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The 2025 semi-finalists in the Transition Trucking Award program have been announced.
Kenworth, Fastport, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative proudly announce the semi-finalists for the 2025 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award.
Launched in 2016 to recognize the achievements of veterans transitioning into the transportation industry, this year’s program semi-finalists represent multiple branches of the United States Military, including National Guard and Reserve components.
The grand prize is a T680 Signature Edition truck, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles.
The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 leather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The 76-inch sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth's DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.
Of the incredible nominees, 12 semi-finalists will continue on in the award program. Those semi-finalists are:
Macy Mattice
U.S. Army (E-4)
Melton Truck Lines
Jones Technical Institute
Macy Mattice is a U.S. Army veteran who served as an 88M from 2010 to 2018, specializing in heavy equipment transportation. She now drives flatbed for Melton Truck Lines and is a graduate of Jones Technical Institute. Originally from Winter Springs, Florida, Macy lives near Jacksonville with her 12-year-old son, Rusty. She’s passionate about adventure, animals, and pushing herself to take on new challenges—values shaped by her military service and strong family ties.
Mark Scriven
U.S. Army (E-6)
Stevens Transport
HDS Truck Driving School
Mark Scriven is a U.S. Army veteran who served nine years as a Patriot Missile Operator/Maintainer, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. He now drives and trains with Stevens Transport, having completed his training at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Mark is a devoted husband and father of two—with a third child on the way. Known for his leadership, discipline, and dedication to excellence, he brings the same drive to the road that earned him four Army Achievement Medals and a Combat Lifesaver Certificate.
Charles Jones, Jr
U.S. Army (E-7)
Georgia Driving Academy
Roehl Transport, Inc.
Charles Jones, Jr. is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class who served 20 years as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator, Instructor, and Platoon Sergeant. He completed his CDL training at Georgia Driving Academy and now drives professionally for Roehl Transport. Originally from Indian Trail, North Carolina, Charles completed three combat deployments to Iraq and two rotations to South Korea. He’s a proud husband and father of two, and brings his discipline, leadership, and mission-focused mindset from the military to every mile he drives.
Ryan Gordon
U.S. Army (E-5)
Prime Inc.
Phoenix Truck Driving School
Ryan Gordon is a U.S. Army veteran who served nine years as a 25U Signal Support Systems Specialist. He completed his CDL training at Phoenix Truck Driving School and now drives for Prime Inc. Originally from Selma, Alabama, Ryan was raised by his hardworking mother and inspired by his father, who was also a truck driver. He met his wife during his military service, and together they have one daughter. Ryan brings strong communication skills, dedication, and a deep sense of purpose to his new journey on the road.
Bradley Lecky
U.S. Army (E-4)
Crawford Electric; a Sonepar USA company
Troops Into Transportation
Bradley Lecky is a U.S. Army veteran who served as an Aviation Power Plant Mechanic, where he developed strong technical and leadership skills. He earned his CDL through the Troops Into Transportation program at Fort Hood and now drives for Crawford Electric, a Sonepar USA company. Based in Killeen, Texas, Bradley is known for his dedication to exceptional customer service and his ability to anticipate and meet client needs. With a Bachelor’s in Computer Science focused on cybersecurity, he brings both precision and professionalism to every delivery—embodying the spirit of excellence in all he does.
Precious Cannon-Scott
U.S. Air Force National Guard (E-4)
Tulsa Technology
Precious Cannon-Scott is a U.S. Air Force National Guard veteran who served six years as a Chaplain Assistant, following in the footsteps of her parents—both Army and Air Force veterans. She trained at Tulsa Technology Center and now drives over the road for Prime Inc. After leaving the military, she pursued a career in the medical field before transitioning into trucking. Known for her perseverance, faith, and commitment to others, Precious brings compassion, resilience, and a strong work ethic to her career in transportation.
Gaylon Hensley
U.S. Army (E-7)
Melton Truck Lines
Central Tech
Gaylon Hensley is a U.S. Army veteran who served 12 years as an 88M Truck Driver, completing multiple deployments. Raised on a farm in rural Oklahoma, he developed a strong work ethic that continues to guide him today. Gaylon earned his CDL from Central Tech in Drumright, OK, and now drives for Melton Truck Lines. A dedicated husband and father of four, he brings purpose, professionalism, and a steady leadership style to every mile—driven by a deep sense of duty to his family and the values instilled by his military service.
