Trucker Buddy News

The epitome of professionalism and compassion

Chris Jones was named the Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month for his outstanding dedication to trucking, school children and community. Jones joined the Trucker Buddy program in 2002, matched with a special needs class in New York. For the past two years he has been with Janet Black-well’s second grade class at Simsboro High School in Simsboro, LA.

Every year, Jones has made class visits to Blackwell’s class, sometimes accompanied by his wife, Brenda. In addition to sending regular correspondence and pictures as part of the Trucker Buddy program, Jones has also provided classroom supplies.

“Chris has supported our class at every turn,” wrote Blackwell in her nomination. “He always keeps in touch to make sure we have everything our class needs to be successful.”

“Chris is also a champion in other ways,” said Tom Whitaker, executive director of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association, noting that Jones took first place in the five-axle tank truck class in KMCA’s Professional Truck Driving Championships. “He has driven for almost 18 years and traveled over 1.9 million miles with zero accidents.”

Jones is a 2006 Captain of the KMCA’s Road Team, and in December 2002 he was KMCA’s Driver of the Month. This year’s first-place finish in the Tank class took him on to the National Driving Championships in August. In addition, Jones is a member of the Highway Watch program and OOIDA.

“Chris is a caring and compassionate person. This shows in his work with his Trucker Buddy class and with the Kansas Road Team,” said Kelly Kile, safety manager, Wal-Mart Transportation. “He always goes above and beyond what is expected of him and truly deserves the title ‘Professional Truck Driver’ for his performance and accomplishments.”

Jones, who has been driving for Wal-Mart for 11 years, lives in Ottawa, KS.

Each Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month receives a personalized jacket, along with a check for $300 to spend on the class and $200 in Trucker Buddy merchandise, compliments of ACS MultiMedia Advertising. Jones is one of 3,500 professional drivers who share their time with elementary classes throughout the world. The only criteria to be a Trucker Buddy is to be a truck driver and willing to send a postcard each week to a class in grades two through eight. Drivers can find out more about the program by visiting www.truckerbuddy.org or calling 1-800-MY BUDDY.