MILTON — Troy Davidson’s life led him from learning independence at an early age in Ingersoll Township, Mich., to winning a $170,000 semi truck with the help of Truck Driver Institute’s Milton campus.
Davidson’s mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which affects the central nervous system of the body. “So growing up, as a young child, family values and family love were above the rest of my friends,” he said. “At a young age, I learned to balance the checkbook, prepare meals, and it was my responsibility to pick up my sister from practices and sporting events.”
Davidson said he also helped his dad, who operated a road grader, at the local cemetery. “I helped mow grass, trim weeds, helped with burial, and the fall cleanup, raking leaves and pine needles.”
In 1998, Davidson said he joined the Navy and became a jet engine mechanic and served eight years. He would go on to do the same job for nine years at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
While a friend suggested that he apply for the Truck Driver Institute, Davidson said operating heavy equipment was in his blood.
“My dad was a heavy equipment operator. My uncle was also a semi truck driver, and my other uncle was a heavy equipment operator. He helped build bridges. It was instilled in me the whole time.”
Davidson used the G.I. Bill to pay for his school and, before the three-week Commercial Driver’s License course was done, in September of 2015, he had a job with Werner Enterprises.
When returning to Pensacola, where he lives, Davidson said he would visit the TDI Milton campus to speak to students about his experience on the road and benefits of working for Werner Enterprises. During one of these trips, Director of Student Services Sherry Hart suggested he apply for the Transition Trucking: Driving For Excellence Award.
According to the award’s website, at www.transitiontrucking.org, “In an effort to curb the driver shortage and create immediate jobs for transitioning military personnel, the U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, Kenworth, and FASTPORT have come together to award a fully-loaded T680 to a deserving veteran who enters the trucking industry.”
To be eligible for the award, nominees had to be a military veteran; a graduate from a driver training school and hold a valid CDL; an employee of a company committed to hiring veterans; and hired between Jan. 1, 2015 and June 29, 2016.
On Dec. 16, Davidson and two other finalists met at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., where he learned he won the Kenworth T680 and became an owner-operator.
Becoming an owner-operator, Davidson said, “The first thing is, it’s not about the money, but I’m going to get paid more as an owner-operator. There’s no overhead and no truck statement. A lot of guys fall behind because they’re working for the truck payment. I’m able to serve my country without being in uniform anymore. Honor, courage and commitment are the basis of Navy.
“That being said, it’s humbling and an honorable feeling to have, knowing all my hard work I put forth, in a way, paid off.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: ‘It’s humbling and an honorable feeling’