Congratulations to our 2025 TA Citizen Driver Honorees

Leadership. Community Service. State Champion.

Denis Litalien has been a dedicated professional driver for 44 years, known for his leadership and community service. His gentle, positive nature brings people together. Denis received the Highway Angel Certificate and Shaw’s Good Samaritan Award for aiding motorists. He is also a 14-time State Champion in the New Hampshire and Maine State Truck Driving Championships and a 7-time Top Five finisher at the National Truck Driving Championships.

Firefighter. Volunteer. Community Service.

Lamar is known for helping others. He volunteers with youth groups, his church, and his son’s football team as an on-field EMT. He served as a rescue team member at Ground Zero after 9/11. Recognized for his life-saving skills, he was awarded 2003 Trauma of the Year and a Clinical Save Commendation in 2022. Lamar has been an EMT for 21 years and a Rescue Technician for 28 years.

Industry Ambassadors. Volunteers. Award Winners.

Bob and Linda Caffee are dedicated trucking industry ambassadors, volunteering with schools, Trucker Buddy International, and the Saint Christopher Truckers Fund. They are founding members of the Trucking Solutions Group and serve on the FedEx Custom Critical Contractor Council. Linda is a Women in Trucking board member and developed drivers’ Health Walks. Both are Team Run Smart Pros, offering business advice, and have earned FedEx Accident-Free and 4-Star awards.

Veteran. First Responder. Community Service.

William McNamee, a Marine veteran, serves with the Coast Guard and is a Licensed Medical First Responder. He supports Truckers Against Trafficking and has assisted in three accidents, providing medical aid. Over his 32-year driving career, he has earned numerous safety awards and was selected for the 2019-2020 America’s Road Team. William is active in the Trucker Buddy Program, presenting elementary school learning programs for over 25 years. His wish is to help people “see the country through his windshield.”

OOIDA Spokesperson. Encouraging. Volunteer.

Jon “Doc” Osburn has spent nearly 30 years in the trucking industry, always putting others first and promoting a positive image for truck drivers. As the driver and spokesperson for OOIDA’s “Spirit of the American Trucker” tour truck, he encourages drivers to voice their opinions on industry issues. Jon has received OOIDA’s Safe Driving Award for 28 years and 2.79 million safe miles, and has volunteered for the World’s Largest Truck Convoy For Special Olympics since 2004.

Award Winner. Volunteer. Safety Adviser.

Over 46 years, Jerry Fritts has earned numerous safety awards, including the Landstar Roadstar Award, and is a member of the Landstar Roadstar Hall of Fame. He advises on truck safety technology, has been a Field Safety Supervisor, and was a finalist for America’s Road Team. After a serious injury, Jerry volunteered with the Red Cross, managing disaster shelter operations and serving as Chairman of fleet management. He later formed his own trucking company and continues to volunteer with the Red Cross.

Dedicated. Hard Working. Positive Force.

Bill Ater Jr. has been a dedicated and positive force in the trucking industry for 42 years. Known for his compassion, he actively supports those in need and is deeply committed to his faith, family, and work. Bill has significantly contributed to FEMA’s hurricane relief efforts, responding to 12 hurricanes and providing essential supplies.

Dedication. Multiple Award Winner. Volunteer.

Jerry Seaman began his driving career at 12 and has accumulated over 5 million accident-free miles in 48 years. Known for thorough pre-trip inspections, he was nominated for the 2019 South Dakota Driver of the Year and named Grand Champion of the 2011 South Dakota Truck Driving Championships. Jerry has been dedicated to the Special Olympics since 2002, serving on the Convoy Committee for the South Dakota Convoy. He also received the Founders Award for his volunteer work at the Sioux Falls Convoy and Truck Show.

Dedicated Volunteer. Hard Working.

Richard Ash, from Lakewood, Colorado, has driven 2.8 million accident-free miles over 27 years. A strong believer in paying it forward, he helps elderly neighbors and hands out Hershey’s Kisses to show appreciation. Richard is a life member of OOIDA, founder of Trucking Solutions Group, and volunteers annually at Feed My Starving Children. He is also a member of Trucker Buddy International, dedicated to supporting and uplifting the trucking community.

Standout Leader. Volunteer. Safety Advocate.

