Eric Hoff has notched about 2 million miles as an Exchange motor vehicle operator, and while his normal East Coast route often takes him to Florida, his trip to Orlando this week is special—he’s there to receive a National Private Truck Council All-Star Award.
“I’m very humbled. I never thought I would be selected—I just do my job every day,” said Hoff, who served 22 years in the Air Force and is now in his 22nd year with the Exchange. “My motto is ‘Happy to be here. Proud to serve.’”
Hoff is the seventh Exchange driver to be named an NPTC All Star since the awards were introduced in 2009 to recognize an exceptional commitment to safety, compliance and customer service. NPTC is a trade association that advocates on behalf of private trucking fleets and their drivers and co-sponsors the award along with International Truck/Navistar.
“Eric is one of the most upstanding people I have ever met,” said Scott Munley, Motor Vehicle Operator Foreman for Dan Daniel Distribution Center. “Contained in the AAFES name is the word ‘Service’—Eric gets that. He’s big on honor, he’s trustworthy, he’s loyal.”
Though Hoff was familiar with the Exchange from his years of service, he started his Exchange career after chatting with his neighbor, Edgar Mincey, an Exchange Driver of the Year and NPTC Hall of Fame inductee.
“I told [Mincey] I was getting ready to retire from the Air Force and would love to live out my childhood dream of driving 18-wheelers,” Hoff said. “He told me to get my CDL and three years of experience, and he would help me get a job with the Exchange.”
Hoff received his award along with 18 other drivers on Sept. 8 at the NPTC National Safety Conference.
“It gives me great joy to do this not just for myself but for my family,” Hoff said. “That’s what drives me.”
Read about the Exchange’s 2020 All-Star Driver and 2019 All-Star Driver.
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