C R England adds vehicles in a salute to its veterans

Refrigerated carrier C R England has honored its military veteran drivers and employees and announced the addition of six new military-themed trucks and two trailers to its “Honored Veterans” fleet, at an event in Salt Lake City UT.
Speakers included C R England Chairman Dan England, Colonel Gary Harter (representative for Utah Gov Herbert), executive director of the Utah Department of Military and Veteran Affairs; Mayor Ron Bigelow of West Valley City; Rick Goetell, C R England driver and US Army veteran; and James Rhodes, director of schools and training standards for C R England and also an Army veteran.
In June 2014, C R England introduced five military-themed tractors and trailers into its fleet. In November, the company introduced five more tractors and trailers, and each year, the company will add more military-themed equipment.
During the recent event, new trucks and trailers in the “Honored Veterans” fleet were unveiled. The trucks are 2016 Freightliner Cascadia Evolutions (all with automatic transmissions). The trailers are manufactured by Utility with the new Thermo King Precedent S-600 trailer refrigeration system.
Dan England then recognized the drivers who would drive in the “Honored Veterans” fleet. Drivers who were candidates for this honor must have had a clean safety record and at least one tour of duty in the military.
•Steve Calder—a Master Sergeant who served in the US Air Force for 22 years. He was awarded three Meritorious Service Medals (MSM) for developing training programs for the Air Force. He completed tours in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Germany. Calder has been with C R England for a year working in the National division.
•Darryl Wright—a Machinist mate First Class (MM1) who served in the US Navy for 18 years. He was awarded the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal for repairs to equipment while on deployment aboard the USS Artic. Wright has been with C R England for eight years in the Walmart McCarren Dedicated division.
•Jeremy Jellison—With C.R. England for a year and a half, he runs in the National division. He was in the US Marine Corps for 13 years and ended his career as a Sergeant. Over that time, he had four deployments, two to Iraq, one to Kuwait, and one to Norway. He was awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal to include the Presidential Unit Citation.
•Chris Yates—a Sergeant and Tank Commander in the US Army for 12 years. He had two deployments, both in Saudi Arabia during his service, earning a Bronze Star during each deployment. He also was awarded the Army accommodation medal. He works in the National division.
•Josh Smith—With C R England since 2007, he was a trainer for seven years before he became a solo driver for the Georgia Pacific Dedicated division. Smith was a Corporal where he served in the US Marine Corps for four years. He completed tours in Yemen, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He was awarded the Service Deployment Ribbon and National Defense medal.
•Hardrick Crawford—He served in the US Navy as a Seaman Apprentice in Canada and the Philippines and was awarded the National Defense Ribbon for serving in the Gulf Ward. Crawford drives in the National division.
Dan England also noted these program enhancements the company has implemented in the past year to assist veterans become drivers, as well as groups that have recognized the company for its efforts in hiring veterans:
•The Veteran Recruiting Team—This team handles all of the company’s veteran applications. It consists of veterans who work with veterans looking to work at C R England. The team answers questions and discusses career options.
•Veterans Support Network—This team is comprised of all branches of the military and all ranks from Lieutenant Colonel and Command Sergeant Major to Private First Class. Many divisions and departments have representation to assist drivers throughout their career with C R England. This includes personnel in operations, recruiting, schools, and training.
•Career counselors—Introduced to drivers from the first day they are in a truck, their goal is to help drivers find their ideal career. There are veteran career counselors that work with specifically with veteran drivers.
Access www.crengland.com for more details.