Marine veteran progresses in trucking career

Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Ondrae Meyers received the keys to a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia in Houston, Texas on Sept. 18 as part of Progressive's 12th annual Keys to Progress program.

Through the program, Progressive impacts the owner-operator trucking business, as well as the personal lives of veterans by empowering them to make the transition from being a driver to being an owner, by assisting with the largest capital expense of starting a trucking business - the vehicle itself.

Meyers of Jacksonville, North Carolina, specialized in heavy and medium motor transport during his 22-year military career. That sparked his passion for truck driving. Following his time with the military, Meyers obtained his CDL license through the military program "Troops in Transportation.”

"What started as a passion of seeing countries around the world and in the United States from behind the wheel can be turned into providing for my family," said Meyers. "I am so grateful to this program for allowing me to get my fleet and career started."

Past commercial truck recipients are James Rogers and Lt. Col. James "JC" Rose, who both have been expanding their business with additional fleet vehicles and drivers since receiving their new truck as part of the Keys to Progress program.

"We are committed to giving back to our veterans who have given so much to our country,” said Progressive Commercial Lines President Karen Bailo. "This program not only helps to shape the lives of veterans but also gives them the tools and ability to grow their small businesses. We are proud to be a part of an initiative that is critical to accelerating their journey."

Since 2013, over 1,000 vehicles have been gifted to veterans through the program.

For more information on Progressive's Keys to Progress program, visit here or search #KeysToProgress on social media.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .