JOPLIN, Mo., May 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Con-way Truckload, a full truckload carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW) today launched a military appreciation campaign called True to the Troops with a ceremony held at the company's headquarters in Joplin that included the unveiling of two of the company's tractor-trailers wrapped with images honoring and recognizing our nation's military.
Watch the Con-way Truckload trucks transform into True to the Troops vehicles in this timelapse video.
Con-way Truckload Launches Military Appreciation Initiative "True to the Troops"
Two Con-way Truckload professional drivers and military veterans, Tomy Fox (left) and Darrell Bogan, were nominated and selected for the honor of driving the two new True to the Troops tractor-trailers throughout the U.S. during military appreciation month.
Captain Walker (left) holds a promotion ceremony with Sgt. Dufour, who was promoted to Staff Sgt. during Con-way Truckload’s True to the Troops celebration event today in Joplin, Missouri.
Two Con-way Truckload professional drivers -- Tomy Fox and Darrell Bogan, each a military veteran -- were nominated and selected for the honor of driving the two new True to the Troops tractor-trailers throughout the U.S. during May, which, appropriately, is Military Appreciation Month.
This morning's ceremony included a presentation of colors led by the Joplin ROTC color guard, remarks by featured speakers Joe Dagnese, president of Con-way Truckload, Joplin mayor, Michael Seibert, who proclaimed May 1 "Con-way Truckload True to the Troops Day," Lieutenant Colonel Dean R. Somers, who addressed the need for quality training and career opportunities for veterans, and Joshua Landers, military advocate at Con-way Truckload.
"The values learned in service to our country align with the shared values we hold as an enterprise -- safety, integrity, commitment, excellence -- and complement our company's purpose of strengthening communities and enriching lives by delivering the things that matter," said Joe Dagnese, president, Con-way Truckload. "We recognize the value veterans bring to our team. We know they will be a positive addition to our culture. And today we reaffirm our commitment to be True to the Troops."
The company has in place a number of hiring initiatives to assist veterans looking for a career in trucking, including:
Priority hiring status to qualified soldiers participating in the Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program.
Participation in the U.S. Department of Labor National Apprenticeship Program, which permits eligible veterans and active members of the Guard and Reserve to receive paid on-the-job training using GI Bill benefits.
Relationships with the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and One-Stop Career Centers throughout the country, to help recently separated military personnel find the right job, program or opportunity to start or continue their training.
Con-way Truckload's Driver Certification program, where drivers with recent military driving experience and a CDL will have the opportunity to quickly transition to the experienced driver pay scale.
Offering paid tuition and tuition reimbursement to those veterans looking to start a career in truck driving.
Joshua Landers, military advocate at Con-way Truckload and the final speaker of the morning, highlighted the company's involvement with a range of military-focused organizations where the company provides pro bono transportation services. These include Wreaths Across America, delivering wreaths to be placed on headstones of fallen heroes in military cemeteries across the country; Holy Joe's Cafe, a military charity that supplies thousands of pounds of donated coffee to military bases across the country; and most recently, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's The Wall that Heals.
"I've always been very proud of my military service," said Con-way Truckload's Tomy Fox, a professional driver and one of two veterans who will pilot the commemorative truck and trailer around the country this month. "Not only was I able to serve my country but I learned valuable skills that have helped me in civilian life. I'm grateful to Con-way Truckload for the opportunities they provide for veterans like myself and I'll drive this beautiful truck with pride."
About Con-way Truckload Joplin, Missouri-based Con-way Truckload is a leading provider of time-definite dry-van full-truckload transportation services throughout the U.S., with extensive coverage of Mexico and service for Canada. With 3,350 employees, 2,900 of whom are company drivers and dedicated owner-operators piloting a fleet of 2,900 tractors and 8,000 trailers, Con-way Truckload provides solo, team and dedicated trucking operations, with a focus on superior performance built on Lean continuous improvement methodologies to drive efficiencies and consistent quality service. With a workplace culture built on respect for employees and recognition of their professional skill and expertise as our keys to success, Con-way Truckload strives every day to deliver value-added services that help Fortune 500 businesses achieve supply chain goals. Visit Con-way Truckload on the web at www.con-way.com/truckload or call (800) 641-4747.
Con-way Truckload is an operating unit of Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.8 billion diversified freight transportation and global logistics company (www.con-way.com).
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