FIXTITLE Sean McEndree Sr.docx
PEARLS AMONG US
The Story
Of
Sean McEndree Sr.
Did you know that the pearl is the oldest known gem? They are unlike any other gem in the world. Pure, natural formed pearls are made inside of a living creature, such as an oyster or mollusk. On rarer occurrences, a natural pearl can be produced by a clam or conch. Pearls are formed when an irritant becomes trapped in the mollusk. Sort of like a splinter entering the oyster. To protect itself, the mollusk naturally covers the foreign substance (ex.; splinter) with layers of material that is also used to create its shell, called nacre. Over time, the object becomes covered with enough layers of nacre, a pearl is formed.
On the outside the coating nacre of the pearl looks smooth, appearing perfectly-polished to the eye, but the nacre is actually made of millions of tiny crystals that cause diminutive imperfections, creating a genuine pearl. Pearls come in a variety of colors. Did you also know that the majority of naturally-occurring pearls were anything but round? Most are developed in a pear-shaped, making completely round pearls extraordinarily rare. Some believed pearls were created as tears of heaven. They represent the symbol of purity and transformation.
Opposite a diamond, not sparkling or flashy. Pearls are very simple, yet beautifully flawed. A pearl is basically created from life, developed a tough exterior, and made visually intact. But if you look closer you will find imperfection despite its shell being covered in mud and seaweed, trailing the ocean’s bottom surface. To me, a pearl presents an image of complete change at its purest. The entire process to become a pearl requires harmony and humility. The end result; the pearl, that is what you are left with.
I feel there are many pearls among us, in various forms. A single mother struggling to provide for her children. Grandparents left to raise babies in a very different generation. Or a young child with a rough upbringing, having to find their way all alone in the world. We, as people adapt to change in order to survive. Our struggles cause our skin to become thick, our perseverance wills us to be strong-minded… or as some say, stubborn.
This Legends nominee is one of the most humble, respectful, and diligent individuals that I have had the pleasure of interviewing. His testimony of early hardships and strife, to surviving combat and loss has all merged together making Sean McEndree Sr. one exceptional inspiration. He is the pearl of strength, courage and valor.
Sean was born in Kentucky, but raised in Iowa. His mother had four children in all, two boys and two girls. Sean’s oldest brother passed away before Sean was born. By the time he was 18, he lost a sister too. Determined to provide for her family, Sean’s mom worked long hours trying to make ends meet. “Growing up, we were poor and didn’t have much. My mother did what she could for us. I had a troubled childhood. I spent some time in group homes and with foster families,” Sean said. With his mother’s determination, Sean took on many adult responsibilities at an early age. By 17, he was living on his own in an apartment and working full-time. He continues, “I did everything on my own. At the time, I wanted to prove that I didn’t need anybody. I worked in fast food restaurants, on a hog farm, and did construction work too. But I was headed down the wrong road.” The next year, his sister was killed in a car accident. She was only 19 years old.
In the wake of tragedy, Sean knew a change needed to be made. “I didn’t like who I was becoming. Looking back, I wasn’t a good person. I decided then that it was time to quit being a drifter. So I joined the military.” In 1991, Sean enlisted in the Army National Guard. He completed his basic training at Fort Benning and spent the following eight years serving. October of 1996, he moved back to Iowa. While still active duty, he and a buddy occupied their off time attending classes at a truck driving school to obtain their CDL. In 1998, Sean relocated to California and landed a job driving motocross rigs for Kawasaki and FMF Racing, until 2001. When 911 struck America, Sean’s plans took him back to square one.
Sean states that making the choice to serve his country was the best decision he ever made. As a teenager spiraling out of control, joining the military completely changed his life. His obligation to himself and his country was to be a man that people could rely on. In 2003 he returned to the Army, active duty. February 2004, he was deployed to Iraq. Two months later, Sean took a direct blast and was severely injured during combat. He suffered a gunshot wound to his right shoulder, dislocated his pelvis, lost his gall bladder, parts of his right lung, diaphragm and liver. Sean returned to the states, while going through rehab, recovering from his life-threatening injuries he met Sgt. Meza.
“He would always check on me. He did my laundry. He would go grab food for me. He was a class act. A really good guy.”
Stationed at Fort Hood in Texas, near the hospital, Sean was able to get the help he needed in more ways than expected. Aside from rehabilitation, being around other wounded soldiers provided a type of comfort that allowed him to gain strength from within by helping those around him. He soon got involved with a non-profit program called, Ride 2 Recovery. It is a Veterans Program, founded in 2008 with a mission statement to ‘Save lives by restoring hope and purpose.’ Ride 2 Recovery serves over 10,000 veterans, offering an outreach of five cycling programs to participate in. The efforts of the organization encouraged Sean to focus on healing in a positive way and to keep pushing forward. In 2004, Sean was inducted in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, as a Purple Heart Recipient.
Also in 2004, on his mother’s birthday Sean met his wife, Diane. The two shared an instant connection and tied the knot that same year on December 2nd. A month later, he was discharged from the Army. His next alternative was trucking. He says, “From being in the military my mind never shuts down, but trucking is the outlet I need to keep me busy. If I could, I would still be a soldier. Second to my family, it’s the best thing I ever did in my life.”
Sean started his own business, Veterans Express in 2005 and purchased his first truck in 2006. It was a 2005 Peterbilt 379. He turned it into a rolling memorial to honor his close friend, Sgt. Meza.
“When I was going through rehab, he was there for me. But when it came time, I couldn’t be deployed with him… and he was killed.”