Herschel Evans is a distinguished leader with a 32-year career and over 3.1 million accident-free miles. As a 2013 ATA America’s Road Team Captain, he promoted highway safety nationwide. He transformed an intercompany truck driving championship into the Safety Drive for a Cure, benefiting The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. His dedication to safety earned him the 2018 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance International Driver Excellence Award and the 2017 Mike Russell Trucking Image Award. He was also named the 2012 Georgia Motor Trucking Associations’ Driver of the Year.

Committed To Saftey. Volunteer. Award Winner.

Robert Fernald, from Westbrook, Maine, has driven for over 21 years and 2.5 million miles. A Wal-Mart fleet driver, he is committed to safety and has received multiple awards. Rob is a 4-time State Champion in the Maine State Truck Driving Championships. He supports various charities, including the New England Truck Drivers’ Charity Challenge and Wreaths Across America. Rob is also a former Trucker Buddy, engaging with school children through pen-pal programs and visits.

Industry Mentors. Humble Volunteers. Eco-Concious.

Kenn and Beth Zelten have been driving together since 1989, building a reputation that other team drivers aspire to. Kenn, a former driving instructor, taught Beth to transition from bus driving to big rigs. They mentor other drivers and are involved in organizations like Wreaths Across America and Truckers Against Trafficking. Committed to sustainability, their green truck “Kermit” features eco-friendly adaptations like adaptive loading, side skirts, and solar panels.

Hard Working. Inspirational. Life saver.

Since 2012, working for Walmart Private Fleet, she has been a beacon of positivity and hard work. With 2.5 million accident-free miles, she is a true ambassador for the trucking industry. Walmart honored her with the “Most Inspirational” award in 2017 and the “Good Sam” award in 2016. Her most profound act of kindness was donating a kidney to a fellow driver’s husband in 2016, saving his life.

Firefighter. Volunteer. Community Service.

Norman Knight has been a professional driver for 25 years without an accident. He participates in charity fundraisers for fallen soldiers and has been a volunteer firefighter for 15 years, earning a “Most Active Responder” award. Norm supports cancer research through events like Relay for Life and his own “Boating for a Cure.” A Vietnam veteran, he continues to serve others through various charity organizations.

Life Saver. Award Winner. Industry Ambassador.

Jimmy Ardis has driven safely for 36 years, earning numerous awards and rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle. Despite losing an arm to cancer, he mentors young adults, supports cancer fundraisers, and is an Ambassador for Mobile Delvac. Jimmy is a regular guest on America’s Trucking Network and was a 2012 Real Life Trucking Hero finalist.

Award Winner. Industry Involvement.

Sandy Long, from Marceline, Missouri, has driven professionally for 42 years, covering 3 million accident-free miles. Her dedication has earned her three safety awards from different fleets. Sandy is a Senior Life member of OOIDA, a staff writer for several trucking magazines, and maintains a popular blog. She is an active member of the Women in Trucking Association and was an Influential Women of the Year nominee in 2013. Despite her busy career, she prioritizes caring for her elderly mother.

Educator. Volunteer. Safety Advocate.

Tim began driving tractors at 11 and trucks at 20, sparking his passion for a driving career. He hosts a podcast interviewing trucking industry members and educates others on the benefits of trucking. Married for 37 years, Tim is a Sunday School teacher and led a mission to restore power to a church in Jamaica. He serves on safety committees at FedEx and has received the Inez West and Bravo Zulu awards. Tim was also selected as an America’s Road Team Captain to promote safe driving.

Veteran. Mentor. Volunteer. 

Craig is a leader at his company, a mentor for new drivers as a source of information and support and a true professional behind the wheel. As a Veteran, Craig is passionate about veteran-related causes. He is the creator of the Joshua Chamberlain Society’s (JCS) Veteran Suicide Awareness campaign, which aids severely wounded military service members and the families of service members killed-in-action during the Global War on Terror. He drives a Patriot Fleet Truck with the mission of providing veterans a way to share their stories, remember those lost, and sign his truck in memorial and remembrance. Craig sits on the Driver Accident Review Board for Crete/Shaffer and has received an accident-free award every year. He shares people’s stories through his Parking Lot Conversations on YouTube. He also writes articles for RoadPro Family of Brands. He participates on Road Dog Radio and Sirius XM helping many other drivers with his opinions and solutions to problems they face out on the road. Craig is on the road but stays connected to his local church & participates in the choir.

