BITTER OR BETTER?
A chilling wind blew across the cemetery as a couple dozen loved ones and friends listened to the minister give his closing remarks regarding Pete Smith. The minister was Pete’s step brother. Another step brother held a small box containing the remains of what was once one big man that drove truck for ATS.

Pete Smith was one big man in more that one way. He had overcome more obstacles than any individual should have to face in a life time. His parents divorced when he was very young. His step father was indifferent to him. The only son born to him would live less than twenty-four hours. His only daughter would, at age five become the first known child abuse murder case in South Dakota. He would overcome a horrendous motorcycle accident and amazingly be able to truck once again.

Not only would Pete’s life be raddled by tragedy, but he witnessed some of the worst disasters in American history. He and his truck where there to collect dust when Mount St. Helens blew in 1980. Once again his rig would be covered with dust as it was Pete who witnessed first hand the two airliners fly into the twin towers on 9/11. And it would be Pete who stayed in the danger zone helping people over a fence as they were on their way to safety.

That would have been an appropriate summary of Pete’s life had it not been for one thing, his attitude. Despite horrific heartbreaks and a premature death knocking on life’s door, Pete Smith was grateful to the end. You may not agree with all of Pete’s final convictions; but you have to appreciate his attitude given the circumstances of his life. In response to gift cards and turkeys given to drivers at Christmas 2003, Pete sent a thank you note:

Rollie and the people of ATS,

I have to say I’m one Wal-Mart shopper that got everything I wanted for Christmas. A new razor and some Butterball Turkeys. I’ve given my heart to God and I’m voting Republican and driving safely. Had a good time driving for ATS.

Thanks and Happy New Year.
Pete Smith

Pete Smith’s legacy reminds us all that we have a choice. Life’s disappointments and disasters can make us either bitter or better. What is it that stares you in the face today? Will it make you bitter or better? Make it your ambition to face each new challenge with the Pete Smith attitude of gratitude.

Pete died from lung cancer on April 26, 2004. There to witness the funeral in the small town of Badger, South Dakota on Saturday, May 1st, were ATS Feet Managers Vicki Mandelkow, J.T. Ebert, Relationships Consultant Jim Anderson and his wife Lois.

ATS DRIVER HELPS OUT
The Safety Department received a complimentary call from a motorist regarding David Johnsen Jr, Flatbed Unit 19020. The daughter of caller had gone into the ditch from an icy road on New Year’s day. David stopped to helped her out of the ditch, being very helpful and very much of a gentleman. The father called to express his appreciation to David.

The staff of Anderson Trucking would like to add their appreciation to David for doing the right thing in this situation. Thank you David!