No longer overseas, Sean still faces his own personal battles. A victim of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) causes him to relive events over and over. Uncontrollable thoughts and flashbacks replay in his mind, while other days he recreates how things may have been different. He explains what has helped him gain strength through it all. Just hearing him speak, compared to the adolescent teen he described earlier, he is forever a changed man; for the better.
“If anyone can use my life experiences and hear my story to help them find their way back too, then I need to share it all. I still suffer from PTSD. And to anybody else that is, don’t think that you’re alone because you’re not. Don’t be afraid to call a friend. Reach out to someone. ANYONE. Being able to talk has helped me tremendously. With Ride 2 Recovery, being around other wounded veterans was also huge for me. Witnessing strength, knowing what all we endured was empowering. And having my wife too! She has stood by me through the good, the bad, and the worst. All of these helped me find good days again. Seeing a dog makes me happy. It’s the little things. Many others can relate, but we have to work at it.”
Proud of his truck commemorating his war hero, Sean began showing his truck at a few events and found the competitions beneficial, in a therapeutic manner. “I first started doing truck shows back in 2005. With trucking I’m constantly working, which is good. And truck shows keep my mind occupied. There is so much involved that requires my focus. Polishing, cleaning, the preparation for all of it.”
Coming into 2015, Sean was itching to design another truck. A friend put him in touch with Dan Brown of DB Kustom Trucks. Dan and his brother, Dave Brown created a lease to purchase program, offering owner operators the opportunity to build custom working show trucks. Based out of Antioch, Illinois DB Kustom Trucks believe in helping drivers own the truck of their dreams. With their mentor program available, Dan and Dave assure the success of each driver’s trucking career through the 24/7 support system consisting of drivers, dispatch, and mechanical specialists.
Sean looked into the history of DB Kustom Trucks and spoke with prior drivers for more details. He wanted to be 100% sure of their business before moving forward. “I’ve had 20 years’ experience in the trucking industry now, as a company driver and owner operator. The dedication to being an owner operator will test you to your limits. You’ll either make it or you won’t. Your truck is your baby. Your responsibility,” Sean said. His main concern was the truck he was about to take on. Putting in the hard work was not the issue. “I did my research on DB Kustom Trucks first and found they were of quality trucks. That was the key.”
Dan knew after speaking with Sean that his last build was in memory of his friend. In return, Dan wanted to design Sean’s (current) truck around him, as a tribute for his sacrifice. Sean’s 2006 Peterbilt 379 was created in resemblance to his Purple Heart Medal. On the back of the truck reads the name, Band of Brothers. Inscribed with the words:
WE FEW, WE HAPPY FEW
WE BAND OF BROTHERS,
FOR HE WHO SHEDS HIS BLOOD
WITH ME TODAY SHALL BE
MY BROTHER FOREVER.
The process of building Sean’s truck began the middle of May, 2015. He picked it up December 11th. He says, “I am truly humbled by Dan’s dedication he put into this truck and the entire program. They’re the kind of guys everyone can look up to. I drive with pride knowing that I have one of the premier trucks out there. And DB Kustom Trucks made that possible. It’s achievable. If I can, anyone can.” Sean runs 6 to 8 weeks at a time, making his way home every 3 weeks for a weekend, before heading right back out. He is a firm believer that if the truck is not moving, it’s not making any money. With that mindset, it’s no wonder he has over 3 million miles under his belt. “I pull tanker to all 48, plus Canada but I go wherever the load needs to go. Some places I’m not a fan of, but it’s work. You do what needs to be done to get the job done.”
His future goal is to grow a small fleet of four more trucks and employ combat wounded veterans. In doing so, he hopes to help others establish a more stable position within the industry. Eventually giving them the foundation needed to start again. Until then, he says he will continue his own journey. “For now, I just want to provide the best future for my family. Maybe with the business I’ll have a little legacy to pass on to my boys. They have all supported me, so I want to give them things I never had,” he said. Between he and Diane, they have a total of seven kids. From youngest to oldest: Sean Jr. (10), twins Brandon and Bryce (16), Sarah (18), Tori (20), Trenton (21) and Andrew (22). He credits his wife and family for his success; they are his backbone. “I like to be on the go. My wife says that I have a gypsy soul. Trucking is the perfect fit for me. My family fully support what I do and allow me to do it.”
After taking eight years off, Sean is back to competing in truck shows with his DB Kustom Truck. At this year’s 2016 Mid-America Trucking Show, Sean’s Band of Brothers took home the People’s Choice Award. Another accomplishment was entering the Great Lakes Truck Show in Dundee, Michigan and winning Best of Show Working Bobtail. Between all three of his show trucks he has never taken home the trophy for first place in that division until now. Of the three truck shows he entered for 2016, he has already won ten trophies.
While at home he enjoys spending time with his family. They always try to schedule plans in order to make the best of his home time. Being a good father and husband is extremely important to him. He understands the influence a person’s role can make in one life. He would like to dedicate this article to his true inspiration behind his choice of becoming a soldier. “Our Vietnam veterans are my heroes. I personally want to extend a welcome home to all of them because they didn’t get it. The military changed my life and these veterans changed our nation.”
BRAGGING RIGHTS
2006 Peterbilt 379
Band of Brothers
Caterpillar C15 Acert Engine/767HP 18 Speed Transmission
63 IN Flat Top Sleeper, Low Pro 24.5 Tires, 336 Rears, 280 IN Wheelbase