Andre Reynolds of Phoenix, Arizona, and Stephen Miller of Tifton, Georgia, are not just exceptional drivers for Hogan Transports Inc., based in Maryland Heights, Missouri. This year, their heroic actions have earned them the prestigious title of TCA Highway Angels by the Truckload Carriers Association, recognizing their efforts to assist fellow motorists in distress.

Andre Reynolds (Left) and Stephen Miller (right) Source: TCA

Andre Reynolds

On April 15, around 1 p.m., Andre Reynolds was navigating MS27, a two-lane highway near Utica, Mississippi, when a Ford Mustang suddenly swerved into his lane. The car was moving erratically, nearly stopping before careening off the road into a ditch.

“I almost hit him,” Reynolds recalled. “I didn’t see that coming!”

Reynolds quickly stopped to check on the Mustang’s driver and found the man experiencing a seizure.

“He wasn’t coherent at all,” Reynolds noted.

As another passerby stopped to assist, Reynolds instructed them to call 9-1-1. They stayed with the driver until the seizure subsided. The man, still disoriented, attempted to call his father, but Reynolds took over the phone to explain the situation.

“Gradually, he started to recover,” Reynolds recounted.

Once the driver was alert and able to walk, Reynolds continued on his way, embodying the spirit of selflessness.

“I wouldn’t leave someone in need,” he emphasized. “Helping someone doesn’t cost anything.”

Stephen Miller

Stephen Miller earned his accolade by extinguishing a blazing car fire. Just after midnight on February 21, he was traveling south on Interstate 75 in Punta Gorda, Florida, when a car sped past him and soon hit a dip in the road near exit 164.

“The car hit the dip, and I thought it crashed because there was a massive plume of smoke,” Miller explained. “I drove through the smoke, expecting to find a wrecked car.”

Seeing the vehicle stopped with smoke and flames emanating, Miller sprang into action. He halted his truck, grabbed his fire extinguisher, and rushed to the scene, even as other vehicles drove by.

“I jumped out, ran back, and used the fire extinguisher under the car, where the flames were,” Miller said.

When the fire escalated, Miller instructed the driver to pop the hood and continued using the extinguisher. When this did not yield results, Miller resorted to a unique solution—utilizing a 40-pack of bottled water from his truck.

“I put out the fire with the water bottles,” said Miller, who has a decade of trucking experience. He stayed with the driver until emergency services arrived, ensuring no harm came to both the driver and passenger.

“I was taught to help if you can,” Miller underscored. “We need to look out for one another.”

These inspiring stories of Andre Reynolds and Stephen Miller not only highlight their bravery and quick thinking but also serve as powerful examples of the unsung heroes among commercial truck drivers.

Source: The Trucker

The 2nd Annual “Stars, Stripes and White Lines” event returns to the Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 1-2, 2024, proudly supporting Wreaths Across America, an organization dedicated to honoring the nation’s heroes.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, initiated by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,600 cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to Sponsor a Wreath for 2024, please visit Wreaths Across America.

Hosted by the Bennett Family of Companies in collaboration with Tony Justice, this event aims to be the largest patriotic show in the trucking, showcasing a profound love for America while supporting a noble cause.

Activities throughout the event, including the Wreaths Across America Golf Ball Drop and the Proud Owners of Patriotic BIG Rig Trucks showcase, aim to honor and celebrate our heroes. Patriotic truck owners from across the nation will display their vehicles, showcasing their journeys and contributions to transporting wreaths from Columbia Falls, ME to National Cemeteries across the country. These trucks will share their trips, locations, and the number of wreaths they’ve hauled over the years, adding a unique and meaningful element to the event.

All proceeds from this event will contribute to covering the 20,700 gravesites at Andersonville National Cemetery with wreaths during the Christmas season, alongside supporting military cemeteries across Georgia.

Don’t miss the special moments planned for this year’s event, including an electrifying performance by recording artist Tony Justice. On Saturday evening, Tony will take the stage for a live concert, featuring his signature song, “Stars, Stripes and White Lines”. Additionally, Saturday afternoon will feature a special presentation of the American Flag alongside a flyover of Vietnam Era Huey and Cobra Helicopters, symbolizing unity and honor.

Join the mission to make a difference and celebrate freedom at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 1-2, 2024. Let’s come together to honor our heroes and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Click here for more information or to register for the event.

Source: Bennett Events

As of May 24, TravelCenters of America (TA) has kicked off its annual Round Up campaign. This fundraising effort, which will run until July 31, is dedicated to supporting the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.

TA customers can participate by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the additional amount going to help professional truck drivers who are unable to work due to illness or injury. The St. Christopher Fund also offers health and wellness guidance, free vaccines, and preventative cancer screenings.

“This organization is an invaluable safety net for professional drivers when they’re experiencing a difficult time in their life,” said Debi Boffa, TravelCenters of America CEO. “We are grateful to our generous guests who recognize the value SCF brings to these incredibly hard-working men and women during their time of need.”

Last year’s campaign raised $150,000, and TA has contributed over $3 million to the St. Christopher Fund through various initiatives over the years.

“We are so grateful for the support TravelCenters of America provides in helping our driver community,” said Donna Kennedy, Executive Director, SCF. “Our safety net is only as strong as our amazing partners and sponsors, and we have the best.”

Throughout June and July, TA’s website will feature stories of drivers who have been able to return to work thanks to the support from the St. Christopher Fund.

For more information about the St. Christopher Fund, click here.

At the 42nd annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs Truck Show at the Texas Motor Speedway, every vote cast in the People’s Choice Award will contribute to the St. Christopher Fund. Shell has pledged to donate $1 per online vote, up to a total of $5,000. Voting is open until 4 p.m. Central on May 31.

Source: Land Line