Southwest Truck Driver Training Graduate Gina Jones Honored as 2024 TA Citizen Driver of the Year
Gina Jones, a graduate of Southwest Truck Driver Training and current Werner Enterprises driver, was honored as one of TravelCenters of America’s 2024 Citizen Drivers of the Year, along with her husband Steve Jones and one other honoree, Tim Taylor.
This honor was first announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show in March 2024. As part of their award, the Joneses were able to select a TA location to be dedicated in their name. In a ceremony in Tonopah, AZ, this December, a bronze historical plaque with their picture and story was unveiled. In addition, they designated the charity Operation Noble Watchman to receive a $2,500 donation from TravelCenters of America.
“This is such an awesome honor,” said Gina of the recognition. “We couldn’t be more honored and thrilled.”
Since 2013, TA Travel Centers have recognized and honored professional drivers that embody the qualities of a Citizen Driver. TA Citizen Drivers are nominated and then chosen by an independent panel of judges based on their personal and career accomplishments. To date, 44 professional truck drivers have been designated with this Citizen Driver honor.
TA Citizen Drivers are known in the industry for making the trucking industry and their communities a better place. Selected award winners represent the highest levels of the truck driving profession through leadership, good citizenship, safety, health and wellness, and community involvement.
Gina and Steve Jones were honored for being “exemplary figures in the trucking community” because of their safe driving records and community work. The Joneses regularly represent Werner’s distinguished Operation Freedom fleet at school visits and events to recruit drivers or raise awareness about road safety.
The couple are also involved in a dizzying array of organizations benefiting veterans, children, and cancer patients, including Helping Heroes Heal, Christmas Angel, Desert Devils at United Food Bank, Unforgotten Hero’s Ride, U.S. Vets, and the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure.
At Southwest Truck Driver Training, we congratulate all 2024 TA Citizen Drivers of the Year and commend Gina in particular as an exemplar of truck driving professionalism among Southwest Truck Driver Training graduates.
