10-4 Magazine November 2021

10-4 Magazine / November 2021 81 This year, Joe DeLorenzo, who is with the FMCSA, came out to talk with the drivers and answer questions. It was suggested that they set up a Truckers Workshop next year and have a booth, that will be a place for drivers to get answers to their questions and share suggestions they might have. All of this is designed to raise public awareness and educate the driving public. There was also an auction that included five old toy trucks decaled for TenFour DC. There was also one truck that was decaled like the Truckers Final Mile truck and trailer, along with a custom mailbox that looked like a truck and trailer, custom wood burned flags, and lots of stuff donated by Trucker Tools, Trucker Tax Tools, and Road Pro. Some of this stuff was for the auction, and some were door prizes. There were also 13 flags donated in memory of the 13 marines recently lost in Afghanistan. Taylor Barker was the auctioneer, and at the end of the auction, they had raised nearly $28,000. The auction helps with the expenses for next year’s event, and the rest is divided between Truckers Final Mile and the Honor History of Fredericksburg, which helps out with a Veteran’s Honor Flight. This event also benefits Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, and this year Pioneer Packing in Bowling Green, OH donated over 20,000 pounds of ribs, along with a bunch of non-perishable food, donated by the drivers attending the event, which they are asked to bring and donate. Once back at the fairgrounds on Saturday, it’s time to have some fun, and celebrate the success of the event. In addition to the auction and raffle, the BBQ, and the entertainment, it’s time to relax and build the friendships, share experiences from the weekend, and plan for next year’s “family reunion” on The Mall in Washington D.C. Next year they are planning to step up the entertainment by planning a full-on concert at the fairgrounds. Remember, this is a private party for participating drivers, their family, and friends, so if you want to come, you must register and participate in the event. And why wouldn’t you want to come out and help be a part of the solution? I mean, it’s a no-brainer, Ten-Four DC! n