Reading & Northern Railroad unveils its first Semiquincentennial locomotive
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad turns holiday rides into meals for Ohio families
ON TRACK: The Woodstown Central Railroad Offers Excursions Through the Seasons (SMS Rail Lines)
SAI Expanding in PA (Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad)
CLR Launches New Website, Appoints Boaz as CCO
Railroad members! If you want to be featured in this section, please email us the link. You can also tag us (@ASLRRA) in your social media posts. Interested in seeing your railroad showcased in your local newspaper? Contact Amy Krouse for assistance.
There are lots of people who say veterans make good railroaders. It’s a sentiment that is often expressed within the railroad industry and outside of it. But to hear those tell it who have been both servicemembers and railroaders is to breathe new life into a long-standing concept.
Those who shared their experiences with ASLRRA served in the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines for nearly a century combined – including combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan – and together have approximately 70 years’ experience in the short line railroad industry.
Though these contributors served in different eras and different locations, and work at railroads across the country, the common threads woven throughout their narratives underscore the strong connections between these two career paths.
For the railroaders who wrote about their military service, words like discipline, teamwork, diligence, resolve and character came up again and again. According to Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Mechanic Aric Cole, who was a Navy aviation machinist, both fields require individuals to be “methodical and precise, because other people depend on your attention to detail.”
Others echoed the idea that ensuring safe operations through collaboration within a structured environment is a key component in both arenas. Military veterans are familiar with planning time-sensitive operations that require coordination across multiple disciplines. And when the mission changes or complications arise, veterans are also able to pivot quickly to identify solutions and implement updated plans.
“The operational tempo and attention to detail required in railroading mirror many aspects of military service,” said R. J. Corman Vice President of Government Affairs Tyler White, a Marine Corps veteran. “Both environments require precision, accountability and the ability to operate under pressure.”
Several contributors further pointed out the many competencies developed in the military that translate well to railroading. These include technical skills, like those related to mechanics, logistics and engineering, and personality traits.
“The military helps shape your character,” said Koppers, Inc. Procurement Area Supervisor and Air Force veteran Stan Jones. “Character traits such as punctuality, adaptability, tenacity and honor help you to be successful in career endeavors.”
Lucas Brewer, national market lead – freight rail at Colliers Engineering & Design, echoed that thought. “Show up early, train hard, own the result. Habits formed in uniform fit perfectly on the railroad.”
Brewer, an Army veteran and colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, added, “Coordinating staff functions, timelines, and battle rhythm is not far from aligning owners, operators, contractors, and agencies – especially on live railroad territory with tight outages.”
While there are many parallels between the types of skills needed in the military and on the railroad, for some, the parallels converge. Louisville & Indiana Railroad (LIRC) Vice President Jeremy Kramer served 12 years as a railroader in the Army Reserve while working at LIRC.
“The leadership experience I gained was invaluable to my railroad career and helped me to learn to lead and motivate individuals and organizations in both the Army and the railroad,” said Kramer. “As an Army railroader I was in a unique position to use my civilian-acquired skills to help train and lead in the Army in a way that many of my peers couldn't.”
Culture is another way the military and railroad overlap. Both have long and storied histories that have become engrained in the American psyche. Many who transition from one to the other note a similar sense of camaraderie and duty to a greater mission.
“The biggest parallel that I see is about the value you provide to your community,” said Alaksa Railroad Talent Acquisition and Development Manager Wink Hinkley, an Air Force veteran with 30 years of service. “It is a really nice feeling to know that you are supporting the people around you. Knowing that the communities that we build will be there supporting our families long after we can no longer do the work.”
Cole concurred, “There’s a shared respect for time, history, and the people who came before us. In both fields, you’re part of something bigger than yourself. That mindset makes the transition from military service to railroad work feel natural.”
Aside from discussing similarities between the military and the rail industry, contributors offered advice on transitioning from one to the other. For Pacific Harbor Line trainmaster and Army veteran Robert Stone, education is key, and taking advantage of benefits provided by the military is a crucial step.
