Exchange Celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

The Exchange celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Sept. 13-19.

Associates worldwide are invited to thank the heroes who always deliver for service members and their families during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Sept. 13-19.

Established by the American Trucking Association in 1998, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week honors the 3.5 million professional drivers on America’s roadways. The Exchange’s fleet comprises 225 Motor Vehicle Operators, bringing tastes of home to Soldiers, Airmen and their families wherever they are called to serve.

“It is an honor to serve with drivers who are so deeply committed to serving those who serve,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull. “The Exchange’s drivers sacrifice so much to help maintain Warfighters’ quality of life, spending days away from family and friends on busy roads and in often unforgiving weather. The Exchange offers its deepest thanks to these great Americans for their selfless service, resilience and steadfast dedication to the Exchange mission.”

Billy Shirley, business systems analyst for logistics operations, said associates are invited to thank both Exchange and commercial drivers this week, adding that general and store managers are encouraged to join too if schedules allow. Physical distancing measures should be observed by associates and managers when thanking drivers, he said.

“In previous years, some stores really went above and beyond,” Shirley said. “We love to see stores get creative, whether it’s making a sign or banner or leaving cards signed by the whole team for drivers. Even a simple ‘thank you’ can make all the difference, especially during this difficult and unprecedented time.”

As a token of the Exchange’s appreciation, the Logistics and Loss Prevention directorates have teamed up to produce and distribute special face masks, branded with the Exchange logo and Loss Prevention Safety Bee, to Exchange drivers, terminal managers, foremen, mechanics and office clerks.

“Officially, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is recognized in the United States, but for the Exchange, this is a worldwide celebration,” Shirley said. “We want each of them to know how much we appreciate everything they do to support the Exchange mission every day.”

Get your team featured in the Exchange Post! Send photos of your associates thanking their drivers to exchangepost@aafes.com to be featured in an upcoming article. Be sure to include the names and titles of the pictured associates and drivers.