Rihm Monthly Magazine - October 2024 - Magazine - Page 21
Billy Taylor, U.S. Coast Guard (E-7), Werner
Enterprises, Roadmaster Drivers School
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Billy lived in many locations across
the United States during his parents' U.S. Navy careers. He
joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2000, and served in various
assignments including Port Security and Harbor Defense,
Search and Rescue, Coast Guard Cutter deployments
for drug interdiction/maritime defense, and served as a
recruiter. He retired with 20 years of service in 2020 as a
Chief Petty Officer, Machinery Technician. Billy now drives
for Werner Enterprises on the Anheuser-Busch account in
Columbus, Ohio.
Kenworth's Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist
with Torque Assisted Steering.
While the winner will drive away in this state-of-theart truck, the program will award a $10,000 prize for the
runner-up and $5,000 for each remaining finalist.
“Kenworth is proud to participate in this program that
celebrates the accomplishments of military veterans
transitioning into professional truck driving careers for the
ninth consecutive year,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth
assistant general manager for sales and marketing. “It was
Cory Troxell, U.S. Army (E-7), Stevens Transport, an honor to attend the Transition Trucking: Driving for
Phoenix Truck Driving Institute
Excellence Award event, and we look forward to awarding
Cory Troxell was born into service with his grandfather, the Kenworth T680 truck to the winner in December.”
father, and uncle serving with distinguished careers in the
Army. Motivated by a strong sense of family pride, service, Eric Eversole, Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of
and patriotism following the events of 9/11, Cory enlisted Commerce and President of Hiring Our Heroes, remarked,
into the Army in 2004. In 2009, Cory was severely wounded “These finalists exemplify how skills developed in the
in an enemy IED attack, eventually earning him the Purple military seamlessly transfer to successful careers in trucking.
Heart. He continued to serve until his retirement in 2024. Their dedication and resilience continue to play a critical
Drawing similarities to his decision to join the Army, he role in keeping America’s supply chain strong.”
followed a trucking driving career path already cut by his
family.
Brad Bentley, President of Fastport, added, “Our semifinalists represent the best of what a Veteran-Ready
This year’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence trucking industry looks like. These individuals have
Award grand prize is a Kenworth T680, equipped with a successfully transitioned from military service to driving
76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the careers, and their stories inspire others to follow suit. They
PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR truly embody the potential of the next generation of
TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem trucking professionals.”
rear axles.
The Transition Trucking contest continues to serve as a
The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate beacon for veteran drivers, showcasing the incredible
gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver opportunities available within the trucking industry.
amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 Public voting for the award will be held from November 1
leather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The 76-inch through Veterans Day, November 11. The final winner will
sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory- be revealed on December 13 during a special event at the
installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The T680 also U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.
includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including
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