Veteran Fulfills Bucket List Wish to Ride in Semi Truck
Photo by: Anna Neal
It’s not every day that a bucket list wish gets granted, but the Arkansas State Veterans Home is working to make this happen for their vets. Army veteran, James Richard Allen, had a bucket list wish – to ride in a semi truck. The Veterans Home reached out to CaseStack with Allen’s wish and asked for our help in making this become a reality. CaseStack was eager to help out and immediately got in touch with our friends at J.B. Hunt, who were more than happy to provide a truck and help give this veteran the best day. On June 26, 2017, people gathered around J.B. Hunt’s corporate office to meet Mr. Allen and watch as his bucket list wish came true.
Photo by: Anna Neal
Mr. Allen served in the Army from 1966-1979. He was in the Vietnam War from 1966-1973, and afterward was stationed in Germany and Korea. He entered the Army at age 19 as a E-1 private and was discharged as a Sergeant E-5. His duties while serving included: hauling fuel, freight, and heavy equipment, being the driver of the Commander’s Jeep, and being a convoy guard in Vietnam. Many asked, “What makes Mr. Allen choose a semi truck ride as his wish?”. Once a firefighter and, of course, a soldier in the Army, Allen is no stranger to big trucks. He explains his admiration; “I missed it and I didn’t know if I would ever ride in one again, but I am very thankful for your company giving me the opportunity to remember my good old days.”
Photo by: Anna Neal
Allen took off in a big rig on a delivery route in Northwest Arkansas. After returning, he described the experience to be, “more than he had hoped for.” Mr. Allen is an extremely honorable man and CaseStack is grateful to have been a part in helping make his wish come true.
What’s on your bucket list?
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