Award Winner. Hard Working. Trail Blazer.

Jim Wilcox has dedicated 35 years to the trucking industry, earning numerous awards and accolades. His recognitions include induction into the YRC Freight National Driver Hall of Fame in 2013, the 2006 National Truck Driver of the Year by the American Trucking Association, and the 2005 Yellow Transportation Professional Excellence Award. Jim was the first driver to receive this annual award, highlighting his exceptional commitment to safety and excellence.

Humble. Outstanding Citizen. Helping Hand.

Bill Underwood has driven for 53 years, amassing an impressive 7.9 million accident-free miles. Known for his integrity, he recently helped a stranded 14-year-old girl in Mississippi, ensuring her safety by involving local authorities. Despite his remarkable achievements, Bill remains humble and views his actions as ordinary.

Driver of the year 2005. Safety Award Winner.

Michael Zanella, a consummate professional with 24 years on the road, has driven 2.67 million miles without a preventable accident. He has received numerous safety awards, including honors from Road Safe America, OOIDA, and Pizza Hut. Michael was Pro Driver’s Driver of the Year in 2005 and serves as a spiritual advisor to prison inmates, while also volunteering for Masonic functions and assisting disabled veterans.

OOIDA Safe Driver Award Winner.

Doug Smith has been driving for 54 years, amassing 4,320,000 accident-free miles and earning an OOIDA Safe Driver Award. He started driving at 16 and continued his family’s trucking business, now in its fourth generation with 35 trucks. Doug serves on various industry boards, is politically active, and has been chosen to move the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s “Wall That Heals.” He mentors other drivers and has worked on numerous infrastructure projects in the Intermountain West. His motto: “Honor your ancestors for their sacrifice, and don’t embarrass your descendants.”

Big Heart. Volunteer. Humble.

Marty Ellis is known for his big heart and willingness to help others, often giving away his last dollar or helping in the rain. In 2013, he asked to be removed from the Driver of the Year contenders list, having already won in 2006, to give another driver a chance. Before joining A&A Express, he was a beekeeper and has been involved in the South Dakota Convoy and Truck Show for Special Olympics since 2002, benefiting kids with special needs.

Passionate. Advocate. Family Man.

Dick Pingel is a passionate advocate for the trucking industry, supporting drivers through various organizations. As a 16-year member of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, he was the first owner/operator to join, creating a new membership category. Known for his friendly and professional demeanor, Dick is also a devoted family man who enjoys time with his grandchildren.

Inspiring. Kind. Volunteer.

Mary “Candy” Bass has spent 41 years as a professional driver, setting an inspiring example through her volunteer work and willingness to help others. Moved by a documentary on wounded veterans, she founded the “Hats for Heroes” charity, which donates baseball caps to veterans with head injuries or burns, helping them feel more comfortable and included.

"Mister Safety". Award Winner. Community Service.

Charles Endorf has dedicated over 40 years to Werner Enterprises, achieving 5 million safe miles with a single carrier. Known as “Mister Safety,” he has received numerous awards for production, on-time service, and safety. Charles helped develop Werner training videos and contributes to trucker radio shows. He also serves his community as a Fairbury City Council member, church leader, and Sunday school teacher.

Dedicated. Loyal. Award Winner.

As an independent owner-operator and sole proprietor of Rollin’ B LLC, she has hauled everything from produce to livestock, showcasing her knowledge and skill. Her dedication and professionalism have earned her respect in the male-dominated industry. With 4 million accident-free miles, she has received Women in Trucking Safety awards from 2010-2017 and the NASTC 2015 Woman Driver of The Year Award. She has also been a member of the Women in Trucking Image team for the last three years.

Advocates. Mentors. Veteran.

Bill Taylor, a decorated veteran, began his trucking career over 30 years ago after serving in Vietnam. His wife, Robyn, joined him on the road in 1999. Together, they support local schools and have been active in the Trucker Buddy program, mentoring 18 classes in 3 schools. Named Trucker Buddies of the Month in June 2002, they also advocate for veterans and owner/operators, often lobbying Congress on trucking laws.

Caring Grandfather. Award Winner. Life Saver.

