FIXTITLE Robert Johnson.docx

BALL OF FIRE

The Story

Of

Robert Johnson

Over a period of nearly half a century, this Legends nominee has devoted himself to a profession that tests the limits of a person’s physicality, patience, and entire home life. You either rise to the high expectations required to perform to par or pursue another line of work. In this case, the trucking industry forged an individual, similar to a ball of fire.

Being from the south, hospitality and manual labor all fell under an honest day’s work. Robert Johnson, proud Alabama resident was born the middle son of a sharecrop farmer. His mother worked just as many hours as his father in a factory for many years to help support their family of five. Robert has been a real go-getter, since the beginning of elementary school, to be exact. Ambitious and curious, Robert found a way to earn his own keep. For twenty-five cents an hour, Robert shadowed his teacher’s husband at a plant nursery building plant beds, transplanting plants, and any other duties he could assist with. Gifted with such initiative, he was destined to be a man of influence. “I was only in the third grade then, but ever since I have never been without a job,” Robert said.

Carrying forth that constant vision to excel, as a teenager he was more than ready and willing to join his father on the farm. From loading and unloading trucks to driving equipment, Robert learned to multitask and favor the struggles of each task. Gladly taking a special interest in any activity, as long as he was found useful brought about some of his finest qualities. Kind in nature, Robert’s tireless work ethic pushed him into the forefront as a highly respected role model; a mover and shaker of the trucking industry. Currently with a lifetime record of 6 million miles, Robert’s influence has impacted lives, initiated change, and developed into success for others to admire. He is a person that makes things happen and gets things done. I once read a quote that fits Robert’s personal stamp to his trade:

“Your work is your own private megaphone to tell the world what you believe.”

___________________________________________________________________

A huge part of Robert’s successful career plays on his attention to detail. His directed focus and care to go great lengths has made him a valuable asset to his employer. Experienced, yet still concerned with his overall performance, Robert continues to work as vigilant as he did 48 years ago when he first entered the trucking industry young and eager. Extremely self-disciplined and determined to reach success, one may not recognize the opportunity to slow down. A ball of fire is an energetic person capable of action, alive and on the move. Robert is exactly that and then some. In the near future Linda, his wife wishes for the two to retire and begin their next adventure together.

Robert and Linda were married in 1999. Before Robert, she was not familiar in the strains of marriage that came with being a trucker’s wife. However, the couple’s distress of being newlyweds brought them closer as husband and wife. Linda explains, “We treasure our time together. Robert dedicates himself to his job and absolutely loves what he does, but he also dedicates everything he has to our marriage. Because of trucking, we have built a much stronger relationship. I have had to face a number of my own fears and phobias. Such as, living alone and away from my family. Robert and I had to depend on each other. I feel it is Robert’s dedication, faithfulness, and the fact he can be alone for several hours and be independent that has allowed him to be so great at what he does. I remember praying for God to send me a good man. Then, I met him while shopping at a Pier 1. There he was! I have no doubt in my mind that God was listening.” The day of their wedding, Robert and Linda gathered together with a few family members and friends at Linda’s sister’s backyard for their ceremony. Standing hand and hand, the two exchanged vows along the banks of Logan Martin Lake on what they jokingly titled, Pier 2. Though their backgrounds and working careers may differ, they share similarities in their common goals, while mirroring each other’s fun and upbeat personalities.

Raised on a farm, depending on the harvest season, the land was used year-round for cotton, corn, grain or peanuts. Growing up Robert balanced his daily chores, school studies, and extra curriculums. He enjoyed playing all sports: track, baseball and football; proving talented in all, excelling in baseball until his late 40’s. Blessed with a favorable upbringing, one main benefit that impacted his future was the many influences of his uncles. “All of my uncles were truck drivers. I remember riding with them back when I was eight years old. Another memorable time, when I was in junior high I’d go with one uncle and help deliver milk to stores. I would also go on runs with my other uncle on his bread truck. I became a jack of all trades and a master of none,” Robert said. From working with his family, tending to the farm and spending time out on the road with his uncles, all factors helped nudge Robert in the right direction. He says, “Being around trucks all of my life, I’ve always liked them. I knew that trucking was something that I eventually wanted to do.” His desire to drive a truck had good timing, except the world’s conflicts called upon our nation’s military forces, halting any plans for oneself until times of war came to a cease.

