Please Note: This document is for historical records only. It is not intended to cause problems or hurt feelings, but simply to present the verified facts.

After gathering evidence, conducting multiple interviews about DTU’s history, and performing extensive research, we have compiled the official timeline of Deaf Truckers United (DTU). We are sharing it so that everyone can learn from it and understand our journey.

Brenda initially created a Facebook group called New York Deaf Truckers, intended solely for Deaf truckers in New York. She enlisted Dean’s advocacy to assist. Through interviews with several Deaf truckers who were already OTR (Over-the-Road) drivers, they discovered that Deaf truckers existed across the United States. They decided to rename the group to include the entire nation, and Deaf Truckers United (DTU) was officially founded on January 23, 2011.

Since Brenda and Dean’s departure, DTU has continued to operate and grow. The organization’s achievements have been built through ongoing dedication, not through theft of work. We remain committed to supporting every member who dreams of driving an 18-wheeler and will continue to do so.

The remainder of DTU’s history, including major events and leadership changes, is documented below. If you disagree with any details, please send a private message. Any negative public comments will be removed.

History

• Founder: Brenda Palmingo - March 4, 2011 to March 2015
• Advocate: Dean DeRusso - March 4, 2011 to March 2015
• Recruiter: James Queen - March 2011 to June 20, 2014

Administrators

• Bruce Dunn - March 2012 to March 23, 2015
• Ashley Jones - March 2012 to July 2, 2025 (Departed, former Vice President)
• Morris Townsend - April 2012 to January 31, 2022 (Deceased, former President)
• Randall Doane - April 2012 to November 28, 2019
• David Helgerson - April 2012 to October 10, 2025 (Retired, former President)
• Suzie Helgerson - April 2012 to October 10, 2025 (Retired, former Secretary)
• John Huey - October 2013 to February 2014
• Scott Friede - September 2013 to September 17, 2017
• Jerry Jones - October 21, 2013 to August 29, 2016
• Holly (Alfro) Varthakavi - October 18, 2013 to 2015
• Richard Boehrer - November 2013 to May 27, 2018
• Donald Lynch - May 2016 to August 28, 2017 (Departed, former Treasurer)
• Jesse Shelander - August 29, 2016 to present (Vice President)
• Brandon Burton - September 18, 2017 to present (President)
• Jim Moore - September 18, 2017 to July 2025 (Departed)
• Allen Schmidt - October 9, 2017 to July 8, 2025 (Departed)
• Eduwin Pinero - August 26, 2019 to July 10, 2025 (Departed, former Treasurer)
• Barry Carpenter - February 27, 2020 to July 8, 2025 (Departed, former Trustee)
• Kerri Wright - March 2022 to present (Director of Digital Communications)
• Ryan Pope - March 2022 to June 28, 2025 (Departed)
• Jeremy Bradyberry - March 2022 to September 27, 2023
• Katie Young - July 16, 2025 to present (Treasurer)
• Christa Butner - November 8, 2025 to present (Sergeant at Arms)
• Glenn Ferguson - November 4, 2025 to present (Social Media Coordinator)
• Rick Piros - November 4, 2025 to present (Trustee)
• Zachary Rietz - November 4, 2025 to present (Member at Large)

Additional Historical Notes

• Feb. 1, 2013 - First FMCSA Hearing Exemptions granted to 40 individuals
• Oct. 7, 2013 - 500th DTU member joined
• March 19, 2017 - 1,000th DTU member joined
• 2012 - Greg Newman became DTU’s first hearing ally. He conducted a self-administered “Deaf test” and gained great respect for Deaf truckers, joining DTU in strong support.
• 2013 - Don Olds, a CDL instructor at ACT in Big Springs, TX, joined DTU. To date, he has trained and passed approximately 35 Deaf students.
• 2019 - Autumn Daniels began teaching CDL classes for Deaf students at Amarillo College, TX. She has trained approximately 10 students.

Meetings with FMCSA

• Truck Drivers Social Media Convention - Tunica, MS, October 15, 2011
• NAD Conference with FMCSA - Louisville, KY, July 2012
• Truck Drivers Social Media Convention - Kansas City, MO, October 13, 2013
• Roundtable with NAD & FMCSA - Washington, D.C., October 2014
• FMCSA Roundtable at GATS - Texas, August 2019
• FMCSA Roundtable - Washington, D.C., November 2019

Truck Shows Attended by DTU Admins and Members

• GATS (Great American Trucking Show, Texas): 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019
• MATS (Mid-America Trucking Show, Kentucky): 2016, 2018