TERO- REVVED UP AND READY TO ROLL
Graduates of the CDL training course celebrate with a special ceremony on June 27, 2025. Lori Trail, MLBO TERO Director, Bailey Wothe, MState Director of Commercial Driver's License Training, Virgil Wind, MLBO Chief Executive, Roger Garbow, Training Graduate, Roy Garbow, Training Graduate, Marcus GreatShield, Training Graduate, Danica Robson, MnDOT Office of Tribal Affairs Workforce Coordinator, Abby Schlauderaff, MState Admin. Asst. & Adrien Carretero, MnDOT Office of Tribal Affairs Tribal Operations Liaison. Not pictured are Timothy Jackson and Treston Panachyse.
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
Eight CDL graduates start their engines toward new careers
The Mille Lacs Band Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) proudly announces the graduation of eight participants from the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A training course— marking a significant milestone on their path to new career opportunities in the professional driving industry.
A special graduation ceremony was held on June 27, 2025, to honor their dedication and hard work.
Meet the Class of 2025 CDL Graduates:
1. Eugene Eagle – Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
2. Roger Garbow, Jr. – Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
3. Roy Garbow – Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
4. Marcus Greatshield – Yankton Sioux Tribe
5. Timothy Jackson – Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
6. Treston Panachyse – Canadian Indian Status
7. Preston Smith – Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
8. Marvin Staples, Jr. – Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
The training began in February and included 20 hours of classroom-based theory instruction, followed by 10 to 20 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel experience. Each graduate passed the final road test and met all state and federal requirements to earn their Class A CDL — a credential that opens doors to stable, high-demand careers in trucking and transportation.
To qualify, participants were required to:
•Be at least 18 years old (21 to drive across state lines).
•Hold or obtain a valid Minnesota driver’s license with no active suspensions or revocations.
•Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and five-panel drug screening including cannabis.
•Provide a clean driving record for the past five years.
•Possess a high school diploma or GED.
What is a Class A CDL?
A Class A CDL allows the holder to operate a vehicle towing a unit over 10,000 pounds, with a total combined vehicle weight (truck and trailer) of more than 26,000 pounds. This license is essential for those pursuing careers in long-haul trucking, construction, heavy equipment transport, and more.
The TERO program continues to invest in building opportunities and careers for Band members and Native community members, one mile at a time. Congratulations to the 2025 CDL graduates — your journey is just beginning with miles of opportunities ahead of you.
Celebrating the successful completion of the CDL training with Chief Executive Virgil Wind, are the Mille Lacs Band member training graduates Roger Garbow, Roy Garbow, and Marcus GreatShield; District II Representative Wendy Merrill,. and District I Representative Carolyn Beaulieu. Not pictured were training graduates Tim Jackson, Preston Smith, and Marvin Staples Jr.