KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Pilot Flying J announced the winners of its third annual Road Warrior campaign. Jacqueline Rocha of Acworth, Ga; Kevin Mailand of Lawrence, Kan.; and Charles Johnson of Dubuque, Iowa; have been named the grand, second and third place Road Warrior winners, respectively.

In September 2016, Pilot Flying J kicked off the annual online contest to thank professional drivers for keeping the nation moving by recognizing those who demonstrate hard work, perseverance and passion for their craft. The company also asked Americans to nominate “heroes on the road” who go the extra mile to get the job done right. As winners of the third annual Road Warrior campaign, Rocha will receive $10,000, Mailand will receive $5,000 and Johnson will receive $2,500, and all will join an exclusive group of past program winners.

“We are always so inspired by the passion and determination of professional drivers,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J, in a press release. “All three winners, and so many of their fellow drivers, are excellent representations of the professional driver community, and we are thrilled to recognize them with this Road Warrior honor.”

The new Road Warriors are each making strong contributions to the professional driving community in their own, unique ways.

• Jacqueline Rocha, grand prize winner: As a long haul driver who joined the professional driving community just after she turned 21, Rocha is an advocate for the industry, encouraging millennials and females to consider careers in trucking. 
• Kevin Mailand, second place winner: Mailand, who was nominated by his wife, is a second-generation long haul driver with more than 30 years of professional driving experience.
• Charles Johnson, third place winner: Johnson earned his Road Warrior stripes for his 43 years of professional driving experience, having driven through all 50 states and all providences of Canada.

“More than anything, I’m incredibly humbled to join a great group of past Road Warrior winners,” Rocha said. “I’ve met countless hardworking professional drivers over the course of my time behind the wheel, many of whom inspire me daily with their passion for this amazing industry. This award wouldn’t be possible without the mentors who came before me to help shape my career.”