The Ride of Pride
One of the things that attracted me to Schneider National, after retiring from active duty, was the company's dedication to the nation's veterans. In fact, Schneider's dedication is such that it has five trucks specially designed to honor those who serve, those who have served, and those who gave their lives in service for us all. Appearing at special events, veterans' observances, and recruiting events where the company explains its hiring and assistance programs tailored to veterans, these trucks represent Schneider National to the public and, even more importantly in my opinion, they represent our military to the public at large.
Drivers for these trucks are selected after careful review of their military service records, their driving and safety record, and after an in-depth interview process. Today, it was my privilege to be given the keys to one of these Ride of Pride trucks after a wonderful little ceremony at our Memphis Operating Center. The managers were on hand to talk about what an honor it is to have one of these trucks assigned to the Operating Center in Memphis, and they made more of a fuss about me than was necessary. For my part, I tried to express to the gathering how deeply honored I am not only to represent the company, but to represent my brothers and sisters in arms, those who put it all on the line for us now, as well as those who went before.
When someone wins the lottery, it invariably sparks conversations among others as to what they would do if they suddenly found themselves financially set for life. Me? I'd volunteer with the USO, doing what I can to make sure that those who sign with their blood on the dotted line are well cared for. While I've not yet reached the point that I can do that … I will try to reflect at least a measure of their dedication with my words, my actions, and with this beautiful truck honoring all who serve. They should never be forgotten, nor diminished. That they should remain front and center in our nation's heart, is the goal to which I dedicate myself.
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Comments:
Jul '10
Re: The Ride of Pride
Glad Yer on Our side.
So.... um... Who gets to drive Yer truck [hint hint]?
Sep '11
Re: The Ride of Pride
Congratulations, Dave--
Driving a high-profile unit like this is also a reflection of Schneider's esteem for your skill and reliability as a driver. I'm sure you didn't just the keys because you interview well--but because the company believes you'll represent them well wherever you go.
Sep '10
Re: The Ride of Pride
Atta boy, Dave!
Mar '11
Re: The Ride of Pride
Dave: Love the detail work on the cab there.
Thanks always for your service.
Re: The Ride of Pride
Jimmy Carter: Glad Yer on Our side.
So.... um... Who gets to drive Yer truck [hint hint]? · 5 minutes ago
Well, the company is kinda picky about that,... but they let me drive anyway.
Dec '10
Re: The Ride of Pride
Words fail to encapsulate the awesome.
Re: The Ride of Pride
Which was my exact feeling when I first saw the truck. Here's another view:
Mar '11
Re: The Ride of Pride
It's not like you're going to be able hide. My guess is that you're going to get a pretty good idea of how many Ricochetti are out there by the number of people who see your truck at a truck stop and offer to buy you a cup of coffee.
Re: The Ride of Pride
I hadn't really thought of that. No more blending in...
Mar '12
Re: The Ride of Pride
Wow Dave! Your truck looks better than my house. Congrats!
Jun '10
Re: The Ride of Pride
The company could do no better if they wish Schneider to be represented by persons of honor and integrity. Folks like you make folks like me even more proud to be American.
(Just don't forget that fancy new GPS out of the "old" rig.)
Re: The Ride of Pride
Eeyore: The company could do no better if they wish Schneider to be represented by persons of honor and integrity. Folks like you make folks like me even more proud to be American.
(Just don't forget that fancy new GPS out of the "old" rig.)· 0 minutes ago
Trust me, ...that new GPS was the first thing that got transferred to the new rig!!
Re: The Ride of Pride
Yeah, but yours has indoor plumbing!!
Oct '11
Re: The Ride of Pride
Wow! How powerful.
Apr '11
Re: The Ride of Pride
Congratulations, Dave. Couldn't happen to a better guy. We are on the road a fair amount and I'll always be looking for you. This also makes me hold the Schneider folks in even higher esteem.
Jul '10
Re: The Ride of Pride
What a beaut! And what an honor. Congratulations.
Illiniguy mentioned the coffee. Hey Ricochetians, when we see him how 'bout us buying him dinner for all the entertainment he gives us. At least a bag o' donuts tossed in his window as he passes by...
Re: The Ride of Pride
barbara lydick: What a beaut! And what an honor. Congratulations.
Illiniguy mentioned the coffee. Hey Ricochetians, when we see him how 'bout us buying him dinner for all the entertainment he gives us. At least a bag o' donuts tossed in his window as he passes by... · 0 minutes ago
Better yet, give the bag o' donuts to the nice state police people at the weigh station. When they have a good day, we all have a good day.
Mar '11
Re: The Ride of Pride
barbara lydick: What a beaut! And what an honor. Congratulations.
Illiniguy mentioned the coffee. Hey Ricochetians, when we see him how 'bout us buying him dinner for all the entertainment he gives us. At least a bag o' donuts tossed in his window as he passes by... · in 0 minutes
We're going to have to establish a Ricochet headlight code to use on the road to let him know he's among friends. Da-Da-Da-Daaaah (V for Victory)?
May '10
Re: The Ride of Pride
Our man on the road. Black accessories and he is ready for Halloween. Dave, does this one have all the home-like amenities of your other new tractor? For example, the sat dish permanently aimed at the LSU Football TV channel?
Re: The Ride of Pride
Yessir, it's got all the amenities. Although the LSU channel is missing, oddly enough. I'll need to talk with someone about that.