10-4 Magazine May 2022

Special Feature: By Kasey Aslinger While at the Draggin’ & Pullin’ In the Pines truck show last fall in Lufkin, Texas, I witnessed the sweetest surprise reveal by Robert Eddins to his wifeAnita, who is a cancer survivor. In an effort to raise awareness for Breast Cancer and celebrate Anita’s winning fight, Robert, who is a driver for TriState Vacuum and Rental in Joaquin, Texas, unveiled the new pink LED lighting that now covers their truck. After the reveal, I saw Robert and Anita locked in an embrace in front of the 2001 Peterbilt, basking in the pink glow, surrounded by a crowd. Robert Eddins was born to Robert and Dora Eddins on October 18, 1972. Robert is a 4th generation trucker, so it just came natural to him. He began hauling watermelons at just 16 years old until he could get his CDL. In 1991, Robert moved to Tyler, Texas, where he was hauling lumber for Gulf States. Here is where he met his wife Anita, who was the manager of his mother’s apartment complex. On September 1, 1994, Robert and Anita were married. Over the years, the couple has welcomed three children – Ashley (32), Ryan (28), and Joshua (24). Meeting Troy Massey about 14 years ago, he and Robert became friends. About two years ago, Robert went to work for Troy at one of his companies, TriState Vacuum and Rental, LLC. in Joaquin, Texas, hauling rock and oilfield equipment. In 2019, Troy purchased the 2001 Pete 379 from a friend of his named Ben Pierce. The truck has a 950-hp 6NZ Cat, a 13-speed transmission, 3.10 rears, and a 295-inch wheelbase. Robert said that he’s usually a pretty laid-back guy who doesn’t ask for much, but that one morning, when some of the drivers started asking Robert if he had seen the new pink Dual Revolution lights from Trux, he immediately went straight to Steven Molanders, who works for Troy. Steven called Trux to order 62 10-4 Magazine / May 2022 RAISING AWARENESS