Five Veterans Vie for $150,000 Truck in US Military-to-Trucking Award
The 11th annual Transition Trucking Award finalists include two Sergeants Major and five apprentices.
The 11th annual Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award has revealed its finalists, honoring military veterans who have built successful careers in professional truck driving. Organized by Kenworth Truck Company, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program, this year’s competition marks a milestone as the most senior group of nominees in the program’s history.
The finalists were unveiled on September 28 at Kenworth’s manufacturing plant in Chillicothe, Ohio, following a recognition dinner at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus. The two-day event included a private tour of Kenworth’s flagship facility, where the 11 semi-finalists—dubbed the “Elite 11″—also recorded their personal stories for the museum’s StoryCorps archive.
Six of the semi-finalists retired at the rank of E-7 or higher, including two Sergeants Major, setting a new record for the program. Registered Apprenticeship programs played a key role in this year’s selection, with 60% of nominations coming from drivers who completed or are currently enrolled in a U.S. Department of Labor program. Five of the Elite 11 are still active apprentices.
Finalists Announced in Ohio Ceremony: Veterans
Among the finalists is Mohammad “Mo” Arzola, a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Marine Corps who served 27 years, including deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Arzola, who earned both a Purple Heart and a Combat Action Ribbon, transitioned to trucking after logging over 100,000 safe miles and now drives for Patriot Group International.
Another standout is Monica Brooks-Buck, a retired U.S. Army veteran with nearly 25 years of service. Brooks-Buck, who reached the rank of E-7, now works as a professional driver for Werner Enterprises.
Profiles of Excellence
The finalists have already gained industry visibility through media appearances, including interviews on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio and features in The Trucker magazine.
The winner of the 2026 award will be announced on December 15 at the Veteran Ready Summit, where the grand prize—a new Kenworth T680 truck—will be awarded. The competition not only highlights the achievements of these veterans but also underscores the trucking industry’s commitment to recruiting and retaining former service members.
Brad Bentley, President of Fastport, emphasized the significance of this year’s finalists: “This is the most senior group of drivers we have ever put in front of the Selection Committee, and more of them came to us through Registered Apprenticeship than in any year prior. Our five finalists are still serving their country, just with a different set of keys.”
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