Wadena Pioneer Journal: Truckers Against Trafficking receives public awareness award

New York Mills truck driver Bill Brady feels like he's making a difference through his work with the not-for-profit group Truckers Against Trafficking.

Brady, who drives for Lodestar and grew up in Wadena, has been working with the organization for roughly three years. Truckers Against Trafficking is a not-for-profit group that works to educate, raise awareness and combat trafficking in the trucking and travel plaza industries.

He was in Washington, D.C. April 22 to accept an award on behalf of TAT from Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) and Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) at the annual Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus awards.

"Victims of crime are not statistics," said Rep. Poe. "They are real people with real stories who have had something bad happen to them. Each year the VRC has the privilege of honoring the quiet heroes who dedicate their lives to assisting and advocating for victims of crime. These community warriors deserve to be recognized for their hard work."

"Today, the Victims' Rights Caucus honors victims, survivors, and the heroes who selflessly support those who have suffered from a violent crime or domestic violence," said Rep. Costa. "These advocates gladly assist those in need of compassion and strength. Today's awardees have helped survivors overcome some of their darkest moments and regain their lives."

Truckers Against Trafficking received the Suzanne McDaniel Memorial Award for Public Awareness.

During the three years Brady has been working with TAT, he has spoken at high schools and universities about human trafficking and hauled around a mobile education trailer. The organization encourages people to watch for signs of trafficking and call in any suspicious behavior.

"Some people are really surprised when they hear this actually happens," he said. "If I can touch one life, it's worth every mile I've driven."

For more information, go to www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org/