THE LONG GAME - Ray Gardin

THE LONG GAME

Legend Nominee: Ray Gardin

This Legend driver is a true all-American hero. An Air Force veteran, third-generation trucker, loving husband and devoted father. His family were farmers, settled in the northern state of Illinois. Other close relatives served in the military, as well. He is the owner of Desert Storm, the 2002 Peterbilt 379 tribute truck; dedicated to honoring the soldiers of our great nation, their sacrifices, and victories – symbolizing freedom and patriotism.

His driving experience is versatile, having developed a knack for equipment at an early age that led to years of maintenance work. His interest in larger machinery grew, as did his impressive resumé. During his 10 years of service, he operated forklifts, drove 5-ton and 7-ton crane trucks, and transported flatbed trailers. He continued flatbedding afterwards, adding heavy equipment and RGN trailers to the mix. Now, he pulls a tanker from Wisconsin to Ohio two weeks at a time, returning home every other weekend.

This is the life story of professional truck driver, Ray Gardin. Known to many because of Desert Storm’s popularity, he carves out some time for an interview to discuss his life before reintroducing her back on the road. Ray shares with us his journey from a lifestyle of farming to his most influential years spent training in the military, and how settling down and becoming a family man pieced together the remaining parts of his life.

You see, the unique beauty that Desert Storm embodies doesn’t overshadow Ray, but highlights who he is as a person, a U.S. veteran, and truck driver.

WISE BEYOND HIS YEARS

Born in Kansas, Ray is the oldest of three children. His father served in the Army during the Vietnam era, later retiring and landing in sales working for different manufacturing companies. He relocated the family from Kansas to Illinois and then Iowa, eventually dropping anchor in Wisconsin. Ray’s mother tended to the kids and house, which we all know is a full-time position. Her father (Ray’s grandfather), managed their family farm, raising crops and cattle. He also drove a truck, joined by his sons (Ray’s uncles), hauling grain. Surrounded by truckers, it was only a matter of time before Ray caught the truckin’ bug. With mentors of such caliber, Ray shadowed his grandfather and uncles on into adulthood. One of his uncles in particular, he credits for the success of his trucking business today.

By age 5, Ray was riding farm equipment learning the purpose of each piece of machinery. Over the years, his need for understanding matured and his wealth of knowledge became far more advanced for a young boy. First, he was taught the purpose of respect, in the sense of one’s work and of their belongings. Taking care of equipment; cleaning, proper usage, etc. In addition to ongoing maintenance, all assist in the long-term life span of most all machinery, including vehicles. Ray continues to apply that information as an owner operator of two semi-trucks.

Though Ray lived in the city, they were a farm-based town surrounded by a lot of farm communities. And despite the perfect opportunity to do so, he never fell into the farmer’s lead. His passion centered around anything with a motor. In high school, he took trade classes to build upon his mechanical abilities. He studied engines, motorcycles, and snow mobiles. His friends that had hot rods would invite him over, together they worked in shops, learning as they went.

On his 18th birthday, Ray signed up for the U.S. Air Force. He still had a few months of school to attend before leaving for basic training, but he enlisted with full expectations of discovering a career. His father choose the Army, he had 5 cousins that are Marines, 2 in the Navy, and another in the Air Force – his family background is one to beam with pride.

As for his career field, he wanted to lean towards the technical aspect, and became an aircraft structural maintenance journeyman. Ray went on to complete boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base, located in San Antonio, Texas. Next, was 10 weeks of training spent at another Texas base, known as, Sheppard AFB. He finished his technical training following 10 additional weeks in Illinois, at Chanute AFB (now a decommissioned facility).

His first duty station was closer to home, Wurtsmith AFB (also decommissioned). He remained in Michigan for almost 3 years. Ray was then deployed to the Gulf War, serving in Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991). In 1992, back on U.S. soil instead of returning north, he was sent to Holloman AFB, located in New Mexico. There his unit assisted in establishing portable shelters for remote camps, while also assuming responsibility for the maintenance of the structures once complete.

