Tese programs, plus the Nebraska Truck


Driving Championship, are important to Jerry not just because of the skills they help develop in drivers and maintenance techs, but because they focus people whom he feels are often left out of the spotlight. “Sometimes in the trucking industry, the


drivers and and technicians probably don’t get the recognition they deserve for the work they do, so it’s just a way to help recognize them for doing a good job,” he said. Nebraska Trucking Association President


Larry Johnson said that Jerry Wessel has been heavily involved across the years, participating in the Safety Council, the Maintenance Council, and the Truck Driving Championships Committee. “We have a large trailer that we pack all of


the Truck Driving Championships equipment in that he’s the caretaker of; he delivers it when and where we need it,” said Johnson. “At the Truck Driving Championships, he’s been a perennial leader as far back as I can remember. He holds the equipment and designs the courses every year. He’s instrumental in


making sure the whole team comes together every year and we feel very proud we have one of the best in the country, as far as the championships.” Tat’s not just fair-weather dedication,


either. Wessel helped organize NTA’s Christmas Caravan to benefit the Court Appointed Special Advocates for the first time last year, when it was held on an unseasonably warm day. Tis year, when there was a wind chill of around 20 below, Wessel was the first person on site so he could make sure it still happened. “He’s got a big heart,” said Johnson. One of the great things about having Jerry


involved in the NTA, in Johnson’s opinion, is that Kay comes as part of the package. She’s put in plenty of work, herself, at events like the driving and skills competitions. “On every one of these things, Kay is


either a scorekeeper or she’s selling goods or whatever,” he said. “Tey’re always together and just giving where they can.” Te amount of time, talent, and personal resources they commit to the association


and its programs are especially staggering, he added, when you consider that Kay isn’t employed in the industry. “I don’t know if you’ve heard that old


saying, that you really can judge a man by how he treats a person when there’s nothing they can do back for him,” said Johnson. “Tat’s Jerry and Kay – they’re always helping people that can’t help themselves.” He’s not just saying that: Kay was


presented the NTA’s Women of Distinction Award for her contributions to the association. “Tat was a total surprise for me,” she said.


“I know I was speechless, which doesn’t happen probably that often. I felt very thankful that other people had recognized the time and effort that had been put in. It made me more dedicated to continue.” Ask Jerry how long he’s been married to his


wife, Kay, and you’ll quickly find out just how smart this guy is. “Not nearly long enough,” he says. Tat turns out to be 26 years come spring,


according to Kay, who met Jerry through a mutual friend whose husband had been taking


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16


NEBRASKA TRUCKER — ISSUE 1, 2014 — www.nebtrucking.com


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