MATS 2023 - Veterans In Trucking

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March 30 - April 1
Louisville, KY

Veterans In Trucking Showcase

Veterans In Trucking is excited to announce our partnership with the Mid-America Trucking Show to celebrate our country’s heroes.

We are proud to show the deep patriotism and commitment of our industry to veteran drivers by displaying 10 custom-wrapped trucks on the MATS showroom floor. We invite you to participate in supporting those who have served and successfully transitioned into a career in trucking by attending Veterans in Trucking’s patriotic events at the 2023 Mid-America Trucking Show.

Thursday VIP: 10AM - 1PM
Thursday: 1PM - 6PM
Friday: 10AM - 6PM
Saturday: 9AM - 4PM

Active duty military & recent military retirees can register for FREE admission to MATS.

Use discount code VETS23FREE at truckingshow.com/registration.
Online registration must be completed by March 28.

Grand Showcase

Participating companies will showcase custom-wrapped trucks honoring their selected veteran drivers. The Grand Showcase gives our industry the opportunity to witness these beautifully-wrapped rigs while meeting and thanking those who now serve our country behind the wheel of a truck. Stop by the Pavilion to witness the collection of all-American rigs.

People’s Choice Award

Choose your favorite rig at the Grand Showcase to win the People’s Choice Award! The award honors the participating veteran truck that receives the most votes.

Ervin Bacon

Ervin Bacon served four years in the United States Navy, gaining new skillsets and experiences while working on submarines. Once out of the Navy, Bacon resumed his adventures behind the wheel of a truck. Today, he continues to serve the country by driving for the Bennett Motor Express Heavy and Specialized division.

Rick Remington

Rick Remington joined the Air Force in 1987 when he was 19 years old and served on active duty until 1990. He continued to serve with the Reserves until 2009. In 2014, Remington transitioned to life behind the wheel and now happily works for Trucking Proz, where he feels supported as a veteran driver.

Chris Belcher

Chris Belcher has been a truck driver and trainer for Clean Harbors since 2009. Belcher served 25 years in the Army Reserves, which included combat deployments to Kosovo and Iraq. With the help of NASCAR legend and Clean Harbors partner “The King” Richard Petty, he was presented with a new military-themed truck last June.

Rob Roy

Rob Roy joined the U.S. Army in 1986 and served for just over eight years. Roy will represent Clean Harbors’ Tribute Truck in honor of Wreaths Across America, an organization where he currently volunteers.

Jim Nalin

Jim Nalin drove heavy-duty transportation trucks while he served in the United States Army, which made his transition to trucking a natural fit. He’s been driving with CRST since 2021 and this will be his second year displaying his rig at the Veterans In Trucking Showcase.

Sam Francera

Samuel Francera has spent nearly half a century behind the wheel of a CRST truck. His commitment to the job is a reflection of the values he learned while stationed overseas in the Army. From guarding the Berlin Wall before it fell, to loyally driving for the same company for 46 years, Francera is a prime example of American dedication.

Terell Johnson

Terell Johnson served in the United States Marine Corps as a motor transport operator from 1994-1998. His familiarity with truck driving led to a smooth transition to driving for Hansen & Adkins Auto Transport as a veteran. Johnson has been proudly driving for Hansen & Adkins for 10 years and this will be his second year displaying his rig at the Veterans In Trucking Showcase.

James C. Rose

James C. Rose (J.C.) honorably served in the Marine Corps for over 30 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel O5. Similar to his role as a drill instructor training new recruits, he now enjoys giving advice to other veteran drivers as an ambassador for Veterans In Trucking.

LaTravis Wilcox

LaTravis Wilcox entered the Marine Corps in 1997, continuing his family’s large legacy of service. He now drives for Pressing Forward Express LLC under Prime, Inc. with his cousin and Veterans In Trucking ambassador, James C. Rose.

George Coleman

George Coleman was an Army and Army National Guard engineer from 1988-1992. His mission of service to our country continued into his civilian career as a truck driver. Today he proudly drives for RXO.

Wreaths Across America and its radio network, Wreaths Across America Radio, are proud to participate in the Veterans in Trucking Showcase at MATS.

Stop by to learn more about how you can help move the mission or get your carrier involved. There will be live wreath making happening throughout the event as well. Learn about what makes a Veteran’s Wreath and participate in making your own wreath using 10 fresh balsam bouquets each representing the different qualities that define the character of a U.S. Service Member.

Be sure to share your own story of service on Wreaths Across America Radio, or share what it means to play a part in this important mission to Remember, Honor, Teach! Tune in throughout the event as Wreaths Radio will be LIVE! You can listen to the 24/7 internet stream anytime and anywhere on the iHeart Radio app, Audacy app, TuneIn app, or at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio!

FASTPORT is the U.S. Department of Labor’s exclusive intermediary for the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics sector, where they provide free consulting services and expertise for employers to initiate and expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs. FASTPORT’s National Program Standards span all lines of work relevant to the Supply Chain, including Truck Driver-Heavy occupations that comply with FMCSA’s new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Rules.

FASTPORT created the Transition Trucking: Driving For Excellence Contest in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program and Kenworth. For the past seven years, FASTPORT has facilitated a fully-loaded Kenworth T680 truck being awarded to a deserving veteran who enters the trucking industry. Please take a look at the truck that will be awarded in 2023 and meet FASTPORT’s subject matter experts in the West Wing Pavilion, Booth 74173.