Already qualified to operate forklifts, he gravitated to anything that involved moving equipment or construction type machinery. In the meantime, Ray trained to help load and transport flatbeds, gaining experience behind the wheel of big rigs. He remained at Holloman AFB for over 7 years, rounding out his military career in 2000.

MORE TO LIFE

Forced to pave a new way, Ray wanted to pursue the lane of transportation. Hired on as a laborer for a major utility corporation, his role consisted of locating sights, slicing cables, etc. – he also hauled equipment to and from the job sights. He did several OTR jobs and a few regional runs.

“I did it all there! I was the guy in the hole, who just finished driving the equipment around. I’d do everything: load it, deliver it, unload, and then switch hats and do the work on sight. It was a huge learning curve for me, as to what I wanted to do next.”

Ray decided to drive a truck full-time. He landed with an outfit back in his home state of Wisconsin running regional work, pulling flatbed. Then and there, driving for that trucking company, Ray says he reached a breakthrough. All of his military training that enforced perseverance and punctuality, paired with his strong family values of sheer grit and willpower, each milestone had its purpose that led to this exact moment of his new career. And in this chapter of his life, he was beginning to fill his own shoes; forming his own identity – he discovered his niche.

Then, along came Jennifer – his wife, life companion, (step)mother to his daughter, best friend, and keeper of his sanity. The couple met through a mutual friend and have been inseparable since. His only child, 15-year old, Kimberly formed an instant bond with Jennifer that any doting parent can recognize. Both ladies enjoy riding in the truck and attending trucking events as a family.

Ray came off the road and found work at a local factory, choosing to be home every night. Although his truckin’ days were assumed over, he kept his CDL and health card active. Their family time together mirrored his childhood; each individual pitching in on their daily duties and reuniting at the end of the day. His newfound daily routine was the final link he never knew was missing.

The Monday after Thanksgiving in 2015, Ray was diagnosed with colon cancer. He had ignored a number of red flags until Jennifer scheduled ‘the’ appointment that later confirmed their worst fear. Surgery was set for 3 weeks ahead of Christmas. It was a success! No further treatment, chemotherapy, or radiation was to follow. The cancer was completely curative through the operation…which opened their eyes to much more…

At the time of Ray’s diagnosis, he was painting for a factory. Jennifer was uncomfortable with the notion of him returning, due to the exposure of potentially harmful substances in paint. So, she entertained the idea of him getting back on the road. Ray says,

“As for my background in the Air Force in conjunction with painting, sheet metal, and aircraft work on B-52s, the paint job was essentially what I’ve been doing for years. The only other thing I’m good at is driving a truck. But we both knew that if I were to do this again, I was committing to getting my money’s worth.

It was a tough adjustment, for sure. I immediately went for long-haul… it was hard on them as much as it was for me. I think it’s so important to find a good balance between your career as a professional (in any field, not just trucking) and your life with family at home. It’s extremely difficult to do when you’re away on the road. It’s all about communication. Thankfully, my wife and daughter are amazing! They keep me grounded and respect what I do.”

SHE’S A 10

When the opportunity presented itself to purchase Desert Storm in June of 2017, Ray knew he couldn’t let it pass by. His military connection with her was made evident through the minor changes he implemented once he took ownership. As an Air Force veteran, he wanted to honor all Marines and preserve certain details, yet replace others; to avoid conveying misrepresentation, in regard to his fellow service members and the former owner. He hopes to add a few designs incorporating more Army content, for his father. Also the USS battleship (the second ship of the United States Navy), in honor of his home state of Wisconsin.

Desert Storm is a 379 Peterbilt flattop, with the American flag flying down the side of the hood. The back features the iconic image of U.S. soldiers during the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima – one of the specific designs that will remain untouched. Ray states that Desert Storm is his working truck but aims to have his show truck (1985 Kenworth KW100 cabover) available to compete in the near future.