I truly believe that cab drivers have the greatest job in the world. Where else can you always have money in your pocket, except for a few hours (sometimes) on lease day because your money management schemes truly SUCK!, meet at least 2 interesting people a day, (Unless you are having a REAL bad day), and have free entertainment to boot.

This is an old article but worth seeing (AGAIN)...

Acts of Kindness Earn Missouri Driver Jack Kitchen TLPA 2001 Paratransit & Contracting Driver of the Year Award

Atlanta, Georgia

Jack Kitchen, veteran driver for Kelley Transportation Company, Inc., Cape Girardeau, Missouri, accepted the 2001 TLPA Paratransit & Contracting Driver of the Year Award at the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association¹s 83rd Annual Convention & Trade Show in Atlanta on Friday, November 2.

In their letter nominating Jack Kitchen for this award, Terry and Kim Kelley, owners of Kelley Transportation, wrote, "Jack Kitchen has been driving and caring for our elderly and handicapped passengers for the past 12 years. Jack¹s attention to detail, genuine concern for his passengers, and fun personality make him a great asset to our company as well as an always in-demand driver for those he transports. When listening to Jack speak of his passengers, it¹s like listening to family stories. In a day and time where people are always in a rush, and simply courtesy is almost a thing of the past, Jack is a great example for all drivers (and people) not to mention being the person we would want transporting our own mothers and fathers.

In 1996, Jack Kitchen was chosen as one of the recipients during Random Acts of Kindness Week. An article in the Southeast Missourian referred to Jack as the "Cabbie with a Heart." The article states, "The people Jack Kitchen drive in his cab become more like family than faces. The kindnesses he bestows on others are just part of the job for Kitchen, who drives the wheelchair-lift van for Kelley Transportation Co. But Pat Glueck, area administrator for Renal Treatment Center, Inc., in Cape Girardeau, says Kitchen goes above and beyond what most expect of a cab driver. Kitchen is a regular at the Center, bringing patients for dialysis treatments. He has time for everyone and makes them feel special in their own way, Glueck said. He cares and you can tell. He treats these people almost like they are his family."

Jack Kitchen began driving a lift-equipped van for Kelley Transportation in 1989. He says he enjoys driving people with disabilities because they appreciate the service. "You make good friends with so many of these people," he says. "I think to be a good driver for the elderly and disabled, you have to be calm, patient, not high-tempered and kind. Kind is a must. You have to be levelheaded, and don't get in too big of a hurry. You need to have a good heart and be willing to get out and help people. A good sense of humor doesn¹t hurt."

Jack was born, raised, and still resides in Cape Girardeau. He and his wife Jeanie have been married for 37 years. They have a daughter and two grandsons. When he¹s not working, Jack enjoys gardening, watching his grandsons play baseball and soccer, and hunting with his squirrel and coon dogs.

For his dedication to his profession and family, and the kindness he has shown to each of his clients, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association is proud to name "the cabbie with a heart," Jack Kitchen, as the TLPA 2001 Paratransit & Contracting Driver of the Year.

http://www.tlpa.org/
The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association is the international trade association that represents taxicab, limousine, sedan, airport shuttle, paratransit, and nonemergency medical fleets worldwide. TLPA Driver of the Year Awards are presented annually to taxicab, limousine & sedan, and paratransit fleet drivers judged to be outstanding by a committee of professional transportation fleet operators.