Finalists for the 11th annual “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award were recently announced by Kenworth Truck Company, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes program.
This award recognizes military veterans who have successfully transitioned into professional truck driving careers. Following a thorough nomination and review process and culminating with a final public vote, the program will honor and reward America's top rookie military veteran drivers.
Finalists for 2026 include:
Mohammad Arzola, U.S. Marine Corps (E-9), Patriot Group International
Sergeant Major Mohammad “Mo” Arzola enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1997 and served 27 years as a machine gunner, drill instructor and senior enlisted leader, with assignments including 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Raider Battalion, and multiple aviation commands as squadron sergeant major. He deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, earning the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon. A San Antonio native, Arzola graduated from California Career Schools and logged more than 100,000 safe miles to earn the Spirit of HEB Award before driving for Patriot Group International.
Monica Brooks-Buck, U.S. Army (E-7), Werner Enterprises
Monica Brooks-Buck is a retired U.S. Army veteran with nearly 25 years of service, including more than 20 years in logistics as a 92Y supply specialist and an Army Master Driver. She graduated from the Truck Driver Institute in Saucier, Mississippi, and joined Werner Enterprises in September 2025, where she is a registered apprentice in the Werner Enterprises Truck Driver Apprenticeship. Brooks-Buck drives as part of a team with her husband while pursuing studies in information technology. She belongs to the Women In Trucking Association and Disabled American Veterans.
Daniel Doss, U.S. Air Force (E-5), Melton Truck Lines
Staff Sergeant Daniel Doss was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2015, serving 10 years as a fuels specialist. He supported humanitarian relief operations following Hurricane Michael, served on the Base Honor Guard rendering final military honors to veterans, and led fuel operations and maintenance teams stateside and on deployment to the United Arab Emirates. Doss graduated from Troops Into Transportation at Fort Benning and joined Melton Truck Lines in September 2025, where he drives flatbed as a registered apprentice.
Brandon Ward, U.S. Navy (E-8), Werner Enterprises
Senior Chief Petty Officer Brandon Ward retired twice before he ever climbed into a Class 8 truck. He served more than 22 years in the U.S. Navy as a Master-at-Arms and Expeditionary Warfare Specialist, then built a senior career with the Department of Homeland Security, where he served as a hiring official and sat on recruitment teams that brought transitioning service members into the federal workforce. Ward graduated from Roadmaster Drivers School in Orlando, Florida in September 2025 and joined Werner Enterprises later that month as a registered apprentice. He continues to mentor veterans through their own transitions.
Gary W. Williams, U.S. Army (E-9), Stevens Transport
Command Sergeant Major Gary W. Williams served 31 years in the U.S. Army as a leader, a medic and a mentor, retiring as a Chief Medical NCO. He graduated from Southern Careers Institute in January 2026 and joined Stevens Transport weeks later. Soldiers he once led still call him for advice, and he makes himself available to them.
Public voting for the award will be held from Nov. 1 through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and is an important factor in the Selection Committee's final deliberations. The final winner will be announcewd Dec, 15 at the Veteran Ready Summit at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Under the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” recognition program, Kenworth will provide the grand prize for the 11th consecutive year. This year's award is 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.
While the grand prize winner will drive away in a state-of-the-art Kenworth T680 truck, the program also ensures every finalist is recognized. The runner-up will receive a $10,000 award and the remaining finalists will each receive a $5,000 prize.
All five finalists will travel to the United States Military Academy at West Point in December as guests of the program, taking part in a slate of experiences built around the Veteran Ready Summit ahead of the winner announcement.