“Go get [your] education first,” said Stone. “There are many degrees that would greatly increase someone's chances in landing a dream job with the railroad including business degrees, engineering and operations.”
Another recommendation was to learn how military roles translate to railroad jobs, with the caveat that being open-minded about different paths is a must. There are diverse career opportunities in the rail industry, which allow veterans to pursue roles that align with their experience, skill set and personal ambitions.
“Target roles, then upskill,” said Brewer.
Attending industry events with organizations like ASLRRA, having personal conversations with rail representatives, taking advantage of veteran hiring programs and seeking out mentors were also identified as keys to making this career move.
Contributors were also asked to share thoughts about how railroad companies might improve veteran recruitment, hiring and retention.
Stone urges railroads to make connections with their local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) office, noting that the VA “has many avenues veterans can go through to help them with a career once departing from their service.”
Others advised railroads to be frequent participants in career fairs and military transition events and market the health and retirement benefits of a rail career. White encouraged building strong veteran outreach programs, fostering internal mentorship programs and veteran resource groups and focusing retention efforts on “career development, leadership opportunities and recognizing veterans’ contributions.”
Both Brewer and Kramer, who have experience as reservists, also noted the value in having National Guard and Reserve-friendly policies and making it known that it is possible to continue military service while with the railroad.
In addition, appealing to veterans’ sense of community and duty can help attract military members to the railroad.
“Focus on the value they bring to the community, their neighbors and the infrastructure they support. Veterans thrive on the value they provide and the challenges they can overcome,” said Hinkley.
The experiences shared by these veteran railroaders demonstrate how naturally the skills, values and spirit of military service translate to railroading. For the men and women who have served, the railroad offers not just a new career path, but a familiar sense of purpose rooted in service, safety and the collective drive to connect communities and keep the nation moving forward.
Not Pictured: Jeremy Kramer, Army and Robert Stone, Army
ASLRRA appreciates those who took the time to share their thoughts and experiences for this article. The Association also recognizes and honors all those in the short line rail industry who have served or continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Thank you for your service.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has asked ASLRRA to share information following the conclusion of an investigation into and publication of a report concerning an accident that occurred on Aug. 4, 2023. ASLRRA members are asked to review the information found here. Reach out to Crystal Gitchell with any questions.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Switching Operations Fatalities Analysis (SOFA) Working Group has released its August update of year-to-date SOFA-defined severe injuries.
Extracted from the FRA’s public electronic casualty file and compiled for general distribution, the update briefly describes the type and cause of the five severe injuries that occurred in August. Also included is data comparing the number of severe injuries, occurring in August and from January through August, each year since 2020.
The last section of the update addresses severe injuries involving walking, such as those that occur when the employee trips, is struck by on-track equipment, loses balance or steps on an object. Noted is the fact that walking risk increases in winter, as over 35 percent of all walking-related severe injuries from 1997 through August 2025 occurred in December, January and February. With winter months coming soon, railroaders are reminded to exercise caution when performing various operations.
ASLRRA’s JR Gelnar represents the Association as a member of the SOFA Working Group. Information about SOFA can be found on the FRA’s website. ASLRRA also tracks important industry safety alerts and information, available here.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued two Railroad Safety Alerts: Unexpected Movement of Unsecured Equipment on Railroad Track and Shoving Movements: Avoid the Risks.
Both alerts provide an overview of the problem, include information on recent investigations involving these issues and provide tips for employees and railroads to improve safety. Also included are links to other safety resources provided by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the FRA’s SOFA Working Group.
For the first alert, the NTSB notes it has investigated five accidents between July 2024 and July 2025 when railroad employees were seriously injured or killed when they fouled the track and were struck by unsecured equipment. Employees are urged to know the risk of fouling the track and recognize that equipment can move at any time.
