Truck Drivers Shine in Trucker's Time of Need

6:00AM, Tacoma, Wa ..... as I walked back from the store after getting coffee, I managed to step into a very large pot hole that was not visible, due to complete lack of lighting in the truck stop's remote parking lot.

I felt a searing pain and found out later I had torn my quadicep tendon on my right knee, I was unable to get up, well actually I could, but each time my right leg gave out and I was back to the ground. Schneider owner operator Daniel Strang, tractor 94601, came to my aid, and assisted me back to my truck.

Once there, I took a moment to gather my thoughts and called for the medics. After being transported to the hospital, and having had an MRI done, I learned my fate. The knee will require surgery to repair the damage, with 6-8 weeks of recovery.

Daniel was nice enough to submit a statement to the truck stop, concerning my injuries, and a big KUDO to him for that!

The hospital wanted to perform surgery right away, but Tacoma is 2500 miles from home. (Dayton, Ohio) I flatly stated to them that was not an option, and I would drive home for the surgery. I have full range of motion on my lower leg, and foot, so driving is not an issue. However, I can place no amount of weight on it, so exiting, and more importantly, entering the truck is both awkward, and painful!

I needed to fuel the unit at Ellensburg, Wa. and I placed a call on the CB that I would pay someone ten dollars to fuel it for me, avoiding that painful exit/entry.

Enter Steve, Melton Truck Lines driver, tractor 6094 ... "Why would you pay someone?". I explained the problem, he came right over and did the fueling, also filled my thermos and got me a breakfast sandwich!

He would accept nothing, but I did offer to buy his breakfast also, I'm not sure if he took it from my money or not.

Folks like this prove that in a time of need, a trucker can be a great asset .... a million thanks to both of you for your concern in my time of need!