On an end of summer Saturday afternoon more than 150 semi trucks and trailers assembled at the Pioneer Travel Center in Richfield, Wisconsin. These trucks gathered there from all points of the upper Midwest in support of the Wisconsin Special Olympics. These trucks, of all shapes, sizes and colors, were ready to convoy and gather the attention of thousands of onlookers along US 41.
Annual Gathering
According to the Wisconsin Special Olympics this event is ” … a national one-day celebration of the trucking industry, its allied partners and law enforcement working together to support the 10,000 Special Olympics athletes who compete in Wisconsin.” The more than 150 trucks left Richfield and convoyed up Route 41 for 60 miles to Oshkosh. With a police escort and a route lined with spectators along the way the trip was more parade than routine delivery.
R+L’s Greenbay Service Center
For the last 5 years R+L driver Bob Dercks has made it his mission to make sure R+L Carriers was a part of the convoy. Working with teammates out of the Green Bay Service center Bob pulled a pair of the Eyes of Freedom pup trailers. Back at the terminal Mike Carney, Toby Wallace and Mike Sanger made sure the equipment was cleaned and shined perfect to honor both the soldiers honored on the trailer and the athletes that benefited from the run.
More than a Convoy
The annual event hosted by Special Olympics is more than an awareness event. The event is part truck show and fundraiser. The event on September reported that more than $113,000 for the Special Olympics. R+L was honored to take home an award too. The R+L Carriers truck pulling the Eyes of Freedom trailers was awarded the Best in Show trophy.
Take a Look
- Driver Bob Dercks and the Best in Show Trophy with the Eyes of Freedom trailer
- The Eyes of Freedom “pup” trailers
- Getting the truck and trailers ready was a team effort by the group at our Green Bay service center
- R+L Driver Bob Dercks with the Best in Show Trophy