valuable historical knowledge about any issues affecting the industry. “He’s definitely a very soft-spoken
gentleman that quietly always cares about people, cares about Nebraska and the country and certainly the trucking industry. ... I’m not the only one that looks to him for advice. He’s always a friend of many in the industry across the country, and there are many stories of how he’s helped other folks out when they needed it, even if they might have been a competitor,” Johnson said. Tose two Democrats who didn’t vote
for him to be county attorney created a lifelong Republican who has donated and helped raise significant money for his party’s presidential candidates, including President Ronald Reagan, President George H. W. Bush and President George W. Bush. He was co-chairman of Mitt Romney’s Nebraska campaign in 2012. He’s also served as the state party’s national committeeman for 20 years. Acklie said he hasn’t yet decided who he’ll
support among the crowded Republican field in 2016. Despite his active Republicanism, however, he’s tried to maintain good relationship with Democrats. He points out that he was appointed by both Republican and Democratic governors to serve on the Highway Commission. “Hopefully, I’ve done it with respect. I
always try to say the good things about our candidate and not the negative about the other, and that’s helped me a lot,” he said. Acklie’s political and business activities
have enabled him to serve as a national leader outside of trucking. He served on the USO’s World Board of Governors for 12 years and was its chairman for 5 years, including during the first Gulf War in 1990-91. Under his leadership, the organization provided mobile field canteens serving troops free Coca-Colas, hot dogs, and letting them make phone calls home. Canteens were also operated in most major naval and Air Force stations around the world. He also was appointed by President George W. Bush to be chairman of Sallie Mae, the Student Loan Marketing Association, after it had been slated to be privatized. Within about two years, Acklie had helped lead the agency out of government control, years ahead of schedule, at no cost to the taxpayers.
NEBRASKA TRUCKER — ISSUE 4, 2015 —
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I ALWAYS TRY TO SAY THE GOOD THINGS ABOUT OUR CANDIDATE AND NOT THE NEGATIVE ABOUT THE OTHER, AND THAT’S HELPED ME A LOT.”
Acklie was given a year-long appointment
in 2005-06 by President George W. Bush as senior advisor under United Nations Ambassador John Bolton. For four months, Acklie was in New York working closely with world leaders during the UN’s 60th General Council. Each morning, Acklie would join senior staff members and Bolton for an 8 a.m. meeting, where he would be handed assignments. Acklie was assigned primarily to finance and accounting issues. Tat year, under Bolton’s leadership and with lots of help from senior staff members, Acklie helped the UN adopt generally accepted accounting principles for the first time in its history. “It was a good experience for a farm boy,” he said. Amidst all of that, Acklie has had time to be a family man. He and Phyllis raised
three daughters: the late Dodie Nakajima, who became an architect in New York; Laura Schumacher, a medical doctor; and Holly Ostergard. Holly, who is married to Tonn Ostergard, works for Crete and is planning the company’s 50th anniversary celebration. Te three daughters gave the Acklies four grandchildren. Meanwhile, Phyllis remains at his side, just like always. Acklie is still active in the company as
Chairman of the board, but also takes time for relaxation. He and Phyllis often vacation in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Tey also have a home in Naples, Florida, where they boat and enjoy the warm sunshine of Florida winters. Acklie says that “business and life are like
riding a bicycle – when you stop pedaling you fall over.” NT
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