Daniel Hemphill
U.S. Army (E-4)
Wayne R West Trucking
Del Mar College Transportation Services
Daniel Hemphill is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a 21B Combat Engineer in the Texas Army National Guard from 2004 to 2010, followed by service in the IRR through 2012. He completed three combat tours in Iraq, conducting route clearance and convoy escorts. Daniel earned his CDL at Del Mar College Transportation Services and now drives for Wayne R West Trucking. Despite a tongue cancer diagnosis during training, he persevered with the support of his instructors. He’s passionate about wildlife conservation, volunteers with veterans in Sierra Blanca, and values time with family—bringing resilience and heart to every mile.
Joseph Barotti
U.S. Air Force, Marines (E-6)
Werner Enterprises
Roadmaster Drivers School
Joseph Barotti is a U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force veteran with over 20 years of military service in law enforcement, security, communications, and personnel training. A Port Saint Lucie, Florida native, Joe earned his CDL at Roadmaster Drivers School of Tampa and now drives for Werner Enterprises. Known for his professionalism, integrity, and leadership, he brings a mission-focused mindset to the road. With a family legacy of military service—his father a Marine veteran of the Korean War—Joe continues to honor that tradition through excellence in every mile he drives.
Nicholas Baughan
U.S. Army, Army Reserve (E-5)
Werner Enterprises
Troops Into Transportation
Nicholas Baughan is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Military Police Officer and later as an Infantryman, with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Lithuania, Poland, and South Korea. A Purple Heart recipient and decorated leader, he has held roles ranging from Team Leader to Senior Intelligence Sergeant. Nicholas trained through Troops Into Transportation and now drives for Werner Enterprises, where he is known for his exceptional work ethic, leadership, and professionalism. Originally from Nunica, Michigan, he continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves and is set to retire in 2026.
Frederico Hudson
U.S. Air Force (E-7)
Van Wyk, Inc.
The CDL School
Federico Hudson is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served 22 years as a Logistics Journeyman, with overseas assignments in Germany and Iraq and roles including instructor at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy and service with SOCSOUTH. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he trained at The CDL School and now drives over the road for Van Wyk, Inc. Known for his professionalism and leadership, Federico brings the same discipline and excellence to trucking that defined his military career. He is a proud representative of his company and a dedicated advocate for smooth, safe, and efficient operations.
Kathleen "Kat" Carreto
U.S. Army National Guard (E-5)
Roehl Transport, Inc.
Roehl Transport, Inc.
Kathleen Carreto is an Army National Guard veteran who served 12 years as a 74D Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist, including an overseas deployment. She trained through Roehl Transport, Inc. and now drives professionally with the company. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Kat holds an associate degree and is passionate about travel, exploration, and personal growth. She joined the trucking industry to support her two younger sisters—one of whom recently entered remission after battling leukemia. Kat brings a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and dedication to every mile she drives.
“This year’s ‘Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence’ award semi-finalists exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to service that military veterans bring to the trucking industry,” said Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing. “Kenworth is proud to partner with Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative for the tenth year, and we look forward to recognizing the distinguished semi-finalists who continue to serve our country through excellence behind the wheel.”
As part of the 10th annual award program, each semi-finalist will attend a ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Sept. 18th in Columbus, Ohio. The following day will include a tour of the Kenworth Chillicothe manufacturing plant where semi-finalists will be recognized, and finalists will be
announced.
“The Transition Trucking award campaign continues to spotlight the tremendous contributions veterans are making in the transportation industry while introducing a new generation of service members to the real economic opportunities a trucking career can offer,” said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes and a vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “As we mark our 10th year partnering with Kenworth and Fastport, we’re proud to honor these remarkable individuals and celebrate a decade of supporting veteran success in this critical industry.”
“We’re honored to recognize this outstanding group of 12 semi-finalists, one of the most diverse and accomplished in the program’s history, including many participating in Registered Apprenticeship Programs,” said Brad Bentley, president of Fastport, Inc. “For 10 years, this campaign has changed lives
by awarding a Kenworth truck to a deserving veteran, and this year’s finalists continue to prove that the future of our industry is in capable, committed hands. We look forward to celebrating these heroes who are driving the next chapter of opportunity in trucking.”
Finalists and the ultimate winner will be part of a veteran-focused week that includes a Veteran-Ready Summit. The Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award announcement on December 12th.
A public vote will occur online from November 1st until Veteran’s Day. This voting is an important determiner for the award’s Selection Committee, which makes the ultimate choice for the next Transition Trucking award winner.