Veterans and the Trucking Industry
Many veterans have found new careers in the trucking industry after leaving the military. Although the transition to civilian life can be challenging, some veterans have found purpose and healing by helping others. Here are three stories of veterans and company leaders who have dedicated themselves to supporting fellow veterans in finding employment and establishing nonprofits to aid them.
Starting Over with Melton Truck Lines
After 24 years in the Air Force, Gus Corona’s life changed drastically when he returned to civilian life. Moving back to Texas was planned, but he didn’t anticipate the personal hardships he would face, including a divorce and losing contact with his children.
Transitioning from military to civilian life varies for each service member. Some find it straightforward, while others struggle with physical injuries or psychological trauma. For Corona, the change was overwhelming.
“I was in a dark place when I left the military,” he shared. “I was used to structure and being told what to do. Coming out was like being born again and having to start over.”
Despite battling dark thoughts, Corona found hope through new job opportunities. He worked as a gym trainer and chef before landing a job with Melton Truck Lines while getting his CDL. Within a year, he was promoted to train new drivers, a role that felt natural given his military background.
David Harper, a Marine Corps veteran and Melton’s military hiring program supervisor, praised Corona’s impact: “He’s more than just a trainer. He’s a mentor, staying connected with drivers, offering support, and sharing his experience.”
Together, Harper and Corona have made it their mission to raise awareness about veteran suicide and support first responders through various programs.
“Having lost two young people I supervised to suicide, mental health is something I’m passionate about,” Corona said.
“A lot of veterans struggle with losing the identity and purpose they had in the military,” Harper added. “We want to be that ‘battle buddy’ for those starting their civilian journey.”
In 2023, over 8.2% of employed veterans worked in transportation and utilities, according to U.S. Bureau of Statistics data. At Melton Truck Lines, veteran turnover was only 48% in the second quarter, significantly lower than the industry average.
Gus Corona’s dedication was recognized when he received the “Highway Angel” award from the American Truckload Carriers Association for rescuing a fellow driver after a severe accident.
Fastport and the Veteran Ready Summit
Fastport, a company focused on helping veterans and their spouses find meaningful employment, was founded by Jim Ray, who came from the trucking industry. The company has expanded its mission to include broader workforce development, driven by a commitment to hiring veterans.
In 2015, Fastport launched the Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence Award, which celebrates veterans and CDL institutions that enhance driver safety and comfort. Each year, finalists are invited to a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, where the grand prize is a new Kenworth truck.
The Veteran Ready Summit, hosted annually at the American Trucking Associations headquarters, brings together industry leaders to share best practices for hiring veterans. The summit is co-sponsored by TransForce, CDLLife, Veterans In Trucking, and Conversion Interactive Agency.
Waypoint Vets: A Path to Healing
Sarah Lee joined the Army National Guard at 17, driven by a desire to be part of a team. She served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later pursued a photography career after being honorably discharged in 2009.
However, a neck injury from her military service forced her to give up photography, and the combined effects of physical pain and survivor’s guilt led to a dark period in her life. In 2017, after surviving a suicide attempt, Lee found solace in cycling, eventually biking over 4,000 miles across the country.
This journey inspired her to found Waypoint Vets, a nonprofit that organizes outdoor adventures for veterans to foster camaraderie and healing. In 2020, Waypoint Vets took its first group on a canyoneering trip in Utah, and the organization now hosts nine trips annually.
In November 2023, Waypoint Vets partnered with Wreaths Across America, Veterans In Trucking, and Fastport to take 10 Vietnam War veterans in the transportation industry back to Vietnam, where they reconnected with their past and found closure.
Each of these stories highlights the resilience and dedication of veterans who, despite facing challenges, continue to serve and support their fellow veterans in meaningful ways.
Cook Insurance Group: Your Partner in Trucking Insurance
With over 20 years of experience in the trucking insurance industry, Cook Insurance Group offers unparalleled service and expertise. Serving large fleets, small fleets, single-owner operators, tow trucking operations, and charter bus lines, we focus exclusively on the trucking industry to provide the best insurance solutions. Our friendly, bilingual staff is dedicated to helping you find the right insurance protection at the right cost.
At Cook Insurance Group, we tailor our services to meet the specific needs of both small and large fleet trucking companies. Our representatives manage every aspect of your insurance program, ensuring you have the best plan for your unique needs. We offer immediate certificate and ID card issuance, 24/7 certificate availability, and a client portal for easy access to certificates, claim status, and policy details.
Our prompt and reliable service includes 24-hour claims reporting for physical damage and motor truck cargo.We also provide educational seminars for management and drivers, licensed risk managers to assist with CSA scores and driver training, border risk coverage (NAFTA), and mid-year loss run reviews. Whether you are located in Texas, Arizona, or Arkansas, choose Cook Insurance Group for all your trucking insurance needs.
Choose Cook Insurance Group for all of your trucking insurance needs whether you are located in Texas, Arizona or Arkansas.
