Truck drivers are among the most overlooked workers in America, yet almost everything we buy is delivered on a truck—from the gifts we’re buying, to the turkey on the table, and the gas we need for holiday traveling.
But one deserving driver, Marine Corps veteran Stacy Batiste, was just awarded a custom-built semi-truck and a check for $50,000 after his best friend (hugging him in the photo above) nominated him for the Road Warrior contest.
After reviewing thousands of entries, the trucker from Lafayette, Louisiana, was selected for his tireless dedication and commitment after driving over 5,000,000 accident-free miles during his 34 year career as a pro driver.
Batiste was “shocked” to win the largest prize in the history of the contest, sponsored by Pilot, the nation’s largest ‘travel center’ chain and third largest tanker fleet operator in the U.S.
He said he needed the discipline that military service provided: “I learned a lot from that. and I just transitioned that into my life.”
“With the military training, I’m alert,” he told the host of ‘What the Truck?’ on YouTube.
“You have to watch everyone out there: Sometimes you can tell, ‘Hey, he’s gonna to do this, or he’s gonna cut in front of you at the first opportunity’.
“I back off and take my time. I’m always early.”
The custom Kenworth semi-truck built by the Diesel Brothers was even in Stacy’s favorite color, red.’
A bonus second-place winner, Bobby Peeker of Woodruff, South Carolina, is being awarded a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 donation to a charity of his choice supporting veterans. Bobby is also a Marine Corps veteran, and has driven more than 1 million accident-free miles
“They both are prime examples of the positive impact professional drivers have on and off the road,” said Jordan Spradling, senior vice president of transportation at Pilot Company.
Batiste considers trucking to be his calling, and he routinely goes the extra mile to mentor younger drivers and serves as a pillar in his local community.
“I love what I do and I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
“I’m gonna ride til I die or they take me out this truck, I’ll be honest with you on that part… I got diesel in my veins.”
MORE HONOR FOR TRUCKERS:
• Trucker is Named a Highway Angel for Rescuing Crash Victims After Witnessing High Speed Collision
• Texas Trucker is Named ‘Highway Angel’ for Stopping to Rescue a Police Officer Pinned in Vehicle
Pilot surprised Batiste with his prize while he was working on the road, inviting him to stop at a Flying J in Texas, where his family and best friend were hiding in the store, ready to pop out when the Diesel Brothers handed over the keys.
As an owner-operator, the cherry red semi will further his passion for trucks that he’s held in his heart since he was a kid.
“I was speechless. It was a shocker, but I was very, very happy.
“It speaks to the time I’ve put in—and a lot of people appreciated it.”
If you know a deserving truck driver, or want to read stories of other Road Warriors, check out Pilot’s contest webpage, which has been celebrating truckers going the extra mile for over 10 years.
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