TMC Transportation Has Honor of Pulling Vietnam Memorial Replica Into United States Military Academy at West Point

on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 in Company News

TMC Transportation strives to always be at the front lines when it comes to honoring this great country’s Veterans. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to be a part of a special tribute to Veterans of the Vietnam War.

On October 21st, 2015, TMC had the responsibility of transporting the Wall That Heals to the home of the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. The Wall That Heals is mobile half-scale replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, and has traveled to locations around the United States to share in spreading healing for Veterans and the families of those we lost in the war. The Wall That Heals was first unveiled on Veteran's Day in 1996 by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial fund (VVMF). Throughout the last 19 years, the Wall That Heals has visited more than 400 cities.

In charge of this honorable task was long-time professional TMC driver, David Wheeler, and TMC’s Special Project Manager, Tony Beres. For David, participation in this event had special meaning. He is a 24-year Army Veteran who also served two tours in the Vietnam War. David spent much of his time in the Military in the transportation division. He began driving with TMC in the Summer of 1994, and has found the transition into professional truck driving in the civilian world seamless. David has demonstrated his value ten times over during his tenure with TMC, earning several safe-driving awards as well taking home the prestigious ‘Wheel Master’ award. Tony Beres is also a Veteran, having served in the Marines for several years before joining the TMC ranks.

“I was overwhelmed that I was selected by TMC Transportation to have the honor of moving The Wall That Heals and share it with my fellow Veterans,” David recalls. “It was a tremendous experience and very much a healing process for me.”

After stopping off for a quick wash, David and Tony were escorted by motorcade into the grounds of West Point. This escort served as the anchor event of the VVMF’s tour, signifying the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The shiny black and chrome Peterbilt, hauled an incredible piece of history, was placed in front of the parade field overlooking Trophy Point and the Hudson River. Along with housing a replica memorial wall engraved with the names of 58,000 fallen soldiers, The Wall That Heals also includes a mobile education center.

The following morning, a ceremony led by LTG Robert Caslen, the standing Superintendent of the Academy, took place to officially introduce The Wall That Heals into West Point, where it remained open to the public through Sunday, October 25th.

Duane Boswell, TMC’s former Vice President of Driver Recruiting, was also in attendance. “I was so proud to have the opportunity to observe our truck pulling this memorial onto the grounds of West Point,” said Duane. “TMC is my company and West Point is my alma mater and both did each other proud. The job David and Tony did in prepping the truck and trailer to the highest standards of both institutions was simply outstanding.”

Stay tuned for more on the story of TMC’s journey with The Wall That Heals as a video production crew followed along. We will be releasing the project soon!

Thank you, Veterans, for your service. We are honored to work beside men and women who have given so much to protect our country.