Achievers & Accolades

FTCC Transition Tech CDL Training Graduate named semi-finalist in the Driving for Excellence Award Program

By Staff Report, posted 3 years ago
Transition Tech CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Truck Driving Program Graduate Brandon Meredith. Photo provided by: FTCC 

Fayetteville Technical Community College is celebrating the continued success of one of its graduates. 

Transition Tech CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Truck Driving Program Graduate Brandon Meredith has been selected as a semi-finalist in the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award Program. 

The "Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence" campaign, launched in the spring of 2016, is part of an overall effort to inspire the hiring of more service members into the trucking industry and to recognize  their contributions to the workforce.

The Driving for Excellence" campaign was created as 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 (HOH), Kenworth, and FASTPORT have come together to award a fully-loaded Kenworth T680 Next Generation truck to a deserving veteran who enters the trucking industry.

The search for America’s top military rookie driver educates veterans and America about the support from leading manufacturers and service providers that enhance the safety and comfort of the 3.5 million professional truck drivers while performing their duties. 

The winner's T-680 truck boasts a stamped aluminum cab and integral sleeper, and has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of approximately $155,000. Additionally, the campaign will recognize the employer and CDL credentialing institution that hired and trained the winner.

America’s trucking industry has long been supportive of our nation’s military families, and several major carriers boast a driving population comprised of more than 30 percent veterans.

Brandon will participate in an in-person semi-finalist recognition and finalist announcement on September 21-22 in Ohio, where he will tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and attend a reception that will include a presentation honoring each of the semi-finalists.  He will also participate in a plant tour of the MHC (Murphy-Hoffman Company) RoadReady Center, culminating in the program’s finalist announcement. Currently, Meredith is employed by local Fayetteville company Slay Transport. 

FTCC Staff are offering a sound congratulations for Brandon and the team that helped him in his journey including CDL Instructor Eric Smith (who nominated Brandon for the award), Dr. Jolee Marsh (Associate Vice President – Corporate & Continuing Education), Luis Velez (Dean of Corporate & Industry Training) and Pendy Eldridge (Recruiter – Transition Tech).

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