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Northwest Driver Celebrates 15 Years of Service with OATS, Inc.

January 12, 2012

Charles Yates celebrates his 15-year anniversary as a Northwest Driver for OATS, Inc. this month. It was his wife who suggested that he become an OATS driver for the Northwest region out of Harrison County. “It is a very good company to work for,” Yates says. “I like taking people where they need to go and helping others get around.”

Yates appreciates the time he has worked for OATS and is grateful for all the new friendships he has made. “You meet a lot of very nice people working for OATS,” he says. “I enjoy doing everything I can to help people out.”

Driving for OATS is not the only activity he enjoys doing, as he is an accomplished barrel racer at 75 years young. “I got started in racing at 43,” Yates says. “A friend of mine introduced me when he took me on a trail ride one day.” Later that evening they attended a barrel race, where Yates stumbled across a passion that would live in his heart for years to come.

Once he returned back home, he began researching and attending various horse races. After experiencing the rush of being a spectator at the horse races, he decided to give it a try. Yates has traveled to compete in races across the United States. He has been to states including, but not limited to, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas.

“I like training horses,” Yates says. He explains that the feeling is very rewarding once you discover what your horses can and will do for you after some time and extensive training. Yates owns six horses and spends much of his time out in the barn with them.

Beth Langley, Northwest Regional Director for OATS says Charles is known for taking great pride in his vehicle and in serving the riders of Harrison County, and “has been a pleasure to work with over the past 15 years.” She appreciates his hard work and dependability when it comes to his driving for OATS and also recognizes his accomplishments away from the bus. “He is a talented barrel racer with plenty of trophies, ribbons and belt buckles lining the tack room walls.” Langley looks forward to another 15 years of working with Yates’ smiling face.