Buckle Up For The Long Haul
By Rick Cline | September 28, 2018
James Rogers is an 11-year Army veteran from Missouri who has found a new mission as a long-haul truck driver. After serving his country across multiple deployments, Rogers discovered that life on the open road offered him a renewed sense of purpose and healing.
Rogers served in the Army for over a decade, with deployments to several countries including Afghanistan. During a combat mission in Afghanistan, a mortar attack resulted in a serious spinal injury that would change the course of his life. After being medically retired in 2014, Rogers faced a long and difficult recovery process.
“Trucking turned out to be the best healing event in my life,” Rogers said. The open road gave him the space and freedom he needed to process his experiences and find a new way to serve.
Through Progressive’s Keys to Progress program, which has distributed over 500 vehicles to veterans since 2013, Rogers received the first commercial vehicle ever awarded through the initiative — a refurbished Freightliner rig. This gift allowed him to achieve his dream of becoming an owner-operator.
For Rogers, the transition from military service to trucking felt natural. Both require dedication, discipline, and a commitment to serving others. “When you’re moving American goods across this country, you’re still serving your nation,” he explained. The long hours and time away from home were familiar territory for a veteran accustomed to deployment.
Rogers’ story highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that many veterans bring to civilian life. With the right support and opportunities, veterans like Rogers can channel their skills and determination into successful careers in the trucking industry.
All Access Insurance is proud to support veterans and trucking professionals. If you’re interested in starting your own trucking business or need commercial vehicle insurance, contact us today for a free quote. We’re here to help you get on the road to success.