JEAN-CARLO GACHET OFFERS HOT BREAKFAST TO STRANDED MOTORISTS ON I-95 DURING STANDSTILL

2/4/2022
Alexandria, Virginia        

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver Jean-Carlo Gachet, from Chester, Virginia, a Highway Angel for offering hot breakfast to stranded motorists during I-95’s standstill near Stafford, Virginia.

Gachet was one of hundreds of motorists stuck on Interstate 95 on January 4, 2022 in a standstill that stretched for over 40 miles. A fast-falling snow storm leading to jackknifed tractor-trailers and hundreds of other accidents started the holdup. Gachet came upon the traffic snarl around 1 a.m. while traveling to make a delivery in Georgia. He was concerned for the passengers in a car stuck near him in traffic. 

“Truckers are ready for a week to a month at a time on the road, so we have plenty of resources,” Gachet shared with TCA. “No car was ready for that situation – some were stuck more than 24 hours.” 

Around 8 a.m., after sitting for more than seven hours, Gachet heated up a Jimmy Dean bacon, egg and cheese breakfast bowl he had stored in his rig, made a cup of fruit punch, and walked over to the car to deliver the hot breakfast.  

“They were shocked and really thankful for the meal and the cup of juice that I offered them,” he said with a smile.  

He was filming the event on his smartphone, and Tweeted the video, which received an overwhelming reaction. Within hours, media worldwide picked up the story, and even Jimmy Dean Foods chimed in. The food manufacturer reached out, announcing Gachet will receive a year’s supply of breakfast bowls, and they will donate 100,000 breakfasts to Feeding America, a nationwide hunger-relief non-profit organization, in Gachet’s name. 

Jimmy Dean Foods Tweeted: “This kindly act warmed our boots! Thanks for helping out your neighbor, Jean-Carlo. Since you gave breakfast to those in need, we’re giving you a year’s supply of Jimmy Dean breakfast and will #payitforward by giving 100K breakfasts to @FeedingAmerica in your name!” 

TCA has presented Jean-Carlo with a certificate, patches, lapel pin, and truck decals. The company has also received a letter acknowledging him as a Highway Angel.

Since the program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,300 professional truck drivers have been recognized as Highway Angels for the exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage they have displayed while on the job.

Special thanks to the program’s Presenting Sponsor, EpicVue, and Supporting Sponsor, DriverFacts.