In the second alert, the NTSB points out that railroad conductors are at increased risk of death and injury when riding equipment during shoving movements. Of the 20 conductor fatalities that occurred between January 2020 and July 2025, 14 involved conductors riding trains during shoving movements. Close clearances, slack action, falls and accidents involving highway motor vehicles are identified as potential dangers. Conductors are advised to take proper precautions before conducting a shoving movement, including completing a thorough inspection and job briefing.
Despite the government shutdown and the House having been in recess for several weeks, the 45G short line infrastructure tax credit modernization bill continues to steadily accumulate cosponsors.
In the House, four representatives have signed on in support of the bill since the beginning of the month: Rep. Bradley Schneider (D-Ill.), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Rep. Mark Harris (R-N.C.). That brings the total number of cosponsors to 124.
In the Senate, Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) are the most recent cosponsors, bringing the total to 27. So far, seven states can count all their senators as 45G modernization bill cosponsors – Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Modernization of the short line infrastructure tax credit is crucial to enabling small railroads to make critical improvements necessary to enhance the safety and efficiency of their freight operations. While the current tax credit remains in place, the modernization bill would increase the credit amount per mile allowed for eligible work, recognizing the increasing costs of upgrading a mile of rail since the credit’s inception in 2015. The bill would also index the credit to inflation to allow for future amount increases, and would allow all short line track to be eligible for the credit. Currently only track that was owned by short lines in 2015 is eligible, but in the past decade, many short lines have acquired additional track and new short line operations have been formed.
ASLRRA, short line members and other stakeholders continue outreach to members of Congress on this issue. Those interested in joining the effort are encouraged to speak with their elected officials about the tax credit and its importance. Information about the 45G modernization bill is available on ASLRRA’s website, and the Association’s government affairs team can help individuals with outreach efforts.
ASLRRA also encourages participation in Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, which will take place March 4 in Washington, D.C. The event brings together freight rail representatives and advocates from across the country to speak with lawmakers and their offices about key industry issues. Keep tabs on the website and on ASLRRA’s communication and social media channels for more information about Railroad Day on Capitol Hill, including the opening of event registration coming soon.
This week, Congress is working toward ending the federal government shutdown. The Senate has passed a funding package to reopen the government, with eight Democrats joining Republicans to move the measure.
The package includes extending federal funding through Jan. 30 while providing full year funding for three appropriations bills - Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Legislative Branch and Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the bill reverses any reductions in the federal workforce since Oct. 1, ensures no new reductions will take place until Jan. 30 and promises a vote on Affordable Care Act premium subsidies in December. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill today.
ASLRRA is pleased to announce registration is now open for its 2026 Annual Conference and Exhibition, to be held April 12 to 14 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Two of this year’s keynote speakers will be new Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator David Fink and BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer. Fink and Farmer join a robust slate of experts who will be on hand to present important industry information to conference attendees.
The conference schedule will include over 40 hours of education across 12 career tracks, an exhibition hall with over 200 companies and hours of networking opportunities, including an opening evening reception and a closing event at Topgolf. The Topgolf event is complimentary for all railroad members.
ASLRRA will also honor winners of this year’s Schlosser Distinguished Service Award, induct the 2026 Short Line Railroad Industry Hall of Fame class, recognize the Safety Person and Safety Professional of the Year and bestow the Veterans Engagement, Green Spark and Business Development Awards upon deserving railroad members.
Register today to secure a spot at the early bird rate.
ASLRRA also has room blocks in four hotels within walking distance of the convention center. Click here to view hotels and reserve lodging. ASLRRA is aware of increased fraudulent outreach targeting exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees. These solicitations often promote access to attendee lists, hotel rooms, or other unauthorized services.
The Association does not sell or rent attendee, exhibitor or member contact information to outside organizations, nor does ASLRRA contract with outside housing companies or representatives or third-party groups to book hotel rooms. Please notify ASLRRA’s meetings team at meetings@aslrra.org if you receive any solicitations.
