Local 'Road Warrior' Up for National Honor

When life presents challenges some people choose to keep on trucking.

It’s those who keep going in the face of adversity that Pilot Flying J hopes to honor during its second annual Road Warriors contest. Designed to recognize truckers who have tackled obstacles head on, the contest has a $10,000 grand prize attached.

Spring Hill resident David Lozano is one of five national finalists recently announced by the company, which is known for its truck stop diners and gas stations across the country. Lozano was selected to be a finalist because of his story of “overcoming extreme odds and going above and beyond the regular call of duty,” Flying J said.

David and his wife, Shelley, have been married 32 years. About eight years ago, Shelley was diagnosed with MS, which ultimately led to her becoming disabled. About a year ago, David lost his job and decided to become a professional driver. Though on the road often, David calls his wife twice daily to check in.

It’s that commitment to family that prompted Shelley to nominate her husband for the contest.

“The love he has for his family is overwhelmingly joyous, and the sacrifice he has made to support [us] is beyond what words can say,” Shelley wrote in her nomination.

That nomination was selected earlier this month to move on to the competition’s final round. The national $10,000 grand prize winner will be selected based on online voting. Supporters can vote for Lozano or other finalists through Oct. 2.

Pilot Flying J’s Road Warrior contest was created as a way “to celebrate and honor professional drivers who demonstrate hard work, generosity and bravery.”

“We had an overwhelming response last year and received thousands of stories about a number of amazing men and women,” Pilot Flying J’s Ken Parent, chief operating officer, said. “We are honored to celebrate the hard work professional drivers do every day to keep our economy running smoothly.”

As for David Lozano, he’s humbled by the honor.

“I never thought this would happen to me,” he told Patch. “I’m very appreciative to my wife for entering me and to Pilot Flying J for appreciating me for doing my job.”

As a regional finalist, Lozano has already won $1,000.

Lozano, who fought in Desert Storm, worked as a cable installer for 7 ½ years before being laid off. Part-time work in an auto parts store helped some, but didn’t quite pay the bills. Needing something full-time and reliable, he decided to become a trucker, he explained.

The transition wasn’t easy at first.

“It was difficult leaving my family, but I was prepared because of being in the military,” he said. “Going to war and training takes you away from your family for long periods of time.”

Lozano said he still hates leaving his wife and family, but says driving has its perks.

“I enjoy seeing the country I served and how majestic it is,” he said.

Lozano said he finds motivation while he’s on the road by focusing on the knowledge that customers depend on him to deliver on time and safely. For those considering a similar path, he urges careful consideration of the pros and cons.

As for the contest, “I am greatly honored to be considered to be the #RoadWarrior.”

To vote in the Road Warrior contest, visit Pilot Flying J online.

Photo courtesy of David Lozano