Six Rivers, Six Drivers – Meet our Fearless Driving Experts!
This year, System Transport by introduction of long-time sponsor Kenworth Truck Company was selected as the truck carrier for the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Over the last several months, System Transport has been integral in working with the Six Rivers National Forest team in ensuring preparations are ready to safely carry and transport the selected 84-foot white fir for three weeks covering 4,000 miles of roads from California to Washington D.C.
These drivers will be divided into pairs and share a portion of the journey driving the new T680 Next Gen – Kenworth’s most aerodynamic truck ever!
Six drivers were chosen with the honor of transporting the People’s Tree. Meet them below:
Bill Brunk
10 years’ experience
Over-the-road driver from Cheney, Washington
Trucking was a natural fit for Bill, who spent his early career in the construction industry. When work slowed during the Great Recession he started driving and has been on the road since.
To Bill, family is the most important part of the Christmas season. He’s looking forward to seeing the U.S. Capitol when the tree arrives in November, but even more than that he’s excited to give his grandkids a chance to see their grandpa do something really cool. Getting together as a family is Bill’s most important Christmas tradition since he “always love(s) to see the excitement in my grandkids’ eyes!”
John Schnell
15 years’ experience
Commercial glass driver, formerly poles, from Kennewick, Washington
John’s calling has always been a life on the road. “I know that I am doing what God has planned for my life.” The opportunity to drive a truck came to John at the best time for him to explore the career, and it’s been a divine fit since.
To John, the U.S. Capitol represents We The People – not just our government, but each of our American Dreams. He is honored to be a part of the team bringing a beautiful tree to celebrate Christmas and to symbolically bring hope to the nation’s capital. “Christmas is a time to see the good in each of us and an opportunity to help our neighbors.” John’s favorite Christmas traditions are enjoying Christmas morning breakfast with his family and attending Christmas Eve services to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Jeremy Bellinger
21 years’ experience
Commercial glass driver, formerly poles, from Spokane, Washington
Jeremy has always been fascinated by the sights on the road. As a kid, he enjoyed seeing the country during his family’s cross-country road trips. He enjoyed it so much, he decided to make it his career by getting into trucking – and it’s been “the best decision I’ve ever made!”
Jeremy is excited to be a part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree team as a chance to do something small for our country. Congenital health conditions precluded him from serving in the military, so he welcomed this opportunity for service. It’s also a big plus to be bringing Christmas cheer to the nation’s capital. One of his favorite Christmas traditions was watching his own kids opening their presents on Christmas morning when they were young.
Mike English
23 years’ experience
Over-the-road driver from Alturas, California
Mike spent his younger years mining for gold, in the vein of the prospectors who sought a better life in California in the 19th century. When the gold mine he was working for closed, Mike capitalized on a program offered by the State of California to get his commercial driver’s license and haul critical goods – “and the rest is history!”
Mike is honored to participate in hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. It’s a great opportunity to not only be on the road, but to haul cargo that’s “really cool.” As an over-the-road driver, Mike spends a lot of time away from home, so it comes as no surprise that two of his favorite Christmas traditions are spending time at home with his family, enjoying a holiday feast.
Terry Jefferson
37 years’ experience
Local driver from Spokane, Washington
Since he was a kid, Terry loved big rigs. The traditional style trucks always caught his eye on the road, so when he was old enough, he got his commercial driver’s license and has been piloting rigs that have caught other kids’ eyes for over three decades.
Terry welcomes the challenges that hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will bring. It isn’t every day that drivers’ skills are challenged by hauling a trailer over 100 feet long. Terry also likes the “thought of being involved in something so special and unique.” Terry’s best Christmas memories are the smell of a real tree – which should be in abundance during this year’s tour – and watching his kids open presents.
Robert E. Lee
2 years’ experience
Yard shop manager, former poles driver, from Cheney, Washington
Driving a truck was a natural fit for Robert, who has always liked driving and decided to take his career in a different direction. Robert will bring a unique perspective to the team though, also working as a shop manager he’ll be able to provide support mechanically.
To Robert, “Christmas is the time of year that brings people and families together,” so being a part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour is special to Robert. He is also looking forward to delivering the tree to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Robert’s favorite Christmas tradition is a hearty Christmas morning breakfast feast.
