Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/675322
Mary "Candy" Bass has certainly made the most of her 41 years as a professional driver, creating a model for others in the industry to follow. From her countless volunteer activities to her willingness to help others, no matter the time or cost, she's an inspiration to all who meet her. When she saw a documentary on wounded veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she became determined to do something to help. She wanted to let them know that they had not been forgotten. She founded the "Hats for Heroes" charity, a program that would donate baseball caps to those who have had head injuries or burns. The caps allow these veterans to go outside, and also hide wounds or scars that might make them feel out of place. For 42 years, Bill Ater Jr. has been a wonderful asset and ambassador for the trucking industry. He is a compassionate, hard-working professional with contagious positivity. He has a heart for people in need, going out of his way to make sure they are fed, sheltered and safe. Bill is an active member of his church, and values God, family and work—in that order. He has been very involved with FEMA's hurricane relief efforts. He's responded in the aftermath of 12 hurricanes, bringing truck loads of supplies to devastated areas. After Hurricane Katrina, he took a displaced woman under his wing to feed her and help her find permanent housing. He then made it a point to visit her and check upon her for several years afterwards. After an Oklahoma hurricane, he took a week off from work to volunteer and help clean up. Denis Litalien has been on the road for 44 years and is a well-known, hard-working professional who has touched the lives of many individuals. Leadership and community service go hand-in-hand for Denis. It comes naturally to him and people gravitate to his gentle, positive nature and his great ability to bring people together. He was awarded a Highway Angel Certificate from the Truckload Carriers Association for putting out a car fire on the highway in 1998, as well as Shaw's Good Samaritan Award in 1996, recognizing his aid to motorists. He is also a14-time State Champion in the New Hampshire and Maine State Truck Driving Championships, and a 7-time Top Five finisher at the National Truck Driving Championships. In all that Jon "Doc" Osburn does and has done in nearly 3 decades in the trucking industry, he believes in putting others first. He's never too busy to lend a hand and goes out of his way to help those in need. He is intent on promoting a positive image for professional truck drivers— which is why he currently represents OOIDA as the driver and spokesperson for their "Spirit of the American Trucker" tour truck. Jon encourages drivers to make their voices heard by voting and commenting on issues relating to the trucking industry. OOIDA has awarded him their Safe Driving Award for 28 safe years and 2.79 safe miles. Jon has also been an active volunteer for the World's Largest Truck Convoy For Special Olympics since 2004. Bill Taylor is a decorated veteran who began his trucking career over 30 years ago while servicing the Army in Vietnam. When he and Robyn met years later, she decided the ever-changing view from a truck window was much more interesting than her desk job, and decided to join him. She got her license in 1999, and they hit the road together. They support their local schools, sharing both their truck and experiences with the students. For years, Bill and Robyn have been involved with the Trucker Buddy program, a pen-pal program matching drivers to classrooms of children in an effort to educate and mentor them. They are currently buddies with 18 classes in 3 different schools! They were named Trucker Buddies of the Month in June, 2002. Bill and Robyn continue to contribute to their country and community. They support POW efforts and are active in helping veterans. And they are strong champions for owner/operators, often lobbying congress in regards to the laws effecting the trucking industry. Bill Underwood, behind the wheel for 53 years, has driven an unheard-of 7.9 million accident-free miles. A man of great integrity, he is intent on doing things right. He helped a young girl that was stranded in Mississippi, this past summer. Concerned about her welfare, Bill drove her to a TA that was near her hometown. Working with the TA general manager, they called the local police to see if they could lend some assistance. The girl revealed she was actually a runaway, and just 14 years old. Thanks to Bill's compassion and immediate response, she was saved from a situation that could have been very dangerous. Though Bill is confident in his accomplishments and self-worth, he is a humble man. He does not see his acts as anything extraordinary. After 24 years on the road, Michael Zanella still has the look and presence of a consummate professional. He's driven 2.67 million miles without a preventable accident, and has received many safety awards, including honors from Road Safe America, OOIDA, and Pizza Hut's Driver Safety and Production Committee. He was Pro Driver's Driver of the Year 2005, Mid-State Systems' Top Driver of 2003, and Midnight Trucking Radio Network's 2003 National Award for 1 Million Miles. He serves as spiritual advisor to two prison inmates through letters and visits, and volunteers for various Masonic functions and works with disabled veterans as-needed in the community. TA and Petro Announce Citizen Driver Award Honorees A D V E R T I S E M E N T April 1, 2016 WESTLAKE, Ohio