Joel Tarmann selected as the November Trucker Buddy of the Month

“There could be no better ambassador of children and their education
than Mr. Joel Tarmann, our loved and esteemed Trucker Buddy, whom
we nominate for Trucker Buddy of the Month. Joel is the role model
that so perfectly matches high ideals, learning, and dreams on a
personal level for each and every student in my fourth grade classroom.
Our quaint, friendly, Midwestern town has the grand opportunity to see
beyond its borders because of the geographic connections Joel
creates,” says teacher Dara Jendrey.

Joel, who drives for Wal-Mart, taught the Fieldcrest Elementary School
classroom about his passion for our country, and portrays his
patriotism through these visits. Joel has connected the class with the
Peoria National Air Guard, and their mission. He coordinated with
Lieutenant Colonel Baker and other veterans to have them share their
past and current missions in volatile places in the world, and how the United States influences other countries bringing them into the modern world.

Ms. Jendrey said, “Joel is the most humble "teacher" I know, and leaves his special lessons on our hearts. I have seen, in the four years that I have had the privilege of having him as our Trucker Buddy, many young boys who do not have a father figure at home, bond with him, and speak as highly of him as one would of their own dad.” When Joel visits the school, he brings "Daisy the Dog" a stuffed animal and class mascot for an impromptu but educational learning event.

During these hard economic times are difficult for many these days, and Joel and his family donate much needed school supplies and classroom amenities throughout the year to brighten the learning paths of our fourth graders. The former students often come back to visit and ask about Joel's where-a-bouts, and the class proudly display the class photographs taken in previous years as happy memories.

“He should be the Trucker Buddy of the Month because he teaches us to the world and brings guests in to teach us to respect ourselves too,” says on of the students.