Schneider’s 2026 Ride of Pride driver: Greg Smith

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

When Greg Smith learned he would be Schneider’s 2026 Ride of Pride driver, he knew he would be touring the country in a truck wrapped to honor and recognize veterans, attending events like Wreaths Across America, Fourth of July celebrations and observances tied to the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.  

What Greg didn’t expect was that the experience would extend to something as simple as a stop at a fuel station.  

"Just this morning, I was getting fuel when someone came up and said, ‘Hey, that truck is awesome. Do you mind if I take some pictures?’” Greg said. “They were prior military, so we ended up sitting there sharing our stories.”  

Key takeaways

• Greg Smith served nearly 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, including 17 years with the Honor Guard, before becoming a truck driver.
• Greg chose Schneider in 2017 because its values of safety and integrity matched the Air Force's, and its many veteran associates eased his transition to civilian life.
• As Schneider's 2026 Ride of Pride driver, Greg tours the country in a truck honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
• The truck acts as a rolling tribute that allows people to share stories and reflect on those who served. 

Greg's time in the Military

Growing up skiing and hiking in Eagle River, Alaska, Greg knew he wanted an adventurous career. In 1987, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Over nearly 22 years, the Air Force took him to South Carolina, Florida, Hawaii and Greece. Greg started as a medic, specializing in allergy and immunization care, before moving into leadership roles focused on education and training. Later, he became a First Sergeant, responsible for more than 500 airmen.

“That experience prepares you to make decisions, sometimes very quickly, and not just for yourself,” he said. “You’re responsible for other people and their outcomes.”

Early in his career, Greg understood the responsibility that comes with serving his country. For the first 17 years, he volunteered for the Honor Guard, the official ceremonial unit of the U.S. Air Force. He eventually led the Honor Guard at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City Beach, Florida.

As a member of the Honor Guard, Greg participated in many ceremonies, including the burials of veterans. One of his most memorable experiences was the burial ceremony of a Tuskegee Airman, who was part of the group of Black pilots who broke racial barriers as the first Black aviators in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

“It’s one thing to read about it in a book or watch a movie, but to give them the honor of a proper burial really shows you their impact firsthand,” Greg said.

Deciding on truck driving and Schneider

After retiring from the military, Greg drove for a few trucking companies but found the experience lacking. When he joined Schneider in 2017, however, the alignment was clear.

For Greg, there were two major factors: Schneider’s values and its commitment to hiring veterans.

“First, when you look at the core values of Schneider and the core values of the Air Force, they match, especially the emphasis on safety and integrity,” Greg said. “Second, it’s hard to make a transition from military to a civilian job. At Schneider, the number of veterans already working here makes it much easier. I can work with people who understand how I’m wired, how I work and how I make decisions.”

For veterans seeking a career after military service, Greg recommends trucking as a strong option. Beyond the camaraderie and shared experience at Schneider, he believes the role offers something more.

“It’s peaceful. It’s tranquil. Sure, we deal with traffic, but I’m talking about things on a very personal level,” Greg said. “You can spend time reflecting and connecting with people you meet on the road. It’s on your terms.”

Joining the Ride of Pride

Ride of Pride is an initiative started by Daimler Truck North America to honor military service and sacrifice. The Cleveland, North Carolina manufacturing plant produces specially decorated Freightliner Cascadia trucks that serve as rolling tributes across the country. Since the program began in 2001, Schneider has received 15 Ride of Pride trucks.

The program’s history had already made an impression on Greg. He had seen two trucks at Schneider’s Phoenix facility, including the 2022 truck, which honored a cause especially meaningful to him — the Air Force Honor Guard.

When Greg was selected as the newest Ride of Pride driver, he was surprised.

“In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would be selected to drive a Ride of Pride truck,” Greg said. “Schneider has been given a great responsibility to honor all those affected by September 11 — our military, the civilians who lost their lives, the surviving family members, firefighters, police officers and our nation.”

Schneider’s 2026 Ride of Pride truck

The 2026 Ride of Pride truck acts as a platform to connect with survivors, first responders, veterans, Gold Star families and communities during the 25-year anniversary of 9/11. The driver’s side features a picture of the World Trade Center cross, a structural steel beam found in the rubble, and the passenger side represents the 2,983 names inscribed into bronze parapet surrounding the 9/11 memorial pools. 

Like the interaction Greg had at the fuel station, the truck serves as a rolling tribute. Each stop, whether planned or not, creates an opportunity for people to share their stories or take a moment to reflect.

“We all get tied up in our daily routine,” Greg said. “We go to work, spend time with family and handle everything else. But the truck is a reminder that our freedom isn’t free. There’s always a cost. Even if someone only sees it for a few seconds, it gives them a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women who served.”