Monica Brooks-Buck admits she went through a range of emotions upon learning about her selection to be a member of the Elite 11 in the Transition Trucking’s 2026 Driving For Excellence Award program. The early August announcement of the semifinalists provided an “exclamation point” on what’s been a time of change for the retired Army Supply Specialist.

“I had been retired (from the Army) for a couple of years, and I was enjoying getting out and playing tennis,” explained Brooks-Buck, before noting the transition she knew was coming in her life.

“It finally hit me that our son was going to be graduating from high school soon, and I had to get a life of my own,” she continued. “I told my husband that I wanted to get on the truck with him.”