___________________________________________________________________

In 1967, at the age of 18 Robert didn’t wish to wait for his name to be drafted. Instead, he approached a military recruiter only to be informed of a waiting period for that branch. Impatient and headstrong, he spoke with another serviceman inquiring how soon he can enlist, should he decide on joining that line of military. Robert explained, “The Air Force had a two year wait list, but the war over in Vietnam was going strong and I told myself that I didn’t think I can stand to wait that long. I wanted to go now! So I talked with another recruiter with the Army and just asked him, ‘How fast can you get me?’ And he replied with, ‘How fast you want to go?’ I told him the sooner the better.” That discussion took place on a Wednesday, the Army recruiter called that Friday, Robert made his way to Jacksonville, Florida by Monday and picked up his bus ticket straight to Orlando. He stayed until Sunday and took his physical. Next, he was told that he had two options. One, he could return home for 30 days. Or two, go now. “I told him that I was here now, let’s just go! I came back that Tuesday, was sworn in Wednesday morning, and by 3 o’clock I was headed to Fort Benning, Georgia for basic training.”

During 1968 and again in 1969, Robert was sent overseas. He states, “My primary MOS was crew chief and door gunman, but in Vietnam you did whatever needed to be done. Sometimes I would tote the radio in the field. Anything else I could do, I did. I went over to Nam with my unit and came back with my unit.” His next statement adds that extra bit of good-feeling to his testimony. “See, I was born and raised in the area of Enterprise, Alabama. Then, I served aboard the USS Enterprise.”

Among his several achievements obtained while serving in the Army, also came hardship. Though his grit and willpower appeared fearless, his skin grew thick with many tears shed from the sacrifices of war. Lives were lost and medals of honor were presented, but Robert’s demeanor never wavered. He remains the same humble individual that simply wants to make a difference in the world, only now he has a box of commemorations given in respect for his valor. He received the Purple Heart in 1968. This United States military medal is awarded to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military. Sadly, Robert’s best friend lost his life within arm’s reach during combat. He accepts his battle scars and medal in honor of his friend. Also in his case, lay the Bronze V Device presented for acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy. The other ribbons acknowledge his bravery, courage, and strength displayed as a soldier. Robert enlisted in the Army as a teenager, fought in war as a man, and now proudly supports our nation’s economy not only as a professional truck driver, but as a decorated veteran with a heart of gold.

Luckily for Robert when he left his family’s farm, he didn’t have to put his dreams of trucking on hold for too long. His opportunity to drive a truck became available sooner than he imagined. Some of his earliest memories of trucking derived from his time serving. After years spent idolizing his uncles, now his time had come. “When we weren’t out on a mission, we were traveling back and forth getting fuel or supplies. I was licensed to drive anything that had rubber wheels on it. A lot of my time behind the wheel was in a tanker, hauling jet fuel,” he says. Since then, he has transported everything, except cars or logs and has pulled doubles and even triples.

After the Army, Robert settled back into civilian life retreating to his initial plans of pursuing a trucking career. Unfortunately, his experience of operating 2 ½ ton trucks over in foreign lands was not enough on paper to secure a truck driving position. Under the age of 23, with less than three years of training far outweighed the obvious. His frustration never got the best of him. Determined, he applied everywhere and continued to do so until he was given one shot. That’s all he needed. Finally, a trucking company based out of Florida cut him a break and Robert didn’t waste any time hitting the road.

Over the span of 48 years, Robert has traveled the country running OTR and local, as an owner operator and company driver. “I am proud to be a truck driver. The industry has come a long way, but it’s a good one to be a part of. I took one year off, but not by choice. I came out of retirement because the company I work for is that good to me. I work harder now than I ever have! I run jobs all day, delivering loads of cabinets. I love what I do! I have enjoyed everything I’ve done in my life and wouldn’t change a thing,” he said.

In 2013, Robert was diagnosed with stomach cancer; non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). He spent 23 days in the hospital after surgery and found retirement as a means to their unexpected situation. Refusing to take anything laying down, Robert made a full recovery. A year later, at the age of 66 he returned to trucking, driving for the same company, Legacy Cabinets. This time strictly local work… per Linda’s peace of mind.

Robert has been a huge team player at Legacy Cabinets for 16 years. He is well appreciated among the staff and considered one of the top elite drivers of the company. Legacy Cabinets is located in Eastaboga, Alabama. The thriving cabinet business was founded in 1994 by five partners and have expanded their operation from the original building consisting of 48,000 square feet to 535,000 square feet. Robert advices any driver in his shoes to find a good trucking company and stick with them. “Here at Legacy Cabinets, I work for great people. We have a good 401K and I get paid for every mile, with good benefits. Benefits now, mean everything! One day you’re going to get old and that’s when you will see what you’ve really worked for.”