Meet Our Driver Council
St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Driver Ambassador Council
Members of the Driver Ambassador Council are trusted representatives of the SCF. They share the missions, stories, and needs of the SCF with others, and they get an inside look into the workings of the Fund. They also provide the SCF with an inside look at the trucking industry, and offer suggestions on how the Fund can further provide assistance to truck drivers. We are blessed to have these ambassadors!
INGRID BROWN
“We all know how hard and rough it gets when things go wrong with your health and you’re fully dependent upon yourself and your family for support. The bills don’t stop and nobody seems to understand that these days. With SCF, there’s finally a comfort, a sigh of relief, to know your electric won’t be shut off or your insurance won’t lapse or you won’t lose your home. There’s a peace you feel knowing you don’t have to worry about anything except recovering and getting back to doing what you love to do. SCF’s staff and Board of Directors are real people! People who know the healthcare system and the day to day struggles of living life. People who understand and have compassion for the trucking industry because they are such a huge part of every area in it. It’s an honor being appointed as a member of the SCF Driver Councilto work with good, down to earth, caring people and working together to help others. But most of all, it’s a blessing to be a part of the end result; seeing drivers and families recover and get back into and excel in an industry I love!”
– Ingrid Brown, Rollin’ B LLC
BRUCE RICHARD
“The reason I believe in St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is because I am a truck driver for Heartland Express and I believe in helping other professional drivers like myself. I think of the professional drivers as part of my family. I think that helping someone that needs a hand when he or she is having a hard time due to things that are out of their control. I know first hand that things happen when you don’t expect it and that we all need a little help from time to time. I will always be grateful for the help that my wife and I received from St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund when my wife had gotten hurt and could not walk for about 5 1/2 months and I had to take time off from work to help my wife. We were very blessed when St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund helped us pay some of our bills. So today when I can I help St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund raise money at different events, I also help promote and spread the word about St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund about all the good things that they do to help the professional drivers of today. Also, St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is the only organization that I know of that helps the professional drivers when there is a financial crisis and that driver needs a little help getting back on their feet. I was asked why did I agree to be a council member for St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. It is a way for me to give back to an organization that was there for me when I down and needed a helping hand to keep my head above water until I could return to work. Also to be part of an organization in helping the industry that I work in and also help making a difference in the drivers of tomorrow.”
– Bruce Richard, Heartland Express
MARTY ELLIS
“SCF is one of the few Truck related Charities that I totally believe in and support on a monthly basis
SCF is there not only when a driver has a health event and runs into financial difficulties, they are there before hand with different programs that help drivers be as healthy as possible.
I would do everything I can to promote SCF and its programs.”
-Marty Ellis, Driver/Volunteer
Don Talley
Don Talley is an Indiana native and retired U.S. Army veteran with over 20 years of driving experience, accumulating over 2 million accident free miles. Don spent his life serving his country both in combat and behind the wheel of a semi-truck.
Don grew up in Muncie, Indiana pumping gas and changing tires at the three local gas stations owned by his father. Don learned the meaning of honest, hard work from a young age until he left for the military.
Coming from a military family, Don wanted to carry on the tradition. Throughout his time in the Army, he was stationed in Korea, Germany, Hawaii and served on missions in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. His driving skills included military vehicles, such as armored personal carriers, tanks and 2.5 and 5-ton trucks.
Don has received several medals and certificates of achievement for his exemplary leadership, professionalism, and safety-first mentality. Don was also issued a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he sustained injuries while saving soldiers’ lives who were trapped inside an Army truck full of ammunition that had caught fire due to a mechanical failure.
After returning from the military, Don obtained his CDL, entered the training program at Carter Express, Inc. and became a full-time driver in 2004. Don spent 17 of his 18 years as an over-the-road truck driver training others how to be better drivers. Recently, he decided give up the trainer position and focus on his true love of trucking.
In his nearly 20 years at the company Don has received the 1 Million Mile Safe Driver Award from Carter Express in 2013 and has reached the 2 million miles milestone. Don was also recognized as Carter Express Driver of the Month in June of 2018.
Don was also awarded Citizen Driver by TravelCenters of America in 2021 and has his hometown Petro in Muncie, Indiana named in his honor.