Organizations interested in sponsoring the 2026 Annual Conference have a variety of opportunities from which to choose. Click here to learn more, or contact the meetings team to secure a sponsorship.
What are the latest ways Association members can engage with ASLRRA? What is ASLRRA’s most recent call-to-action? Below are some of the different types of information the Association would love to gather.
The nomination period is now open for ASLRRA’s annual organizational awards – the Business Development Awards, Green Spark Award (formerly the Environmental Award) and the Veterans Engagement Award. Nominations for all awards are due Jan. 16.
This year, ASLRRA decided to evaluate its award program as part of a general oversight effort. The Veterans Engagement Award and Green Spark Award are overseen by the Human Resources and Environmental Committees, respectively, who were charged with evaluating the current awards. This included reviewing award criteria, eligibility and nomination processes.
Both committees recommended and ultimately approved changes for their respective awards. For the Veterans Engagement Award, that included limiting eligibility to individual Class II and III railroad members and asking for additional objective data on the nomination form. For the Environmental Award, that resulted in a new award name and revisions to the award criteria and nomination form. ASLRRA appreciates the members of both committees for their efforts to evaluate the awards and make these changes.
The Business Development Awards recognize the Class II and III railroads that have designed and enacted the most innovative and successful business-building initiatives in the small railroad industry.
Click here to submit a nomination form.
Green Spark Award (formerly the Environmental Award)
The Green Spark Award honors an outstanding member that demonstrates exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability and innovation. This award recognizes a member railroad that have integrated eco-friendly practices into their operations, products or services, proving that size is no barrier to impact.
Award nomination criteria has been updated for clarity and to provide more of an opportunity to recognize the diverse efforts a short line might make to improve efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. An opportunity to highlight efforts related to energy efficiency, emissions reduction, waste management and sustainable infrastructure projects, environmental innovation and leadership and community and industry engagement are now included on the nomination form.
Click here to submit a Green Spark Award nomination form.
The Veterans Engagement Award honors an individual Class II or III 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.
As noted above, associate member companies are no longer eligible for this award, and holding companies can only submit nominations as individual railroads. For example, Anacostia Rail Holdings Company cannot submit a nomination on behalf of its entire organization, but its short lines, like New York & Atlantic Railway and Louisville & Indiana Railroad, can each submit their own entry.
Click here to submit a Veterans Engagement Award nomination form.
Award winners will be recognized at ASLRRA’s Annual Conference, being held April 12 to 14 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Please contact Mariel Takamura with any questions.
With winter weather bearing down on parts of the U.S., ASLRRA members must ensure their employees have what they need to stay protected while working in harsh outdoor conditions.
Würth is ASLRRA’s Preferred Provider of personal protective equipment (PPE) and related services and their customer-first approach to service and support has a long history. Since opening their doors, Würth has helped thousands of companies protect their employees and work with optimum efficiency for maximum output. Their team of railroad specialists currently supports nearly 200 short line railroads, rail industry contractors and Class I railroad companies.
ASLRRA members can depend on Würth for quality safety and industrial products and exceptional customer service, plus discounted pricing on a huge assortment of products and equipment needed to implement an effective and efficient safety program. Offerings include foot and leg protection, signs, ergonomic products, hearing and eye protection, clothing protection, lighting and electrical products, storage containment and environmental spill cleanup, traffic control and much more.
Visit the Association’s Member Discount Program page to view Würth’s complete product offering and suite of services and start saving today.
ASLRRA member parent company Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has received a $100,000 grant from the Tennessee State Museum through its Capital Maintenance and Improvements program.
TVRM announced the award in a social media post. According to the post, TVRM will use the funding to make improvements to its Grand Junction campus, including replacement of windows to improve energy efficiency, additions to the electrical system in the railyard to reduce engine idling and installation of more outside lighting to facilitate nighttime events.
“These grants allow us to make additional improvements that would otherwise not be possible at this time,” said TVRM Senior Director, Marketing, Communications and Guest Experience Penelope Soule Gault.
