Three new drivers awarded TCA Highway Angel Honor
The Truckload Carriers Association has named three new TCA Highway angels. Since 1997, TCA’s Highway Angel program has recognized professional truck drivers for exemplary courtesy and courage shown to others while on the road.
TCA named Christopher Blount, a driver for Melton Truck Lines, a Highway Angel for stopping to extinguish a car that was on fire on the side of the highway. Blount became concerned when he saw a man near a car fire with no emergency vehicles in sight. Once he confirmed no one was in the vehicle, Blount used a fire extinguisher to stop the fire.
“The driver was very thankful,” Blount said. “As soon as I actually got the fire out, the firetrucks got there.”
TCA named Gannon Sanders, a driver for Lew Thompson & Son – A Covenant Logistics Company, a Highway Angel for jumping into action when a man experienced a medical emergency and stopped breathing. While picking up chickens for delivery, a catch crew member experienced a medical emergency and stopped breathing. Everyone else was frozen in fear, but Sanders stayed calm and called 911. He performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
“It was very scary,” Sanders said. “I ain’t gonna sit here and tell you it was a walk in the park because it wasn’t. In that situation, I was scared—I was fearing for his life.”
The man has since recovered and thanked Sanders for saving his life.
TCA also named Tony Doughty, a driver for Woody Bogler Trucking, a Highway Angel for stopping and using his truck to block an accident scene in Ohio and extinguishing a large fire on the side of a highway in Louisiana a few days later. While driving in Ohio, Doughty witnessed a single-vehicle accident in front of him on the highway. Doughty, a volunteer firefighter, pulled over and blocked the left lane to prevent any more accidents while his wife dialed 911. Doughty helped get the driver, who had non-life-threatening injuries, out of his vehicle. Once the Toledo Fire Department arrived, Doughty continued to block traffic to assist the emergency personnel until the accident scene was cleared.
A few days later, Doughty was driving through Louisiana when he spotted a grass fire on the side of the highway, getting dangerously close to some homes. A police officer was on the scene but had no way to fight the fire.
“I told the cop, I’m a volunteer firefighter; I know how to handle a grass fire,” Doughty said. “When I showed up, the fire was raging, so I just jumped out and went to work. I grabbed my fire extinguisher, and I grabbed my leaf blower, and had the fire 95% put out before the fire department showed up.”
NMFTA and trucking industry drive Wreaths Across America's Mission of Remembrance
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association, the trade organization representing the less-than-truckload motor carrier industry, continued its support for Wreaths Across America this year.
Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring veterans, relies heavily on the support of the trucking and supply chain industry to fulfill its mission. Each December, trucking companies and professional truck drivers volunteer their time, equipment, and fuel to transport remembrance wreaths to veterans' cemeteries nationwide.
This year, 2.9 million veterans' wreaths were transported to nearly 4,225 participating locations. This number is an increase of 14% from last year.
"As a WAA board of directors member, it's always been a privilege to participate in this initiative, and to do so with the support of NMFTA has been monumental," said Debbie Sparks, executive director for NMFTA. "Thanks to the generosity of the industry, 712 loads are currently traveling nationwide—43 of which are intermodal loads and 669 are traveling via truckload or LTL carriers."
This important event began over 30 years ago and is still held annually. NMFTA is always present in welcoming the multitude of professional truck drivers to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. WAA and the trucking industry partnership is more than just a logistical operation. It is a powerful symbol of respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans.
"For the professional truck drivers, transporting these wreaths isn't just another load," Sparks said. "It's a personal mission to honor those who served and a powerful way to express their appreciation."
See also: NMFTA demonstrates how hackers can disable trucks and trailers
First-ever winner of ANCA’s Inaugural Female Machinist Award
As part of their Tool of the Year event, ANCA introduced a new category for female machinists. A panel of experienced professionals evaluated submissions using the following criteria:
- Exceptional problem-solving skills to overcome challenges or obstacles during projects;
- Innovative and effective tool design;
- Demonstrated ability to think critically and find solutions.
Johanna Boland, strategy and communications manager at ANCA, expressed her pride in introducing the first-ever Female Machinist of the Year award for ANCA. “Since joining this industry, I have met and worked with some truly intelligent, driven female leaders. However, let’s face it; female machinists are not that common, and encouraging diversity can only make our sector stronger and more successful.”
The winner, Lena Risse from Risse Tool Technology in Germany, demonstrates the passion and dedication of women in the industry. Having completed an apprenticeship as a precision tool mechanic, she was the first female in a decade in her region to pursue a specialist master's degree in the field.
Risse advocates for process optimization in production and hopes to inspire more women to enter this profession by setting a positive example of how women can excel in precision tool manufacturing.
"I think it's very important to give women a stage in our industry,” Risse said. “Of course, it’s great to win this competition, but I am also grateful that this platform now exists. I enjoy showing with my work that not only men can grind top tools, but in some situations, it’s women who find the better solutions."
Irving Oil supports new Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities is celebrating a $1-million donation from Irving Oil and the Arthur and Sandra Irving Foundation toward the building of a new Ronald McDonald House near the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, NS, which will double the number of maritime families that the organization can support.
“We’re truly humbled by the generosity of the maritime community who, despite a worldwide pandemic, stepped forward in such extraordinary ways to support our mission. We look forward to being able to support twice as many families when they need it most and to eliminate the waitlist at Ronald McDonald House,” says Lori Barker, CEO at RMHC Atlantic.
This donation to RMHC Atlantic’s More Room for Love campaign was inspired by Sandra Irving’s nephew, Christopher Ring, who was a heart patient at the IWK in the early 1980s. Christopher’s kindness and creativity was felt by all those around him. The arts and crafts room at the new house will be named in his honor.
“We’re proud to contribute to this important cause that will benefit so many families in the places we call home,” says Ian Whitcomb, president of Irving Oil. “Atlantic Canadians support each other, especially when they are caring for a sick child. It’s why we’ve also invested in the redevelopment of the IWK Emergency Department and are continuing to grow the impact of our award-winning Fuel the Care program.”
Karmak partners with Carlinville Area Hospital to host holiday-themed clothing drive
Karmak, a business management solutions provider, partnered with Carlinville Area Hospital and Clinics to host the “Warm Up Our Kids” clothing drive to benefit local children. The drive-through event was hosted at Karmak headquarters in Carlinville, Illinois.
“I am proud to work at a company that gives back, and we are grateful to be able to provide items to the local schools. No one knows better than a teacher when a child needs new shoes, sweats, or a pair of socks tucked in their backpack,” said Jim Allen, president and CEO of Karmak.
The event saw dozens of vehicles come through the Karmak parking lot with bags of donations, loaded into a sleigh built from scratch by Eric Pauline, husband of Karmak’s director of office services, Angela Pauline. Community members, local businesses, and Karmakians donated the materials to build the sleigh. Donors were greeted with hot chocolate and candy canes from Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as Elsa, Olaf, and The Grinch, making for a truly festive event for the city of Carlinville.
This drive culminated Karmak’s charitable giving throughout 2023 to various local organizations, including the Carlinville Football Club, The Macoupin County CEO Program, and Project Third Day.
Karmak’s partnership with Carlinville Area Hospital and Clinics will continue as the company plans to make the co-hosted clothing drive an annual event.
