North Ridgeville Review The Community That Cares
Here’s a heartwarming story of persistence and dedication that has paid off for an Ohio Purple Heart veteran turned professional truck driver.
North Ridgeville’s Joshua Kearney received a life-changing prize of a custom-built semi-truck (by former Discovery Channel stars, the Diesel Brothers) and $50,000! Joshua had his two children with him when he received his prize, making it an event for the whole family as he was nominated by his wife.
After reviewing thousands of entries, Pilot Company, North America’s largest travel center operator, has announced the winner of its 2026 Road Warrior Contest, which honors the professional drivers who keep America moving.
Kearney, a Purple Heart veteran and Kaplan Trucking driver, won the grand prize package – a new, custom Kenworth truck built by the Diesel Brothers and a $50,000 cash prize.
On October 27, from Kaplan Trucking’s HQ at 8777 Rockside Dr, Cleveland, Josh was surprised with the truck by the Diesel Brothers and leadership from Pilot, Kenworth and Kaplan.
Joshua was an active military service member from 2008 to 2012 and in the Army Reserve from 2013 through 2020, he was awarded the Purple Heart in 2011 after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan.
Joshua drives for one of Ohio’s oldest trucking companies, and holds a safe driving record of nearly 1 million accident-free miles. Nominated by his wife, Joshua’s role as a husband and father trumps his role as a professional driver, though his two young sons are already fascinated by their dad’s truck and love to watch him work on it.
