As we continue our series featuring the Elite 11 semifinalists who are part of Transition Trucking’s Driving For Excellence Award, PodWheels places the spotlight on Kishawn Forbes, a 26-year Navy veteran who made his transition to a career behind the wheel with Melton Truck Lines.

Through this in-depth conversation, Kishawn shares how a family tradition of service inspired him to leave his home in the Virgin Islands and join the Navy to become a machinist mate following high school. Kishawn also recalls his fascination with big trucks that he saw on the island as a kid – something that helped inspire him to secure his CDL back in 2005 while he was in his sixth year of service with the Navy.

As you hear, Kishawn credits his time in the Navy and the ability to have strong mentors who taught him a wide range of  transferable life and professional skills, including self-discipline, critical thinking and the value of becoming a mentor to others.

Kishawn also dedicates some time to tell us about the support that he has received from his wife, Aja, during his years in the service and in his decision to pursue a career on the road in the trucking industry. He shares how Aja has developed the ability to handle the challenges that can arise on the homefront while he was deployed, and Kishawn noted his gratitude for the approach that Aja has taken to address what is needed at home for their family while he is out on the road.

You will also hear how Kishawn chose Melton Truck Lines as his port of entry for his trucking career after retiring from the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. Honored to be a part of the Elite 11, Kishawn is looking forward to spending time with his fellow semifinalists when everyone gathers in Columbus at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Sept. 22. 

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