BEAUTIFUL WARRIOR - William Rowlett
BEAUTIFUL WARRIOR
Legend Nominee: William Rowlett
The Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) emblem represents an order of warriors that have served the United States armed forces on foreign soil or in hostile waters. The programs made available through the VFW extend nationwide, created to directly assist veterans of all wars and generations. Their mission also includes educational knowledge of patriotism and the valued principles of Americanism, of which the organization was founded.
Owner operator, William (Bill) Rowlett of Ohio is known by many as a family man and loving husband. Though, for the latter part of two years he has taken on full assignment as the representative of VFW’s “rolling billboard.” An Army veteran and life-member of the VFW, Bill’s devotion to the organization is immeasurable.
“To be the one to represent the VFW in this truck and help bring attention to who we are and what our institution stands for is an absolute honor. The trucking industry is universal – it consists of people from all nationalities and backgrounds – where more and more veterans are finding work. I’m the bridge that connects the VFW to an industry that has helped veterans, such as myself, provide for our families.”
ALTERNATE ROUTE
Born in 1972, Bill grew up in Canaan, Indiana where his family owned and operated a tobacco farm. Grandparents on both sides of the family pitched in, his parents had their share of responsibilities, as did he. Along with farming, his father was a full-time engineer for a local plastic factory, while his mother took on additional jobs to earn extra income for the household.
Despite a full day’s schedule, everyone worked the fields – from the plowing and sowing of the seeds, harvesting crops, to taking their goods to the buyer – each individual had a hand in the process and progress of the family business. Many long, exhausted days deep with old school values, molded his strength in character; with a heart of armor and unbreakable willpower, those early principles are what guided Bill during his most challenging years as an adult. Once he left the family farm to discover his own path, life’s journey took him down the road less traveled.
Raised in a rural area, the quaint country lifestyle appealed to Bill’s humble charm. He was active in sports, playing baseball and football as a teen with intentions to continue his education into bible college. His willingness to be of service to others laid heavy on his heart, studying Christian ministry was the lane he had hoped would help prepare him to step into the role of a preacher. With eyes full of unconditional love and a desire to spread the gospel in good faith, he put his plans of attending bible college on hold to pursue another career in a field that also needed people willing to make a change. It was a calculated choice – one that altered his future in ways he had never expected.
Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 becoming a combat engineer (12B).
“Being on a farm all of my life, I wanted to pick an exciting career – dealing with explosives and demolition is what I went with. I was young and more than ready to do something for my country. I bleed red, white and blue, always have. I love America, it’s where anything and everything is possible. I never hesitated to join, serving in the military is something that I needed to do, not just for myself, but for our country and those that can’t stand up for what they believe in,” Bill said.
Once out of the Army, Bill returned to Indiana December of 1993. The experiences he encountered while deployed overseas shifted his entire course of life moving forward. For several months, Bill lived on the streets of Indianapolis, eating out of dumpsters, surviving on rain water. That is until one day, he was approached by a gentleman; he introduced himself as a VFW representative. After observing and contemplating the stranger’s compassion and kindness, Bill accepted his help. He was taken to the VA hospital, then to a Salvation Army where he received food, clothing, and a safe place to rest.
In addition to receiving the care and full support of the VFW, Bill was able to rediscover his confidence, reconnect with his family and re-enter the work force. In the process of establishing his new starting point, while waiting on-site for a job interview, he met his wife, Kimra; a native of Plymouth, Indiana. The following year the two were wed July 2nd, 2003. Together they share 5 grandchildren and sons, Donavan (31), Emmanuel (28) and daughter, Chantalle (26). More than appreciative of the opportunity he received to redirect his life back on track, he has since dedicated his recovery and subsequent time to the VFW.