Don says, “I just want somebody to be the best person they can be if I (get the chance) to help them. If I can make them better by talking to them, giving them some food, training, giving them a ride, whatever, I want to do that.”
Don also leads a busy personal life alongside his wife, helping to run a food pantry, making deliveries every week and chasing around three grandchildren.
Ray Webb
Ray Webb is founder and owner of Mabuhay Trucking, a small fleet based in Texas. Ray has been driving for 20 years and his wife of 2 years, Carmella, now rides with him on the truck. Together they are growing Mabuhay Trucking.
“Supporting the St. Christopher Fund has been a top priority for me for many years. I was thrilled to own and pull an SCF branded trailer for 2 years, crisscrossing the country spreading awareness about this great organization. I am always looking for new ways to support SCF’s mission and was also happy to donate 100 sets of SCF branded mudflaps to the organization to be sold to raise funds for the their mission. There are still sets available so get yours today and help us spread the word so drivers know who to turn to when an illness or injury takes them off the road and they need some help.”
“I am proud to be a part of SCF’s driver ambassador council and be a voice for my fellow drivers and provide insight and feedback to SCF’s team to help implement and grow programs that will benefit over-the-road truck drivers.”
Shaun Lezer
Shaun Lezer is a young and passionate truck driver who understands the importance of the future of trucking, truck drivers, and the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. Shaun began his professional driving career in January 2013 and quickly realized the crucial role drivers play in this country’s transportation system. He acknowledges that buying anything from any stores all over the country would not be possible without truck drivers.
Over the last decade, Shaun has driven various types of trucks, including Intermodal, Dry Van, Reefer, Tanker, and numerous types of dump trucks. Although he dabbled in the dispatch world for a few years, he was unable to find a company that would allow him to be a pro driver and management at the same time.
In the fall of 2023, Shaun attended St. Christopher Fund’s Healthy Habits for the Long Haul health and wellness program, which changed his life and perception of a healthy lifestyle. He admits that he is not perfect when it comes to healthy habits and choices, but he has seen significant results in his daily life.
Now, Shaun is passionate about helping drivers in the industry make lifestyle changes when it comes to healthy choices and mental health. He believes that with discipline, it is possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle while being a truck driver.
Lt Col James C. “JC” Rose
LtCol James C. Rose was born and raised in Fitzgerald, Georgia. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program in July 1988, and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island November 8, 1988. During boot camp he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. Following Recruit Training and MOS training as an Aviation Ordnance Munitions Technician at Naval Air Station Millington, Tennessee and NAS Cecil Field, PFC Rose was assigned to VMFA-333, the Fighting Shamrocks MCAS Beaufort SC. During this tour, he deployed to Desert Shield Desert Storm. Being a solid ordnance technician he was certified and qualified as a Team Leader. While deployed he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal in March of 1991.
Upon VMFA-333 return and disbandment, Cpl Rose was transferred to VMFA-251, the Thunderbolts. His in-depth knowledge proved his worth to be qualified as a Quality Assurance Safety Observer. During his tour he deployed to Okinawa Japan and was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant Feb 1993. There he applied for and was accepted to attend Drill Instructor School.
Sgt Rose reported to Drill Instructor School January 1994. Upon graduation he was assigned to 2nd Battalion Echo Company where he served as a drill instructor, training a total of 5 platoons to become a part of the World’s best fighting force. He also served as a Drill Instructor while at Medical Rehabilitation Platoon (MRP) Headquarters and Service Battalion.
In May 1996, after the completion of a successful tour as a Drill Instructor, Sgt Rose reported to 1st MAW. There he served as an administrative clerk within Aviation Logistics Division (ALD). In Feb 1997, Sgt Rose received orders to MCLB Albany Ga. Assigned to Schools Platoon and Corporals course as a Chief instructor, his outstanding leadership and mentorship benefited Schools Company, reducing NJP’s and misconduct incidents from an average of 8 per month to zero. Sgt Rose was promoted to SSgt during this one year tour Apr 1997.
