Army Veteran Shifts Gears, Wins 2025 Transition Trucking Award
The holidays came early for Army Veteran Charles Jones Jr., whose reliability, dedication, and leadership earned him the 2025 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award.
On December 12, Jones was honored during a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. as part of the Veteran Ready Summit.
The Mission Behind Transition Trucking
Now in its tenth year, the Transition Trucking Award recognizes military veterans who have made outstanding transitions into the commercial trucking industry. This collaborative initiative, led by Fastport, Kenworth, and Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), underscores the integral role veterans play in an industry where they make up about 10% of the workforce.
“These finalists show how military experience translates into excellence in the trucking industry, and we’re proud to honor their service and celebrate the vital role veterans play in keeping America moving,” said Eric Eversole, president of HOH.
As the 10th recipient of this prestigious award, Jones drove away in a brand-new Kenworth T680 truck. Runners-up Macy Mattice and Mark Scriven each received a $10,000 cash prize.
From Marching Orders to Mile Markers
Jones served more than two decades in the Army, completing three deployments in Iraq, two rotations in South Korea, and holding roles such as unmanned aircraft system operator, instructor operator, and platoon sergeant. After retiring, he graduated from Georgia Driving Academy in December 2024 and began his professional driving career with Roehl Transport in early 2025.
“Receiving this Kenworth truck is truly life-changing,” Jones said. “The military taught me discipline, resilience, and pride in every mission, and those same values have carried me into my career. This award allows me to build a future I once only hoped was possible. I am deeply grateful to Roehl, to my instructors, and to every veteran who has supported me along the way.”
“The military taught me discipline, resilience, and pride in every mission, and those same values have carried me into my career.”
Charles Jones Jr.
Driving Camaraderie on the Road
For Jones, trucking offers something he missed most after leaving the military: camaraderie. “When I left the military, the biggest thing I missed was being around the other soldiers. Now, when I see these other veterans doing the same thing I’m doing, it’s very reminiscent of being back in the military,” he shared.
The ability to foster connection did not just ease Jones’ transition; it helped set him apart. Selected through a combination of public voting and input from a selection committee, he exemplifies the leadership, discipline, and perseverance the award seeks to honor.
Fastport praised all the finalists for their exceptional success in the trucking industry. “We are honored to recognize Charles for an outstanding transition from military service to trucking and for the example he sets through his professionalism and dedication,” a Fastport social media post read. “We also want to congratulate our incredible runners-up, Macy Mattice and Mark Scriven. We’re grateful to have both of you in the trucking industry and know you will continue to set the standard for transitioning military members for years to come.”
