Summer/Winter 2020

THE FIGHT TO SAVE AMTRAK BLET Members Rally Across the Nation

L o c o m o t i v e E n g i n e e r s & T r a i n m e n

JVolumeournal 124 | No. 2 | Summer-Winter 2020 WWW.BLE-T.ORG

SOUTHWEST CHIEF AMTRAK’S SOUTHWEST CHIEF splits the 783 blades as it heads westbound near Ojita, New Mexico. Photo: Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659

Farewell Brother Tolman Verna new Also inside: BLET VP&NLR Last Runs BLET Auxiliary Update Scholarship Legislative & Update Regulatory Update 60 BLET families Brotherhood News win Hoffa awards

Published by the BLET, a division of the Rail Conference, International Brotherhood of Teamsters L o c o m o t i v e E n g i n e e r s & T r a i n m e n ❱ Journal Contents ❱ Published by the BLET, a division of the Rail Conference, International Brotherhood of Teamsters w w w . b l e - t . o r g BLET Advisory Board EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dennis R. Pierce National President National Division E [email protected] P (216) 241-2630 E. Lee Pruitt First VP & Alternate President National Division E [email protected] P (216) 241-2630 Stephen J. Bruno National Secretary-Treasurer National Division JOHN E [email protected] P (216) 241-2630 VICE PRESIDENTS TOLMAN Vincent G. Verna National Legislative Representative RETIRES 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W., 7th Floor After a distinguished Washington, D.C. 20001 railroad career that began E [email protected] P (202) 624-8776 nearly 50 years ago, BLET Marcus J. Ruef Vice President & National 125 E. Lake St., Suite 302 Legislative Representative Bloomingdale, IL 60108-1118 John P. Tolman has retired. E [email protected] Read his heartfelt farewell Michael D. Twombly message to BLET members. 70 High St., Andover, MA 01810 16 E [email protected] Michael D. Priester 247 Opera House St. Departments Features Henderson, NV 89012 News 4 E [email protected] P (216) 212-2309 Rick Gibbons Obituaries 8 7061 East Pleasant Valley Rd. Independence, OH 44131 Columns by James P. Hoffa E [email protected] P (216) 372-6263 and John Murphy, IBT 9 James P. Louis Legislative Update 16 257 Forbes Ave., Tonawanda, NY 14150 E [email protected] P (216) 241-2630 Last Runs 20 Mark L. Wallace BLET Auxiliary 30 7061 East Pleasant Valley Rd. 10 Independence, OH 44131 E [email protected] P (828) 216-8043 10 Rally to Save Amtrak J. Alan Holdcraft The BLET and other rail labor unions 7061 East Pleasant Valley Rd. organized a day of protest on Independence, OH 44131 E [email protected] P (216) 241-2630 September 30, 2020, in response to Amtrak’s plan to slash service TRUSTEES David P. Estes and furlough thousands of workers. 13120 136th St., Anderson Island, WA 98303 Rallies were held in Washington, D.C., E [email protected] Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. William P. Lyons 1538 The Greens Way, Suite 103 14 BLET Web Store Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 Get geared up with union-made E [email protected] P (216) 241-2630 22 BLET merchandise Richard E. (Dick) Crow 501 N. 2nd St., Suite 2, Clinton, IA 52732 The Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal (ISSN: 1553-5010 USPS: 120) is published quarterly for $10.00 E [email protected] P (216) 241-2630 per year (single copies $3.00) by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, 25 Louisiana Ave. John Bentley Jr. N.W., 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER, Director of Public Relations & Editor please send address changes to: Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal, BLET Record Department, E [email protected] 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduc- Bill Joyce tion in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Widows of BLET members will receive free Art Director & Associate Editor subscriptions upon request to: BLET Record Dept., 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. E [email protected] National Division www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 3 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road Independence, Ohio 44131 up front 60 BLET families awarded Hoffa scholarships for 2020 and 2021 school years Sixty BLET families have been awarded scholarships by the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund over the past two years — 34 winners in 2020 and 26 winners in 2021. A total of 10 families — five each school year — were awarded $10,000 scholarships, which are the highest honor bestowed by the Hoffa Scholarship Fund. 2020 WINNERS • Zachary C. Fields, son of Robert man of BLET Division 391 (Ft. Madison, There were five scholarships L. Fields of BLET Division 489 (Coving- Iowa), a BNSF locomotive engineer; awarded in the 2020 ton, Ky.), a CSX locomotive engineer; • MacKenzie N. Smith, daughter $10,000 category: • Kristyn B. Frasher, daughter of of Nevada S. Smith of BLET Division • Serenity M. Engel, daughter of Scott M. Frasher of BLET Division 698 134 (Winslow, Ariz.), a BNSF locomotive Ryan Engel of BLET Division 213 (Edge- (Ashland, Ky.), a CSX locomotive engi- engineer; mont, S.D.), a Burlington Northern San- neer; • Karina A. Terrazas, daughter ta Fe (BNSF) locomotive engineer; • Grant J. Garrison, son of Clifton of Jesus Terrazas Jr. of BLET Division • Natalie O. King-Shaw, daughter E. Garrison of BLET Division 238 (Ta- 566 (Del Rio, Texas), a UP locomotive of James Forrest King-Shaw of BLET coma, Wash.), a BNSF locomotive engi- engineer; Division 158 (Sparks, Nevada), a Union neer; • Hanna P. Wilkerson, daughter Pacific (UP) locomotive engineer. • Julianna O. Herff, daughter of of Larry T. Wilkerson of BLET Division • Sophia McComb, daughter of Gary Michael T. Herff of BLET Division 387 592 (Dalhart, Texas), a UP locomotive Hopkins of BLET Division 32 (Aurora, (Camden, N.J.), a Conrail locomotive engineer; Ill.), a BNSF engineer; engineer; • Emma E. Wilkins, granddaughter • James B. McPherson, son of • Parris L. Hunt, son of Robert Lee of John L. Holecz of BLET Division 100 Kevin T. McPherson of BLET Division Hunt Jr. of BLET Division 561 (Rich- (Danville, Ill.), a retired CSX locomotive 190 (Huntington, W.Va.), a CSX engi- mond, Va.), a CSX locomotive engineer; engineer; neer; and • Lauren E. Lafferty, daughter of • Taniyah M. Wright, daughter of • Morgan B. Whited, daughter of Mark A. Lafferty of BLET Division 124 Tyree A. Wright of BLET Division 646 Charles S. Whited of BLET Division 672 (Mullens, W.Va.), a Norfolk Southern (Savannah, Ga.), a NS locomotive engi- (Memphis, Tenn.), a BNSF engineer. (NS) locomotive engineer; neer; • Ayanna J. Millner, daughter of • Austin R. Yeary, son of Dennis There were 22 scholarships Sean Millner of BLET Division 38 (Clif- R. Yeary Jr. of BLET Division 167 (An- awarded in the 2020 ton Forge, Va.), a CSX locomotive en- dover, Va.), a NS locomotive engineer; $1,000 category: gineer; and • Noah J. Chaney, son of Brian W. • Andrea M. Moncada, daughter • Elizabeth G. Ziegler, daughter Chaney of BLET Division 95 (Cincin- of Alberto Moncada of BLET Division of Eugene J. Ziegler of BLET Division nati, Ohio), a CSX locomotive engineer; 32 (Aurora, Ill.), a BNSF locomotive en- 173 (Fond du Lac, Wisc.), a Canadian • Ein J. Clark, son of Timothy R. gineer; National-Wisconsin Central (CN-WC) Clark of BLET Division 934 (Cumber- • Kylie N. Peter, daughter of Dar- locomotive engineer. land, Md.), a CSX locomotive engineer; ren C. Vogel of BLET Division 135 • Cassady L. Cundari, daughter of (Beardstown, Ill.), a BNSF locomotive There also were seven 2020 Chris Cundari of BLET Division 682 engineer; vocational scholarships awarded, (Hammond, Ind.), an Indiana Harbor • Maeve K. Rositzke, daughter of ranging up to $2,000: Belt locomotive engineer; William Rositzke of BLET Division 46 • Angelia N. Doss, daughter of Tra- • Haley N. Dahl, daughter of Mi- (Albany, N.Y.), a CSX locomotive engi- vis O. Spalding of BLET Division 28 (Tuc- chael Dahl of BLET Division 404 (Chi- neer; son, Ariz.), a UP locomotive engineer; cago, Ill.), a UP locomotive engineer; • Bryce Selman, son of John B. Sel- • Laura E. Hardwick, daughter of

