Arrow Truck Sales Announces 2008 Back on the Road Winner

Donald Turkelson of Battle Creek, MI was chosen by Arrow Truck Sales as its 2008 Back On The Road Winner at the 2008 Mid-America Trucking Show at the end of March.

Arrow’s Back On The Road 2008 Contest™ is an initiative designed to benefit a deserving independent owner-operator in need of a truck and a job. People were encouraged to submit stories about deserving friends, family members, associates and even themselves for this opportunity of a lifetime.

After an extensive nomination and interview process, Turkelson and his story stood out to Arrow and its industry associates.

On March 19, 2002 Turkelson was in a company drop lot when he was shot, taking him off the road for five years. A gunman attempted to hijack his truck at 1:30 a.m. and when Turkelson refused to cooperate, he was shot in the left leg as he tried to escape. After driving to the security gate, severely injured, Turkelson was taken to the hospital where he underwent surgery.

Since completing extensive physical therapy, Turkelson, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army, has served for more than five years as a pastor for the United Methodist Church and also as a truck-driving instructor at Lansing Community College. He has dedicated his life to helping his community become productive and enlightened citizens. However, regardless of the rewarding experiences he has had in his post-trucking jobs, they have not given him the satisfaction of working in his chosen career.

“I’m honored to be chosen as the winner of Back On The Road,” said Turkelson. “For many years I’ve been unable to drive full-time and I’m looking forward to once again doing what I love—working full-time as a driver who is helping the American economy by delivering goods and services.”

As winner of Back on the Road 2008^™, courtesy of Arrow Truck Sales and its industry associates, Turkelson will receive:

• A 2005 VNL 670 tractor donated by Volvo Trucks North America
• A one-year work agreement with Heartland Express
• A 3-year / 300K mile warranty courtesy of National Truck Protection (NTP)
• Insurance provided by the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
• Business consulting and financial tools courtesy of ATBS
• Truck detailing provided by Dickinson Fleet Services
• Tires courtesy of Michelin
• Truck accessories and fenders provided by Minimizer Products

“Donald has an amazing story to tell and a great spirit,” said Carl Heikel, president and CEO of Arrow. “Arrow is proud to give him the opportunity to get back on the road with a quality truck from Volvo and a job from Heartland Express.”