation, Fort Benning, US DOL Registered Apprenticeship
Michael R. Bivens: U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant (E-6), Stevens Transport, Trained by Tennessee Truck Driving School, US DOL Registered Apprenticeship
Semi-finalists will be honored Sept. 22 and 23, with a recognition dinner at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, followed by a tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant, where finalists will be announced.
Public voting will open Nov. 1 and run through Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Voting is an important factor in the Selection Committee's final deliberations, which determine the finalists and the ultimate award winner.
The 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award winner will be announced Dec. 14 at the Veteran Ready Summit at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
This year's semi-finalists were selected from nominations submitted by carriers, training schools, a private fleet and individuals across the country, and represent four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
For the 11th consecutive year, Kenworth will provide the grand prize for the winning driver: a 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.
For more information, visit the Transition Trucking website (www.transitiontrucking.org).
