AAFES driver serving Wright-Patt named to Truck Driver Hall of Fame

A truck driver for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service who has logged more than 3 million miles of safe driving in 36 years of service, including to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, has been honored by the National Private Truck Council.

Bradley Wacks, 57, was inducted along with three other drivers into the NPTC/Lytx Driver Hall of Fame during its annual Education Management Conference and Exhibition held April 29-May 1 in Cincinnati.

The drivers are from NPTC member companies and have met the minimum qualifications of 20 years, 3 million miles or 50,000 hours of driving without a preventable accident. Many of the drivers have exceeded these qualifications and are known for having made significant contributions to their industry and their communities. Since its inception, more than 100 drivers have been installed in the Driver Hall of Fame.

Wacks, an Enon resident, is the second Exchange driver to ever be inducted into the Driver Hall of Fame.

Currently, his main route is to Minneapolis and Little Falls, Wisconsin, plus Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, but when he started driving in 1987 he delivered goods to Wright-Patterson AFB. His week begins at 3 a.m. Sunday mornings and ends Thursdays.

His induction was based on the following:

• Safe driving mileage of 3,451,014 at the time of submission during more than 36 years;

• 2,685,505 of those miles were during his almost 31-year career with AAFES;

• No moving violations or citations since 1988 (for his privately operated vehicle and commercial vehicle);

• Dozens of Exchange awards, including two-time AAFES Driver of the Year in 1998 and 2011 and two prestigious awards at the Great American Truck Show;

• Volunteer efforts with the 4H, a breast cancer survivors group (his wife, Terri, is a survivor) as well as the Military Survivors Outreach program;

• His driver statement also weighed heavily in the selection process.

When he’s not driving, Wacks enjoys doing 4H activities with his granddaughters on his land, just as he did with his son and daughter.

“To receive this honor is indescribable,” he said. “It’s kind of a shock. It’s amazing.”

Wacks said he has no intention of ending his career anytime soon.

“What I do for our men and women in uniform is near and dear to my heart. It’s family,” he said. “If the guys need stuff, if there is any way I can get it to them, I’ll get it there.”

Wacks said he loves to drive and he enjoys all the people he encounters. He’s survived two heart attacks but is being more careful with his diet and is exercising often so he can continue to do what he loves.

Unloading his goods by hand requires strength and a careful approach, he said.

“After years of doing it, you know how to handle things,” Wacks said.

Christy Beenenga, manager of the main store and home and garden store, said she is thrilled by Wacks’ selection to the Trucker Hall of Fame.

“It couldn’t have gone to a better, more deserving person,” she said. “He’s here whenever we need him for events. Wherever the mission calls, Bradley comes. He’s very enthusiastic about our customer mission and who we serve. He is a great asset to the company.”

“Being named to the Hall of Fame is the culmination of Bradley’s career,” said Daniel Watkins, terminal manager, AAFES Dayton Terminal and Consolidation Center, and Wacks’ supervisor for 20 years. “He’s basically our example for other drivers to emulate.”

“He always gives 100 percent, and he always goes above and beyond to create a great experience for the store and the people he is delivering to,” Watkins said.

He also commended Wacks for serving as a mentor to less-experienced drivers.

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