OOIDA welcomes youth truck enthusiast aboard The Spirit
The OOIDA tour trailer, The Spirit of the American Trucker, is a hallmark of the Association and an eye-catcher, no doubt.
Since March 2021, Marty Ellis has driven the Western Star truck that serves as a mobile sounding board for OOIDA members across the country.
Whether its parked at a truck stop, a truck show or OOIDA headquarters in Grain Valley, Mo., the trailer stands out and leaves an impression.
One local youth would wholeheartedly agree.
Everett W. and his mother, Jena, drive by OOIDA headquarters regularly.
Once Everett caught a glimpse of the tour truck, it became part of his daily routine.
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Whether it’s watching the Association’s YouTube videos or waving to the truck as he and his mother pass by, Everett is captivated.
“We drive past OOIDA all the time,” Jena said. “He saw the truck and the giant eagle on it and became absolutely obsessed. We had to know everything about OOIDA, everything about the truck and everything about the eagle. He went home and found anything OOIDA had to offer on YouTube. It’s been all OOIDA ever since.”
The next step was a bit of a shot in the dark.
Jena reached out through social media hoping to find someone who could help her get Everett an OOIDA toy truck.
“We posted on Facebook, because he wanted one so bad,” Jena said. “Our friend, Whitney Bloom (who works in the Association’s Business Services Department), answered the call. She got him an OOIDA truck and also let us know that we could arrange a tour of OOIDA. That was the absolute best thing he’s ever heard.”
It took a little work to find a time that worked for all parties, but it was worth the wait.
“It’s really great,” Jena said. “A lot of companies wouldn’t do something like this. It really warms my heart and makes me feel good when people are open and accepting of Everett. He’s just having his best day ever today.” LL