Affectionately known as “The People’s Tree,” the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree travels from a different national forest each year, making stops along the way to connect communities and share the holiday spirit. This year’s tree, called “Silver Belle,” comes from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and will journey all the way to Washington, D.C.

Truck drivers and families in Oklahoma will get a chance to see Silver Belle up close during a special whistle-stop celebration hosted by TCA. The free community event takes place Monday, November 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Remington Park in Oklahoma City (One Remington Place, C2 parking lot).

The event is made possible thanks to support from Oklahoma-based TCA members Drivers Legal Plan and Western Flyer Express, along with the Oklahoma Trucking Association. Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere filled with lights, community pride, and the kind of holiday spirit that trucking helps deliver every year.

“There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than by welcoming the People’s Tree,” said Zander Gambill, vice president, TCA. “We are especially proud to sponsor this tradition and to offer a completely free event that brings people together in the spirit of the season. And we are grateful for the support of Remington Park, Drivers Legal Plan, Oklahoma Trucking Association and Western Flyer Express.”

Drivers can follow the Silver Belle’s route from Nevada to the nation’s capital using the interactive tracking map on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website. Whether you’re parked for a break or hauling through one of the tree’s stops, this event is a reminder of how trucking helps connect America — especially during the holidays.

Image Source: TCA

Other Source: The Trucker

The post Experience the Joy of the Holidays: TCA’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistle-Stop Event Rolls Into Oklahoma appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has officially recognized Smith as its newest Highway Angel, an honor reserved for drivers who go above and beyond to help others during emergencies.

A Dangerous Night on I-44

It was just after 2 a.m. on June 18 when Smith was hauling westbound on Interstate 44 through heavy rain. As any truck driver knows, wet pavement on Oklahoma highways can turn slick fast, and that night, it did.

Smith said a car passed him and another semi ahead of him, then suddenly lost control.

“I realized the guy was doing flips — he was doing them right in front of the other semi,” Smith recalled. “All the airbags were deployed. Honestly, after watching what happened, I thought there’s no way this guy is alive.”

The car hydroplaned, spun several times, and came to rest on the shoulder. The truck in front of Smith kept going, but Smith immediately slowed down, pulled safely to the side, and ran toward the wreck.

A Quick Response That Made All the Difference

When he reached the vehicle, Smith found the driver conscious but dazed, with visible cuts and scrapes.

“The guy was just sitting there looking at me,” Smith said. “Obviously, he was in shock, but the first thing he said to me was, ‘Can you help me find my phone?’”

Smith helped the young man out of the car, moved him to a safe distance from the highway, and called 911. While they waited for first responders, Smith made sure the injured driver stayed calm and alert.

The victim had only minor injuries, a remarkable outcome considering the severity of the crash.

“I stopped because I was there,” Smith said. “Who else was gonna do it? I believe that you’re put in places for a reason.”

A Highway Hero in the Making

Smith’s story is a reminder of how often truck drivers become first responders simply because they’re there when accidents happen. Every day, drivers like Smith see situations unfold that few others would ever witness, and many, like him, don’t hesitate to help.

Through its Highway Angel program, the TCA honors truckers who show courage and compassion on the road. Since the program began, more than 1,300 drivers have received the recognition.

For Smith, though, it wasn’t about the spotlight, just doing what he knew was right.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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