GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. – April 30, 2009 –An employee of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) was recognized by the Missouri Army National Guard during a “Freedom Salute” ceremony in connection with the Association’s “Truckers for Troops” program.

The Missouri Army National Guard’s 935th Agricultural Development Team (ADT) in Springfield, Mo. recognized Connie Becraft on April 18, 2009 for her involvement in spearheading the Association’s effort. “Truckers for Troops” sends care packages to men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan thanks to the donations of OOIDA members. 

SFC Charles S. Cook, Senior Human Resources NCO, presented to her the “Outstanding Center of Influence” award and expressed gratitude to the Association. Cook said the 935th ADT was the first unit ever sent to Afghanistan specializing in agriculture. “We appreciated her continued support with packages and letters while they were deployed,” he added. 

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the largest national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The Association currently has nearly 160,000 members nationwide. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, Mo., area.

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