Short Line Railroads

Service and a sense of pride. Long after they've packed up their uniforms, many military veterans continue to feel called to do meaningful work and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Often they find that connection in the short line freight rail industry, where their efforts to keep the supply chain strong means local businesses can stay open. There's also a sense of camaraderie and reliance on teamwork in railroading, something veterans value.

Thanks to Marine Corps veteran Kevin Jenkins of Copper Basin Railway and Army veteran Thomas Lester of RailPros for sharing their experiences with us!

Today we pause to express our gratitude to all the men and women who have served our country. Their dedication inspires us to show that same sense of service to others in all we do.

From all of us, thank you.

How does military service translate to success in a railroad job? Let us count the ways!

If you ask these veterans, both hard and soft skills cultivated through the military are important in the rail industry. Whether it's learning how to work with heavy machinery or developing leadership experience, many of those who have done both can explain exactly how one career helped them succeed in the other.

Thank you to Navy veteran Santiago Perez of Wabtec and Army veteran Mark Nuchurch of Anacostia Rail Holdings for sharing their experiences with us!

Being flexible. Making last minute adjustments to stay on schedule -- without losing focus on safety or being careless. Military veterans are no strangers to this mindset when it comes to executing a mission, and that same kind of discipline and focus is equally important in railroading.

Don't take our word for it -- both of the veterans featured in this post said being able to think on your feet is a quality developed in the military and carried over to the railroad.

Thank you to Army veteran Michael Robbins of Ouachita Railroad (OmniTRAX) and Navy and Army Veteran Ryan Diehl of Alaska Railroad for sharing their experiences with us!

The discipline and attention to detail required of railroaders is similar to the skills veterans cultivated during their time in the military.

Marine Corps veteran David Gooden of Buckingham Branch Railroad and Army veteran Mathieu Gibert of Alaska Railroad noted other ways their military experience prepared them for their short line work.