never delivered a baby. Fortunately, after arriving at the hospital in time, he didn’t have to. Today, Katie is Truck Centers President and COO, and brother Justin is the EVP of Sales. “Serving in the military provided the greatest lessons learned in my entire lifetime, and I am so thankful I was given the chance to serve,” John says. “So many incredible blessings.” In October, he had the privilege of hosting the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall at his dealership in Troy, IL for the public to remember and honor those who served and weren’t able to come home. Dustin Hightower, Apple Chevrolet For those who think Veterans Day is another bank holiday, or just a day to celebrate the service of a bygone generation, they haven’t met our IADA members and employee veterans who are working on the front lines of the auto industry today. Dustin Hightower, General Manager and three-year employee of Apple Chevrolet, grew up with his dad’s revered legacy as a Vietnam War Army veteran. After high school and seeking a way to pay for college, Dustin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to take advantage of the GI Bill. He served in the Marine Reserves for six years followed by a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in 2005. His unit arrived shortly after the famous battle of Fallujah. When asked, he describes it as “the best of times and the worst of times.” The brotherhood he experienced in the Marines is hard to describe, he says. Despite the heat and stress, his unit formed a close bond and deep friendships. “This experience really shifted my perspective on my whole life,” he explains. Every year, as many members of his fellow Marines as possible, reunite in Tulsa where they gather to reminisce and honor a fallen friend who hailed from Tulsa. 15
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