Couple’s Unique Journey from Driving School to Marriage

SPARTA, Ill. — Amanda Valleroy, a resident of Sparta, Illinois, was enrolled at the 160 Driving Academy in Belleville, where she had a driving instructor named Matt Craft. During her time at the academy, she realized that Craft was also a minister at the Nashville First Assembly of God church in Nashville, Illinois.

“I attended the church a few times, although I wasn’t a regular visitor,” Valleroy noted, mentioning that her fiancé had also gone through the same driving school. “Now, Matt will officiate our wedding, which is quite an interesting twist.”

Recently engaged after over a year of dating, Valleroy and her fiancé, Al Aukema, are both truck drivers. Amanda works for Beelman Truck Co., handling a pneumatic tank, while Al drives a flatbed for Stock Transport. “We both work locally,” she said, adding, “I travel about 560 miles each day, meaning we often spend our days apart, but we keep in touch regularly.”

Aukema describes Craft as “a wonderful” individual. “Matt taught us how to drive and invited us to his church,” he said, emphasizing the bond they’ve developed through their shared profession. Despite being apart during their work hours, the couple frequently chats via headsets, exchanging ideas and troubleshooting job-related issues together. “It’s beneficial to have someone who understands what you’re going through,” he added.

The couple met through a mutual friend and weren’t initially seeking a serious relationship; however, their connection grew stronger over time. Aukema proposed to Valleroy at a local Chinese restaurant surrounded by family, and they later re-enacted the proposal for photos with their trucks. “That was meaningful for me because it reflects our lifestyle,” Valleroy said, pointing out their pride in their trucking careers.

Valleroy transitioned into trucking after spending over 18 years as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) at Red Bud Regional Hospital. Although she had considered a career in transportation, she initially believed it was unrealistic. “I’ve always found driving appealing,” she remarked, recalling her grandfather’s reservations about her becoming a trucker. After feeling burnt out in her previous career, she embraced the driving lifestyle, especially as she feels it’s empowering as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Aukema, who previously worked in a factory and as a mechanic, echoed the challenges of driving. “You must be aware of your surroundings, as these trucks need considerable distance to stop. It’s a unique challenge that offers new experiences daily,” he noted. Valleroy encouraged him to attend driving school when she saw he was also feeling rundown in his job, and now both are thrilled with their new careers in trucking, enjoying the financial rewards they offer.