WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Trucking Cares Foundation (TCF) is honoring four members of congress whose leadership has helped veterans launch careers in the trucking industry.
In a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Chuck Edwards (R-NC) received TCF’s 2025 Congressional Hero Awards for championing the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023.
“Senators Fischer and Padilla and Representatives Pappas and Edwards are outstanding advocates for veterans,” said Greg Owen, TCF Chairman and head coach of Ability Tri-Modal. “The legislation they successfully passed last Congress was a win-win for members of the armed forces and our supply chain. Thanks to the law that they authored, more of our nation’s heroes are able to receive the training they need to obtain high-paying careers in the trucking industry after they have completed their military service. At the same time, their law is expanding the trucking industry’s access to this exceptional pool of talent. We applaud these lawmakers for their unwavering support of veterans, a worthy cause that aligns with the mission of the Trucking Cares Foundation.”
Transitioning to Trucking
“During their military service, veterans become familiar operating in and around large vehicles and equipment, skills that can ease their transition to driving a commercial truck,” said John Lynch, TCF president, ATA’s senior vice president of federation relations. “Trucking companies especially value the traits that individuals develop via their military service, including discipline, independence, situational awareness, adaptability, and reliability. The Trucking Cares Foundation commends these lawmakers for championing the Veterans Improvement Commercial Driver License Act, which helps former servicemembers, particularly from rural areas, accelerate their transition to their next career, while at the same time expanding the pool of safe and qualified drivers and bolstering the nation’s supply chain.”
Expanding Veteran’s Access to CDL Programs
“The trucking industry is proud to recognize Senators Fischer and Padilla and Representatives Pappas and Edwards for their leadership role in opening the door of opportunity to veterans seeking good-paying, high-quality jobs in the trucking industry,” said Chris Spear, ATA president, CEO. “When these brave men and women return home, the last thing they should have to worry about is red tape preventing them from achieving the American dream that they fought to defend. The Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023 is a commonsense law that is expanding veterans’ access to CDL programs and helping them to build rewarding careers.”
Prior to the enactment of the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023, if an approved trucking school opened a secondary facility in a new location, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and state regulators were obligated to deny the branch’s ability to receive GI benefits for two years. The law removed this arbitrary roadblock by allowing veterans to use their GI Bill benefits at new branches of commercial driver training schools immediately, provided the primary institutions have already been approved by the VA and State Approving Agencies to receive GI benefits.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
The Government is like everyone else has its Good side , and it’s Bad side. but we have some of the Best Veterans Programs. I saw a Driver hopping around on 1 leg. let me see what he is doing. He was servicing his Rig. He told me we have 1 Vet missing Both legs. who Drives a Truck The Government Put him into his own Business as a Owner Operater. The Semi Truck is set up just for him. with hand Shifter Hand Brakes. he has Front door Row Parking at the TA Truck Stop. it’s a 200.00 dollar fine if you Park in his spot..He runs interstate 80. east to West and back DOT and Police Keep watch. as he comes by. He does his miles. Calls ahead and at The TA Truck Stop staff come out and help him come in for a shower and a meal. All Veterans with injuries got together and Took all of the Truck Stop into Court. For not being set up for Vets with injuries. And Won. The Government saved his life..and gave him The Help he needs to open his own Business. nothing wrong with his mind. nothing wrong with his back and Arms. and he is still able to Drive. All injuries were from fighting.