ASLRRA’s Veterans Engagement Award honors an individual railroad member that demonstrates positive policies toward U.S. veterans and that implement unique programs and practices to hire, recognize, support and engage veterans in the workplace and the broader community.
ASLRRA’s Veterans Engagement Award honors member railroads that go above and beyond to recruit, retain and support U.S. military service members. In addition to strong internal hiring and recognition programs, recipients must demonstrate meaningful, sustained engagement with veterans and military organizations in the communities they serve.
This year’s winner, North Shore Railroad, stood out in every category. The railroad pairs highly visible community engagement with an equally strong commitment to the veterans within its own workforce, showing appreciation through its actions.
In 2024 North Shore Railroad unveiled two locomotives honoring military service and sacrifice. The Veterans Unit, LVRR 9052, recognizes service members who have served in defense of the nation. Painted camouflage tan, it features the silhouettes of three soldiers saluting the American flag and bears the phrase “All gave some.”
The Memorial Unit, LVRR 9050, honors all service members who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It is painted battleship gray with the shadow of two soldiers paying their respects to a fallen comrade. Written on this unit is the phrase “Some gave all.”
The locomotives are more than symbolic. In 2025, North Shore Railroad held a fundraiser train ride using its military units, raising $12,000 for two nonprofit organizations benefiting veterans, Central Pennsylvania Wreaths Across America and Heroes & Horses. The year the military units were unveiled, North Shore Railroad donated all proceeds from its inaugural fundraising event to Expedition Orange and Lycoming County Hometown Heroes.
Overall, the railroad has raised $32,000 for veterans organizations through ticket and merchandise sales. To ensure these efforts continue to grow, North Shore Railroad has set up an application process for qualifying veterans programs to request train ride fundraising with the military units.
When not used in special events, the military units are deployed in regular freight service. Their visibility along North Shore Railroad’s routes turns everyday operations into a public reminder of the importance of recognizing the service of the nation’s military members.
That commitment to veterans is evident within the company as well. While North Shore Railroad does not operate a large-scale recruitment campaign due to its size, honorably discharged veterans who apply are automatically placed on a preferred candidate list. Today, veterans make up 15% of the railroad’s workforce, a significant figure for a small organization.
Retention tells an even stronger story. Veteran employees have tenures ranging from four to 23 years, with an average of 15 years of service. Seventy percent have earned at least one promotion, reflecting the company’s commitment to investing in growth and building from within.
Recognition is another cornerstone of North Shore Railroad’s culture. Before officially unveiling their Veterans Unit, North Shore Railroad dedicated the locomotive to its military veteran employees. Each person received a challenge coin and tactical jacket with custom patches, and they all signed an interior board of the locomotive that was sealed to remain on permanent display.
Every year, in honor of Veteran’s Day, North Shore Railroad President and CEO Jeb Stotter gives a gift card and note of thanks to each veteran employee. There is also a stop order on Nov. 11, with a minute of silence at 11 a.m. followed by one long horn blast.
Altogether, North Shore Railroad is an organization making recognition and support of military veterans a daily practice. Through visible community engagement and a workplace culture that values veterans as leaders and teammates, the railroad shows a sustained commitment to servicemembers that embodies the spirit of ASLRRA’s Veterans Engagement Award. With its actions, North Shore Railroad sets a standard for how short lines can meaningfully support those who have served.
Click here to learn more about the important programs and activities of ASLRRA member employers who prioritize hiring, engaging and supporting veterans in the workplace and in the community.
