Exceptional Trucker Buddy named January Driver of the Month

John Rose takes part in the children's education and serves as a positive role model.

Teacher Cindy Slovacek has participated in the Trucker Buddy program for 13 years, and she says while all of her Trucker Buddies have been beneficial to her students, John Rose stands out because of his extraordinary endeavors. "My classes have corresponded with many drivers over the years, but John Rose is an exceptional member of your program," Slovacek said in her nomination. "John deserves to be recognized as Trucker Buddy of the Month because of his caring nature, dedication to the students and support of education. In the years I have known John, he has always been a positive influence on the children."

The students agree. "My class has had Trucker Buddies before, but none of them have been as much fun as LJ," wrote Callie. LJ is Rose's nickname. "John Rose has been a positive influence on our class," wrote fellow seventh grader Zach. "He has gone above and beyond to challenge us. He definitely deserves the honor of Trucker Buddy of the Month." Student Catrina said, "He never forgets us! LJ always makes the effort and takes the time to make us feel important."

Rose writes to each student individually, Slovacek said. "This is special and makes each person feel important and worthwhile." Rose believes in developing the students' minds and research skills. He sends trivia questions and challenges the students to discover answers. "The class has a great time finding the answers, and ALL students are motivated to work on their research skills," Slovacek said. "What a great idea this is!" Rose is able to visit the class, and turns this time into lessons as well. "These personal visits are filled with fun and life lessons - lessons about the importance of education and responsible behavior, the value of family and the rewards of kindness to others," Slovacek said. "He is a positive influence on the students and truly cares about their well-being and future. The students have benefited from this program and from knowing John. No one deserves to be named Trucker Buddy of the Month more than John Rose."

An owner operator leased to O&S Trucking in Springfield, Mo., Rose is the first Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month to receive a set of steer tires from Continental Tire. Also from Springfield, Rose has been a contractor for O&S since 1986.

Each Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month receives a personalized jacket, along with a check for $300 to spend on the class and $200 in Trucker Buddy merchandise, compliments of ACS MultiMedia Advertising (www.tmi-multimedia.com), the advertising agency of choice for the trucking industry. They also receive an IdleAire adaptor (www.IdleAire.com), a Koolatron cooler and a complete set of Airtabs for their tractor or trailer (www.airtab.com). Owner operators receive a set of steer tires from Continental Tire. The class will receive a CrossCountry USA game from Ingenuity Works (www.ingenuityworks.com), which will help them learn more about how trucks move freight across the continent.

Rose is among some 3,500 other 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 and 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.

Diesel Media and Premium Trucking Jobs are proud sponsors of Trucker Buddy