In July of 1998 SSgt Rose reported to VMAQ-3 the Moon Dogs, 2nd MAW MCAS Cherry Point NC. During his tour he deployed to Okinawa, Iwakuni, and Korea. While deployed he applied for and was selected to the Warrant Officer Program. He reported to Warrant Officer Basic Course Feb 2000. Upon graduation he reported to VMA-311 the Tomcats MCAS Yuma Arizona. WO Rose then deployed to Okinawa. During this deployment, the unfortunate event that rocked our Nation to its Core occurred September 11, 2011. WO Rose was appointed to CWO2 on Aug 2001. January 2003, the Tomcats deployed aboard ship (Bonhomme Richard) “Operation Iraqi Freedom” 1-1. CWO2 Rose went ashore to the Forward Operating Base for the Harrier reload Detachment aboard Al Jabber Kuwait.
After deployment CWO2 received orders to report to 1st MAW H&HS Squadron where he served as the Marine Liaison Station Weapons Ordnance Officer Kadena. In August 2004 he was appointed to CWO3. Continuing on a successful career path, CWO3 Rose applied for and was selected for the Limited Duty Officer Program (LDO). He was promoted to LDO Captain June 2005 and he reported to Marine Logistics Squadron (MALS) 36 Blade Runners. Captain Rose served as the ordnance officer, supervising all ordnance evolutions within the AOR of the western pacific.
In 2008, Capt Rose received orders to MALS 26 Patriots. There he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom 9.1-9.2 for 13 months. April 2011 he was promoted to Major. From June 2011 to March 2016 Major Rose served as the Marine Forces Reserve, 4th MAW ALD, Ordnance Officer. He reported to Marine Forces Pacific ALD, Camp H. M. Smith in April 2016 to serve as the MARFORPAC Ordnance Officer. He was promoted to his current rank LtCol in June 2016. LtCol Rose prides himself on his patriotic and rewarding career setting a positive example for all to emulate, instilling moral character and personal fortitude (which could not have been achieved without the outstanding and dedicated work efforts of the Marines he has served, thanks to the unselfish support of his family). His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4th Award), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th Award) and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award).
After a short retirement JC, attended Prime Inc CDL school. After successfully completing school and being certified as a professional driver, he excelled being mission oriented and focused driven and was nominated for the Veterans Transition To Trucking Driving For Excellence Award where he was one of three finalists. Once again JC’s superior performance was recognized as he was nominated for the Keys To Progress Veterans Commercial Truck Award, and was blessed to be selected as the 2022 recipient. JC has been an active ambassador for Veterans In Trucking and the St Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. He has volunteered and participated in the transportation of the Vietnam Wall That Heals and with Wreaths Across America. JC is active in his community and mentors the youth and assists the elderly. JC contributes to various charities and lives by his motto: “In Order To Stay In The Fight…You First Have To Be In It.” Be a part of something bigger than yourself.
Just like being a drill instructor, he enjoys being a trainer; training, guiding and mentoring new CDL holders to become professional drivers. He truly demonstrates by example – when you go through the door of success, don’t slam it shut, take someone with you.
He and Melissa have been married for 33 years. They have four children – three sons in the Navy (Operations Specialist, Corpsman and Information Technician), and a daughter who is an Occupational Therapist.
Craig Daniels
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area, Craig found inspiration in the bustling atmosphere created by nearby airports. By 16, he had already earned his private pilot and mechanics licenses, showcasing an early passion for aviation. After joining the Army and completing basic training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, Craig served 3.5 years in Germany as a recovery specialist, honing his skills in heavy equipment operation. His dedication was recognized in 1988 when he was named runner-up for Soldier of the Year for the 3rd Infantry Division. Following his return to the US in 1989, he was deployed to Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, further solidifying his commitment to service before retiring from the Army in 1994. Craig has a rich background in the trucking industry, with 20 years of experience in road construction before transitioning to over-the-road driving 14 years ago. He has been with Shaffer Trucking for the past 11 years and leverages his diverse experiences, including his Army service and work in a heavy equipment body shop, to mentor new drivers for Crete and Shaffer. In his spare time, Craig is an ambassador for the Joshua Chamberlain Society, where he showcases his Patriot Fleet “signature truck,” which serves as a canvas for honoring service members; as well as an ambassador and supporter of the St Christopher Trucker Relief Fund, educating those he mentors about their health management programs. Craig has also competed in the Nebraska Truck Driving Championships for the past three years, aiming for a spot at Nationals in 2025. Through his journey, Craig emphasizes the importance of focus, prioritizing what matters, and cherishing every moment.