SALUTE A SIMPLE

Latravis Wilcox drives for Prime’s refrigerated division, but his first career was in the Marine Corps.

BY ETTIE BERNEKING

Why did you decide to enlist?

I was being rebellious, and everyone told me not to join the Marines, but I wanted to join and serve my country. Serving my country was very important to me and doing it as a Marine made it that much more special.

What was your first deployment?

I went to Korea and was there for eight months. That was my first time ever leaving the United States. It was a sight to see. Additionally, I’ve participated in many deployments and have served in several combat tours including Iraqi Freedom and operation Enduring Freedom. Freedom isn’t free but it’s worth fighting for.

What were the skills you learned while enlisted?

I learned to be honored to be a part of something bigger than yourself. I also learned time management and the importance of accomplishing a mission. If you get assigned a task or a mission, you find a way to make it happen, and you fill in the gaps along the way. We are trained to be successful and settle for nothing less.

Why did you decide to retire?

I think this goes for anyone who is about to retire… The first time I said I was going to retire, I didn’t. But in the end, I wanted to spend more time with my children before they become adults. I’ve done all these great things in the Marines, but I wanted to move on to the next chapter of my life.

What are you most proud of from your time in the Marines?

I was in the Marines for 23 years. And honestly, training new Marines is what I’m proudest of. There are so many people who I’ve had person- al interactions with, and I’ve helped them reach their goals of becoming a Marine or a sailor. It was an honor to be a part of the initial transformation of a civilian to a marine.

Did you have a plan for when you returned to civilian life?

When I enlisted in the Marines, I enlisted in transportation. Anything that had wheels on it, I drove it. I did that for five years, but I would always joke that I didn’t want to be a truck driver. I eventually changed focus to avionics. Then when I finally retired, I planned on going into the trucking industry. It was just a matter of when, but I didn’t do anything for about a year and a half when I first retired. My cousin and I got some land in South Georgia and tried farming before he and I got our CDLs. He went to Prime, but I returned to farming for a bit. I would help people cut grass; I built sheds… I did a little of everything. I was basically a handyman. I liked the change in tempo and I liked being outdoors. I suddenly had time to do the things I really enjoyed doing like visiting friends and family. Eventually, I was online and put in an application at a trucking company. I got a call back and figured it was time to go back to work. I eventually followed my cousin to Prime.

What is it about trucking that makes it a good fit for you?

In the military they tell you you’re going to see the world, and when I got back into trucking as a civilian I realized there was so much more of the United States that I hadn’t seen. I get to see it now that I drive a truck. I always thought I had been across the country, but I’m seeing so much more now. I am honored being a veteran, who transition into the trucking industry. This is just like the military—it allows me to keep serving my country by providing an essential service. “The mission continues.”