Twelve standout military veterans are officially in the running for the 2025 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award, and this year’s class is nothing short of impressive.

Backed by Kenworth, Fastport, and Hiring Our Heroes (a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative), this annual recognition program is now in its 10th year of celebrating service members shifting gears into trucking. 

The newly announced semi-finalists span all branches of the military, including the National Guard and Reserve, and each brings a unique story, a fresh perspective, and plenty of horsepower.

Here’s the Veterans Who Made the Cut:

Many of these pros came up through registered apprenticeship programs, bringing not just skill, but solid training and dedication to their new careers behind the wheel.

1. Kathleen (Kat) Carreto, U.S. Army National Guard – Roehl Transport

2. Bradley Lecky, U.S. Army – Crawford Electric (Trained by Troops Into Transportation)

3. Federico Hudson, U.S. Air Force – Van Wyk, Inc. (Trained by The CDL School)

4. Gaylon Hensley, U.S. Army – Melton Truck Lines

5. Daniel Hemphill, U.S. Army – Wayne R. West Trucking

6. Mark Scriven, U.S. Army – Stevens Transport

7. Joseph Barotti, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps – Werner Enterprises

8. Nicholas Baughan, U.S. Army and Army Reserve – Werner Enterprises

9. Macy Mattice, U.S. Army – Melton Truck Lines

10. Ryan Gordon, U.S. Army – Prime, Inc.

11. Precious Cannon-Scott, Air National Guard – Prime, Inc.

12. Charles Jones, Jr., U.S. Army – Roehl Transport

Only one will win the keys to a Kenworth T680, fully loaded and ready to roll. This year’s Class 8 heavy-duty truck features a 76-inch sleeper, the PACCAR Powertrain, and top-tier driver amenities like a rotating worktable, fridge, and ultraleather seats that heat and cool. 

The heavy-duty truck, also known for transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also packs safety tech like Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors and Bendix Fusion ACC with lane keeping and torque-assisted steering.

What Happens Next for the Veteran Finalists?

The 12 semi-finalists head to Columbus, Ohio, on September 18 for a recognition ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. They’ll also get a behind-the-scenes tour of Kenworth’s Chillicothe manufacturing plant, where finalists will be announced.

Public voting opens November 1 and runs through Veterans Day. Your vote really can make an impact on someone's future. It’s part of how the Selection Committee makes its final decision, with the grand prize winner revealed on December 12 during a veteran-focused summit.

Why Does This Matter to Truck Fleets? 

Whether you're running a fleet of 10 or 10,000, hiring veterans isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s a smart move. Veterans bring built-in discipline, safety-first training, and a mission-ready mindset that aligns with the demands of modern fleet operations. 

Programs like Transition Trucking help shine a light on the value these drivers bring, creating a stronger, more reliable workforce for the entire industry.

“This campaign continues to shine a spotlight on veterans who bring leadership, grit, and service-first mindsets to our industry,” said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes. “As we hit the 10-year milestone, these semi-finalists remind us why this award matters — and what the future of trucking can look like.”

For more details (or to cast your vote when the time comes), head to www.transitiontrucking.org.