CONVOY FOR CASH
By Writers and Owner Operators Rod & Kim Grimm

On a cloudy but nice Saturday morning on September 18th, 81 trucks lined up in Iowa to participate in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy and help raise $10,000 for Special Olympics. Along Highway 5 on the south side of Des Moines, the trucks were staged for the convoy. With a dead end about half a mile south of Highway 5, it was the perfect spot to set up a tent to register the trucks and get everyone ready. Event coordinator Jannette Sleinfeldt, fortunately, had a lot of help with that task.

Several Iowa DOT officers were on-hand to help. I talked with three officers, and one of them (all will remain anonymous) told me that they were there to help direct traffic so that no accidents would occur and added, “It’s a wonderful cause.” I thought his perspective was right on when he told me that they (the officers) could have a lot of involvement with the drivers and really enjoy each other’s company - not meeting on an inspection level, but more like friends - all together working for a great cause and helping to keep our highways safe. All the officers I talked to that morning were having a good time and very friendly. I’ve always felt that they have a hard job to do. Sadly, not all trucks are kept up 100%. If they were, we wouldn’t need the DOT. Give them a current log book and have a well-maintained truck, and you’ll get along fine! They could find something we miss. After all, we’re human and trucks are mechanical! Now, on to the really fun stuff: trucks rolling down the road along with the DOT, all having a good time, with air horns blowing and sirens going off - WOW, what a sight!

Since I had to leave the truck at home (long story), I got the chance to wander around and talk to drivers. Ira Parizek of Rowley, IA came up to me and asked if I was Mrs. Grimm. As a matter of fact, I am. He had lived in Urbana, which is only 11 miles from where we live, and seen stories and pictures of our truck, but we’d never met. He has a beautiful 2004 Teal Pete with pink stripes to which he commented, “Gotta have pink cause it’s pretty and matches the teal.” He had his son Coby riding with him this particular morning, a very nice young man, I thought. Ira left Coby’s sister Kendra and his brother Levi at home. Having missed the convoy last year, Ira decided to make it this year after listening to Steve Sommers on his XM radio. He told me, when asked why he was there, “It’s a positive promotion of trucking and I like to show off my truck.” I can really relate to the liking to show off your truck! His wife Lisa rides along occasionally, but is usually home with the three kids or driving a school bus. Personally, I can’t imagine having sixty little kids as my freight, but for the people who do, you are to be commended. I hate to report that the pictures of Ira and Coby turned out blurry. I’m really sorry guys.

Ray & Helen Boulicault of Ankeny, Iowa drive a 2004 Pete and were there, “For the convoy.” After missing the convoy last year, they decided on being at this year’s and made their plans a year in advance. “It’s an extremely good cause and we plan to be back next year again.”

The Des Moines Area Community College Transportation Institute had several trucks in the convoy as well. I talked with Phil Singletary, a night time instructor, who told me that he had made it to the convoy last year. When asked why he was back, he simply replied, “It’s special.”

I also visited with a really nice group of guys from TMC in Des Moines. Matt Jorgensen had his son riding with him too, and he was another very nice young man. It was good to see kids coming out with their dads for this event. When I made a comment about these “special kids” that everyone was here (at the convoy) for, Joe Klee said, “These kids think life is golden every day - it’s us who complain.” Boy that got me thinking. It’s true. It goes back to that old saying that no matter how bad you think you have it, if you look around, you’ll find someone who has it a lot worse. We gripe about a not-so-hot load, crummy weather, the list is endless. But maybe we should look at it like so many of the “special kids” do. We should look at that beautiful sunrise to start our day in Wyoming or that brilliant sunset in Nebraska to end it (the days are getting shorter) and be awe-struck. So it’s raining, hey, at least it’s not snowing. Or, if it’s snowing, at least it’s not 110 degrees outside. You get the idea. We need to stop complaining and be thankful for all that we have. Remember, this is the month of Thanksgiving.

After a brief driver’s meeting, it was time to go. The lead truck was owned and operated by the National Guard. Very fitting, I thought. Maybe not the prettiest truck, but pretty important! The people who drive these trucks help to protect us, and I would like to thank them all.

I stood on an overpass to take pictures. The sound of all the air horns and sirens and waves from everyone was such a thrill! There is nothing quite like seeing all those beautiful trucks, lined up along with the officers, working together, and having so much fun. I don’t think it gets any better than this! By the way, you all looked and sounded GREAT!!! I look forward to seeing you all again next year, and if we all bring a friend, we can get over 200 trucks - wouldn’t that be cool?

The start of the parade was Exit 101 on Highway 5 and it ended at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. A row of cheering Special Olympic athletes met the drivers as they arrived at the Fairgrounds. Lunch was served, awards were handed out, and then, sadly, it was time to leave. Trucks scattered from the Fairgrounds, off to deliver their load or head toward home, or to wherever they had to go. But as always, on the bright side, we can do it all again next year. Only next year, it will be even bigger and better.

Norm Schneiderhan from the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff’s Department created this event back in 2001 with a single event held in Orlando. That first year, there were 97 trucks. In 2002, the Florida convoy had almost 250 trucks! Last year, five states had convoys and 400 trucks showed up. And now, in 2004, more that 20 states held 30 events! That is a fantastic rate of growth, and I know it’s only going to just get bigger! This convoy is a project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and is now the largest grass-roots fund raiser and public awareness vehicle. It is also a great way for truckers and law enforcement officers to work together. After all, who is on the road more than truckers and cops?

I was proud to be a part of this great cause and all the good that comes from everyone’s efforts. The organization (Special Olympics) as well as the athletes truly appreciated the event. Jannette Sleinfeldt would like to thank all who participated in this year’s convoy, and invites everyone to come back next year and bring a friend, or two, or three! If you couldn’t make it to a convoy this year, pick a convenient location and plan to be there next year - you’ll be glad you did.

Bundle up. With fall now upon us, it’s getting a lot colder out there. And be sure to be extra safe. We want you all to make it home for the holidays, which (believe it or not) are just around the corner. Next month, we’ll be introducing you to our family’s latest addition, so stay tuned.