The ACS MultiMedia Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month honor has been awarded to Chris Jones of Ottawa, Kan., for his dedication to trucking, schoolchildren and the community. Jones, who has been driving for Wal-Mart for the past 11 years, joined the Trucker Buddy program in 2002 and was matched with a special needs class in New York. For the past two years, he has worked with Janet Blackwell’s second-grade class in Simsboro, La.
In addition to sending regular correspondence and pictures as part of the Trucker Buddy program, Jones has visited Blackwell’s class each year and has provided classroom supplies. And his involvement in the community and passion for trucking doesn’t stop with Trucker Buddy; as a member of the Highway Watch program, OOIDA and as a 2006 Captain of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association Road Team, Jones has had the opportunity to speak to numerous people about the trucking industry and the driving profession.
His driving record also does much to promote the industry: In 18 years on the road, he has never had an accident, and in 2006, he won first place in the five-axle tank truck class at KMCA’s State Driving Championships. Kelly Kile, safety manager for Wal-Mart Transportation, says Jones’s compassion shows through his involvement with Trucker Buddy. “He always goes above and beyond what is expected of him and truly deserves the title ‘Professional Truck Driver’ for his performance and accomplishments,” Kile says.
Drivers and teachers can find out more about the Trucker Buddy program by going to www.truckerbuddy.org.