The Tennessee General Assembly made $5 million available for these grants. The application process was very competitive, with 178 organizations seeking over $12 million in total funding. This year, 99 applicants received full or partial grant awards.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved over $1.4 million in funding for rail crossing upgrades in three counties, including for projects to be completed by ASLRRA member Columbus & Ohio River Railroad Company (CUOH).
CUOH will install flashing lights and gates at three grade crossings, two in Tuscarawas County and one in Coshocton County. The railroad will receive $873,981 to complete the projects by Nov. 5, 2026.
The balance of funding went to Class I railroad CSX Transportation to install flashing lights and gates at one crossing in Hamilton County.
This section highlights ASLRRA members that have received Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, showcasing the importance of this funding and how benefits reach beyond the railroad itself.
If your railroad has received a CRISI grant and would like to submit information for this section please complete our online form.
Project Facts
Awardee: Gettysburg & Northern Railroad (GET)
Fiscal Year: 2021
CRISI Grant: $1,840,000
Local Match: $2,207,000 (55%)
Total Project Cost: $4,047,000
The proposed project will rehabilitate approximately 24 miles of the Gettysburg & Northern Railway (GET) mainline in Adams and Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The project will improve the track to Class 2 safety standards and operating speeds, construct a new runaround track adjacent to existing track, upgrade 16 crossings warning devices to LED signals, replace wigwag warning circuitry at two at-grade crossings, and repair seven failed or failing culverts.
Notable Quotes
“Genesis Specialty Alkali supplies hundreds of thousands of tons of Wyoming-based Soda Ash to the Vitro Glass plant. This crucial raw material can only be supplied via rail. We are concerned that our ability to ship increased quantities by rail will be negatively impacted unless capacity expansions and track improvements are funded. Over the next five years, GET customers, like Genesis Specialty Alkali will increase their carloadings. Expanding track capacity and repairing switches will improve efficiency for my business and others. When railroads cannot handle our traffic, we are forced to use trucks. In today's tight truck market, it is better for my business to have access to safe and efficient rail as well as truck service.”
Tom Kramer, Rail Strategy Manager, Genesis Alkali LLC
This week, Jo Strang traveled to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the 2025 Railroad Environmental Conference hosted by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) and University of Illinois Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC). Strang gave the keynote address during Committee 13 banquet.
Also this week, Fred Oelsner was in New York City for the 2025 North American Critical Infrastructure Transportation Cybersecurity Consortium meeting hosted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The event brings together leaders from transportation service providers, regulators, law enforcement and cybersecurity vendors to share experiences and insights on the state of cyber security in the transportation industry.
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has again partnered with ASLRRA to present a series of webinars on important railroad retirement topics. Edward Hinsberger, Milwaukee district manager for the RRB, will explore general eligibility, retirement and disability benefits, working after retirement, spouse and survivor benefits, unemployment and sickness benefits and more.
Each webinar is scheduled for 90 minutes to allow ample time for audience questions. Webinars are free for ASLRRA members and $15 for non-members. Follow each link below for more information or to register.
Railroad Retirement Webinars On Demand
Recordings of Part 1 of the Railroad Retirement webinar series are available to members in ASLRRA’s On-Demand Webinars library. Part 1 was offered twice, so recordings of both presentations are available. Presentation materials are also available.
A recording of Part 2 of the webinar series, which was held today, will be available online soon.
The Technology Advancement Center (TAC) will hold its Defend the Railroad Cyber Security Collaborative Feb. 10 and 11 in Columbia, Maryland.
According to TAC’s Defend the Railroad website, the event will include “hands-on collaboration, real-world threat discussions and strategic knowledge sharing” with a technology showcase and expo, table-top simulations, group townhalls and more. Click here to register.
ASLRRA and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) are partnering with TAC on the event. TAC is a nonprofit organization specializing in education around a number of technology issues, including cybersecurity in critical infrastructure.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
