Trucker Buddy News

Trucker Buddy News - This Buddy shows he cares

When the students in Maria Berry’s class at Nashua, NH Children’s Home heard that Walter Brown of Owen Mills, MD would be their Trucker Buddy, they weren’t sure if he would care enough to write to them. Their first driver let them down by not responding to their letters, so they were not only discouraged, but felt rejected by another adult in their young lives. These students were already challenged by severe emotional and behavioral disorders, and rejection by adults was something they had often experienced.

Trucker Buddy Walter called the students and promised them that he wouldn’t let them down. He has not only lived up to his promise, he has become a good friend and mentor to the children. “He has followed through every time,” Berry says. “Every time he assures the students that he’s going to be there for them, writing and calling and caring.” Berry says the students have learned that there are some adults who can be counted on, adding that the children feel special because of Walter’s consistent encouragement. “This is a gift that is priceless beyond words,” she says.

The students nominated Walter for this award. One student, Amanda, wrote about how important his friendship was to the class. “Most kids feel nervous to share their feelings with other kids or adults, so they share them with Walter,” she states. Her letter included the comment, “What kind of Trucker Buddy would come all the way from Maryland to visit us? Walter!”

A company driver for Cow-an System, LLC in Baltimore, Brown is one of nearly 4,000 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 willing to send a postcard each week to a class in grades two through eight. Drivers and teachers can find out more about the program by visiting www.truckerbuddy.org or calling 1-800-MY BUDDY.

As a Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month, Brown will receive a personalized jacket, along with a check for $300 to spend on the class and $200 in Trucker Buddy merchandise, compliments of MultiMedia. Over the Road, Pro Trucker and InsideTrucking.com are proud sponsors of the Trucker Buddy program.