Army Veteran Jenn Wilken Reaches Transition Trucking Elite 11

U.S. Army veteran Jenn Wilken has advanced to the Elite 11 in the 2026 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award. TheTrucker.com profiled Wilken's move from military service into professional driving, highlighting a career path that can translate logistics discipline, accountability and adaptability into a civilian CDL role.

Wilken served 10 years in Army logistics and completed three deployments to Iraq before training through Prime Inc.'s CDL program and beginning work with the carrier. The official award program lists her as an Army staff sergeant and one of 11 semifinalists representing four military branches. The program is organized by Kenworth, Fastport and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes initiative.

The semifinalists will be recognized September 22–23 at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio, followed by a Kenworth plant tour and the announcement of finalists. Public voting is scheduled for November 1–11, and the winner is expected to be announced December 14. The grand prize is a fully equipped Kenworth T680 valued at approximately $155,000.

For veterans considering trucking, the transition still requires the same core steps as any new commercial driver: obtain a learner's permit, complete applicable entry-level driver training, pass knowledge and skills testing, meet medical qualifications and evaluate employers carefully. Military vehicle experience may strengthen a candidate's preparation, but it does not automatically replace civilian CDL requirements. Schools and fleets can improve outcomes by explaining benefit eligibility, apprenticeship options, pay structure, home time and mentorship before enrollment or hire. Wilken's recognition shows how prior service can become a foundation for a disciplined new trucking career.