The Virginia Trucking Association awarded Russell “Frog” Bryant, of Amelia, with the 2016 Virginia Driver of the Year Award at its annual conference in Portsmouth on May 12. Bryant was nominated for this award by his employer, J.R. Tharpe Trucking Co., of Rice. The safety coordinator, Danielle Crews, describes him as being an exceptional driver who goes above and beyond his duty on a daily basis. He has accumulated over 5.7 million miles in his 44 years of driving a truck and currently holds a perfect driving record. She also stated he strives to take quality care of his truck and is always courteous and thoughtful to his fellow employees. Pictured above  are, from left, Danielle Crews, safety coordinator; Bryant; and Donna T. Crews, corporate secretary. Pictured below are Bryant, left, and Bonnie Statzer, Bryant’s longtime girlfriend, who was present to help congratulate him on this accomplishment. Dale Bennett, president of VTA, and Joby Webb, CIC of Nansemond Insurance, presented the award.