Trucking Career Development Event at JBLM
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — A significant number of active and retired U.S. military personnel, along with their spouses, recently gathered for a trucking career development, networking, and job hiring event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington state.
Hiring Our Heroes Summit
This event, known as the Hiring Our Heroes Summit, was organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Program. Leading national and regional companies such as Amazon, Boeing, Intel, Kenworth, and PACCAR participated in the summit.
Kenworth’s Participation
Representatives from Kenworth engaged with military attendees to discuss job possibilities and provide insights into the trucking industry. An impressive Kenworth W990, featuring a 52-inch flat roof sleeper, PACCAR MX-13 engine, and PACCAR TX-18 automated transmission, was showcased for attendees to explore and learn about Kenworth’s latest designs.
High Interest from Attendees
Mark Buckner, Kenworth’s section manager for battery electric vehicle development and a U.S. Navy reservist, noted a strong interest from attendees in connecting with top employers from across the nation. “There was a line that wrapped around one of the cargo plane hangars, which is a very large building,” Buckner remarked. Many expressed interest in Kenworth’s open positions and the showcased W990, and were enthusiastic about the truck’s design and technology.
Kenworth’s Commitment to Veterans
Buckner, who has a notable background with the U.S. Navy, met several candidates qualified for various engineering roles at Kenworth. The company was accepting applications for positions at the Kenworth Renton manufacturing plant as well as at its headquarters in Kirkland, Washington, where over 150 veterans are employed across manufacturing facilities.
Importance of Career Events
“It’s important to have career events for veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life,” Buckner emphasized. “They’re especially beneficial for those uncertain about their post-military futures.” He highlighted the fulfillment he finds in designing truck components that contribute to the economy’s mobility while enjoying his role at Kenworth.
Supporting Veteran Drivers
In addition to its role in the career summit, Kenworth is a key sponsor of the “Transition Trucking: Driving For Excellence” program, which identifies outstanding rookie military veteran drivers who have successfully switched from active duty to commercial fleet driving. For the seventh consecutive year, Kenworth will award a top prize—a Kenworth T680 Next Gen truck with advanced features. The award winner will be revealed in December in Washington, D.C.