THE BIG PICTURE
Once a member of the VFW, Bill naturally wanted to be as active as possible. He participated with events, helped promote the organization, and offered council to veterans or connected them with the proper channels to receive further aid. Driving professionally over-the-road pulling produce, he mulled over a few ideas on how to widen his audience when the perfect project came to mind. Stating,
“It was a no brainer! I remember thinking, I travel everywhere, and everyone notices semi-trucks because they’re massive. Why not use mine as a large rolling billboard for the VFW. It took years of deliberating before it was all complete, but I’m glad that it all worked out. Driving the VFW truck has opened so many doors to connect with other veterans. The recognition it receives never ceases to amaze me. If I can grab the attention of one veteran through this truck and give him or her the help that the VFW gave me, then I have served my purpose.”
Bill and Kimra purchased the 2013 Peterbilt 587 in 2016. The 2-year old design took 3 years for approval and is currently the first (and only) VFW semi-tractor created. At the beginning of Bill’s driving career, Kimra joined him on the road. Now he remains out a month at a time with his miniature pinscher, Squeaky. When home they typically enjoy 4 or 5 days off, catching up with the family and maintenance work on the truck.
During one particular outing with his wife, the couple were traveling the state of Washington across the Snoqualmie Pass, known for rapidly changing conditions due to weather – proven hazardous for all vehicles – especially semi-trucks. The steep incline and decline of the mountains required placement of chains on the tires for stable traction. Neither had driven with chains before, nor installed them. Kimra googled instructions and together they proceeded to chain the tires in the midst of a snowstorm; an adventurous tale for the books. Their time on the road together now is through cell phones, or the occasional road trip, but none comparable to that experience.
Bill has accumulated over 1 million miles throughout his 14 years as an owner operator. His driving experience includes pulling flatbed, reefer, and dry van. Before finding his niche in the trucking industry, he was in the dump truck business running his own crew stemming from construction work. Reverting back to his earlier days when attending bible college was on his agenda, the desire to follow as an example to Jesus weighed heavy on his decision to become a carpenter.
Cattle and horse barns first caught his eye, he associated the structures with his family roots. Stating, “I went on to build pole barns all across America. Every day people needed them for shelter and their animals. Being able to build these units allowed me to help farmers in a way that I knew would make a difference in a positive way.” He worked in construction for 10 years, until a back injury forced him out of the business, landing him in the seat of a dump truck.
UNITED AS ONE
Bill landed a driving position with a contractor leased on to a major trucking carrier. Within a few months, he opted to purchase a truck of his own and went into business for himself. After 10 years of successfully running their trucking operation, Bill and Kimra hit the road in a second truck – a 2005 Freightliner. With a quick turn of events, Bill was involved in an accident that totaled the truck, leaving him depressed and unsure if he would ever return.
Walking away from the horrific collision was a miracle in itself, though afterwards the haunting images of the unexpected reoccurring brought about a fear that plagued Bill’s subconscious. A warrior at heart, with time he found his way back – thankfully so, being that he is the perfectly suited vessel to pilot America’s VFW truck. The personal battles Bill has survived to become the man so many adore today continue through the lives of millions of other people, each fighting to overcome life’s stumbling blocks. One climb at a time – just as you catch sight at the top of one barrier, another has presented itself. Big or small, with the right timing, a hurdle can easily knock the highest qualified contender to their knees. It’s the old war-horse mentality that won’t let a hero give up.
Bill explains that for him, his experience in the military helped him transition into the role of a truck driver, having been accustomed to solidarity. Which is another reason he feels the trucking industry attracts military veterans. The obligations required of professional truck drivers involve sacrifice, dependability and persistence – traits a soldier pledges to his country under oath. Also, the comraderie within the trucking community favors the brotherhood Bill shares with his fellow veterans. The long open road, traveled for hours on end are where happy memories can play over and over, thoughts are spoken in silence, and distance serves as a refuge. The amenities of a big rig can offer far more than the comforts of a home on 18 wheels. I’ve been told by several veterans that trucking has given healing, comfort, and peace. But most of all, purpose.
The trucking industry is a necessary means of survival for any business, and provider of daily essentials needed for every household. As truck drivers, their entire existence is for the benefit of the people. Bill’s aspiration to become a preacher many moons ago, has finally caught flight with the same purpose: to give hope to those in need. The VFW truck represents people of courage and the great nation of America.
For we are all beautiful warriors weaved together through life as brothers and sisters of this country.