Gary Buchs, from Colfax, Illinois, has driven professionally for over 25 years, logging 2.25 million accident-free miles. A man of deep faith, he took a year off to care for his grandchildren while his son was deployed to Afghanistan. Gary is a 9-time winner of the Landstar Star of Quality Award and received a Platinum Star for saving a woman’s life after a car accident.

Authenticity. Positive Attitude. Unconditional Respect.

With more than half a century behind the wheel, and an incredible 3.8 million accident free miles, Dan Porter is a shining example of who a Citizen Driver is. Dan's empathetic nature, calm demeanor and impartiality allows him to support friends and other drivers emotionally, even saving a friend from taking their own life at one point.

Award Winners. Volunteers. Veteran.

Steve and Gina Jones are exemplary figures in the trucking community, known for their safe driving records and dedication to veterans, children, and cancer research. They delivered ornaments for the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Gina joined Steve on the road at 50, promoting safety as a member of ATA America’s Road Team and winning several safety awards. Steve, a 7-year Army veteran, brings military experience to their partnership. They inspire many with their unique story and actively participate in speaking engagements to promote safety in trucking.

Veteran. Committed. Safety Focused.

Darryl is a safe driver and has the record to show it. In his time with Ryder, he’s had over 2.8 million safe miles, and over 3.5 million total career miles. This, coupled with his 32 years of service in the Kentucky Army National Guard show Darryl’s character. He places immense importance on family, his country, and the company he works for. Darryl has always been willing to go the extra mile for Ryder and has been an important part of the automotive account he works on as it has continued to grow over the last 30 years. He always keeps a bag packed as he has often been asked to travel to different states to help support new locations and train new professional drivers. He was honored with the 2024 CVSA International Driver Excellence Award as well as being named Ryder’s 2023 SCS Driver of the Year. Darryl, along with other retired Veterans he served with in the National Guard took it upon themselves to start a support group for local charities and organizations called The United Veteran’s Group. From local food banks to elementary school programs to support for local cemeteries, Darryl and his comrades continue to find ways to support their community in times of need. They have members from WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Granada, Iraq and Afghanistan all sharing support for one another.

Passionate. Relentless Work Ethic. Community Involvement.

With his relentless work ethic, Roland has earned 14 State Championships, three National Titles, and the prestigious National Grand Champion title in 2017. Over his 33-year career with FedEx Express, he has driven 1.9 million accident-free miles. He shares his passion for safety through the American Trucking Association’s No Zone programs, educating communities about road safety. Roland has also raised over $1 million for the Wishes on Wheels truck convoy.

Dedicated. Volunteer. Award Winner.

Idella Hansen started driving at 18 and, over 46 years later, remains dedicated to her career. She has earned respect in the male-dominated industry and mentors other women drivers. Recently featured in an NPR interview, she also actively volunteers and won a citizenship award in Camden, Arkansas for her community work.

Former Police Officer. Volunteer. Life Saver.

Shawn Hubbard, a former police officer, has been a professional driver for 14 years. He is a Senior Member of OOIDA, an instructor in the Ruan Transport Megasafe 7 safety program, and a safety advisor at Victor Valley College. Shawn supports families in need, volunteers at a homeless shelter, and was honored with the “Highway Angel of the Year” award for saving a man from a burning vehicle.

Highly Respected. Dedicated. Positive Attitude.

Evan “Buddy” Haston, a dedicated driver for over 50 years, is highly respected in his community, church, and workplace. Starting part-time at 25, he quickly made driving his full-time career, handling the profession’s challenges with grace. Known for his excellence and integrity, Buddy is always positive and ready to help others, whether physically, spiritually, or financially. His achievements are guided by his priorities: God, country, and family.

Inspirational. Fitness Minded. Community Focused.

Living in a small space for 29 years takes work, Danny and Cindy George make it work beautifully. They enjoy traveling the world during breaks, and have visited all seven continents. In an industry not known for health, they inspire others with their dedication to fitness. Danny completed the Rock-N-Roll Marathon in 2006 and the Half-Ironman in 2016. Through their blog, they share dietary tips, exercises, and healthy recipes, encouraging others to follow their dreams in health and driver safety.

Veteran. Loyalty. Dedication to Safety.

