Knoxville, TN – Pilot Flying J has announced the winners of its seventh annual Road Warrior contest.

On Wednesday, the truck stop giant awarded the top prize of $10,000 to Eric Britton of Clarksville, TN.

Britton, who was nominated by his wife, served for 15 years in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and then as a driver delivering supplies to military units.

After retiring from the Army, Britton became a professional driver for First Fleet and was recently awarded for his 19 years and two million miles of safe driving.

“To be named the 2020 Road Warrior means so much and I’m very thankful,” said Britton. “My advice to other drivers is to slow down, take your time, be aware of what’s around you and always display professionalism. It’s truly an honor to represent my company and be recognized in this way. Thank you for believing in me.”

Pilot Flying J partnered with First Fleet and Britton’s family to surprise him with the news.

The inspiring moments were captured on video. (watch below)

After thousands of entries and countless inspiring stories, this year’s Road Warrior has been selected. Congratulations to Eric Britton! pic.twitter.com/GusbsyMEAi

— Pilot Flying J (@PilotFlyingJ) August 25, 2020

Pilot Flying J also awarded $5,000 to second place winner Zdenko Zalac, of Clinton, OH, and $2,500 to third place winner Mona Beedle, of Auburndale, FL.

Zalac is an owner-operator and has been driver for over 20 years with more than three million accident free miles to his credit.

Beedle has been a professional driver for more than 30 years for RayLee Transport.

In addition, nominators of the first, second and third place winners also received a $500 prize.

“Our annual Road Warrior contest is just one way we celebrate and recognize how much professional drivers mean to the world,” said Shameek Konar, chief strategy officer for Pilot Flying J. “Especially during these challenging times, professional drivers are delivering the goods we depend on while going above and beyond to help people and communities along the way.

To read more about the Road Warrior winners and learn about the contest, click HERE.

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