Serving in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1994, Don received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for sustaining injuries while saving lives in a combat setting after rescuing soldiers trapped inside an Army truck full of ammunition that caught fire.

His professional driving achievements include nearly 2 million accident free miles, awards and recognitions that include recognition from the Indiana Motor Truck Association, and volunteer work with local non-profits in Muncie, Indiana.

Mentor. Volunteer. Health Minded.

Henry Albert, a founding member of the Trucking Solutions Group, has served on the Driver Health Council, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies, and the OOIDA Board of Directors. Named Overdrive Magazine’s Owner/Operator of the Year in 2007, he supports Make a Wish and mentors other drivers. Henry shares fuel efficiency tips on the “MPG Masters” Facebook page and works with engineers to improve product safety as a Freightliner Team Run Smart Pro.

Dedicated. Humble. Safety Focused.

Jay’s journey began at the age of 19 when he purchased his first truck and became an owner-operator just a month before marrying his wife Katt. He shares his 42 years of experience with other owner operators, is involved in many trucking organizations and received two Silver Star of Quality awards from Landstar. After losing everything in Hurricane Katrina, Jay and his wife volunteered with Eight Days of Hope to help rebuild others’ lives. In 2022, Jay and Katt were named Hancock County’s Foster Parents of the Year, having fostered over 200 children, and adopting eight. Jay was Overdrive Magazine’s 2024 Driver of the Year. He has been honored numerous times throughout his driving career for his unwavering commitment to safety. He has volunteered on OOIDA’s board for 16 consecutive years. He was one of, if not the, youngest ever member of the OOIDA Board of Directors when he was elected and helped establish OOIDA’s Safe Driver Award. Jay volunteers with America Truck Historical Society, supports St. Christopher’s Fund, and is involved in Trucker’s Final Mile. He is active with his local church groups and received a Gold Star of Quality award for his community involvement. He is a proud father, loving grandfather, devoted husband, and a valued member of his church and community, continuously exemplifying generosity, humility, and service.

Mentor. Award Winner. Advocate.

Susie has logged 4 million accident-free miles and won Women in Trucking’s first Female Driver of the Year in 2020. She mentors other drivers and promotes women in the industry, earning numerous awards including Driver of the Month and a spot on Women in Trucking’s Image Team. Susie is a top fundraiser for Convoy for Hope and was the first female driver to lead the Convoy. She volunteers at schools, shelters, and with legislators, and was recently inducted into the MATS 2022 Wall of Fame.

5.43 Million Accident Free Miles. Community Engagement.

Steen Gronlund, born in Copenhagen and raised in Saskatchewan, has had a 49-year trucking career with over 5.43 million accident-free miles. Starting at 23, he drove as an owner-operator for 20 years with Leprino Transportation and now drives for Mile Hi Foods. Steen received the OOIDA Safe Driving award in 2017 and is active in his company’s Safety Review Committee and Driver Accident Review Board. He also mentors students through the Trucker Buddy program, earning the Outstanding Trucker Buddy award in 2017.

Leadership. Community Service. State Champion.

Denis Litalien has been a dedicated professional driver for 44 years, known for his leadership and community service. His gentle, positive nature brings people together. Denis received the Highway Angel Certificate and Shaw’s Good Samaritan Award for aiding motorists. He is also a 14-time State Champion in the New Hampshire and Maine State Truck Driving Championships and a 7-time Top Five finisher at the National Truck Driving Championships.

Firefighter. Volunteer. Community Service.

Lamar is known for helping others. He volunteers with youth groups, his church, and his son’s football team as an on-field EMT. He served as a rescue team member at Ground Zero after 9/11. Recognized for his life-saving skills, he was awarded 2003 Trauma of the Year and a Clinical Save Commendation in 2022. Lamar has been an EMT for 21 years and a Rescue Technician for 28 years.

Industry Ambassadors. Volunteers. Award Winners.

Bob and Linda Caffee are dedicated trucking industry ambassadors, volunteering with schools, Trucker Buddy International, and the Saint Christopher Truckers Fund. They are founding members of the Trucking Solutions Group and serve on the FedEx Custom Critical Contractor Council. Linda is a Women in Trucking board member and developed drivers’ Health Walks. Both are Team Run Smart Pros, offering business advice, and have earned FedEx Accident-Free and 4-Star awards.