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Randall C. Hardwick of BLET Division • Meadow S. Torres, daughter of • Jaime A. DiChiara, daughter of 194 (Houston, Texas), a UP locomotive Paul J. Torres of BLET Division 180 D. DiChiara of BLET Division 269 (Long engineer; (Glendive, Mont.), a BNSF locomotive Island, N.Y.), a LIRR locomotive engineer; • William A. Hoogendoorn, son engineer; • Jared A. Gobin, son of Gregory of William S. Hoogendoorn of BLET • Austin J. Bridenbaugh, son of A. Gobin of BLET Division 246 (Evans- Division 28 (Tucson, Ariz.), a UP loco- Grant D. Bridenbaugh of BLET Division ville, Ind.), a CSX locomotive engineer; motive engineer; 287 (Altoona, Pa.), a Norfolk Southern • Bethany C. Guerra, daughter of • Emily R. Huerta, daughter of Phil- (NS) locomotive engineer; Frank J. Guerra of BLET Division 197 lip Huerta of BLET Division 692 (Tracy, • Eiley E. Kuhlmey, daughter of (San Antonio, Texas), a Union Pacific Calif.), a UPlocomotive engineer; Scott A. Kuhlmey of BLET Division 290 (UP) locomotive engineer; • Falcon L. Immormino, daughter (Superior, Wisc.), a BNSF brakeman; and • Madelyn E. Harris, daughter of of Kevin B. Immormino of BLET Divi- • Jordan R. Dudas, daughter of Carl Mark R. Harris of BLET Division 4 (To- sion 174 (Steens Point, Wisc.), a CN-WC V. Schmidt of BLET Division 521 (Haw- ledo, Ohio), a NS locomotive engineer; locomotive engineer; thorne, N.J.), a Connecticut Southern • Emmanuel A. Hayes, son of Car- • Alexandria D. Lounsbury, locomotive engineer. los A. Hayes of BLET Division 156 (Bir- daughter of Deven K. Ferre of BLET Di- mingham, Ala.), a CSX locomotive engi- vision 349 (Salt Lake City, Utah), a UP There were 18 scholarships neer; conductor; and awarded in the 2021 • Dylan C. Hiser, son of Evan C. • Hyette N. Rustermier, daughter $1,000 category: Hiser of BLET Division 98 (Lincoln, Neb.), of Steven M. Rustermier of BLET Divi- • Daniel R. Braile, son of Hugo D. a BNSF locomotive engineer; sion 98 (Lincoln, Neb.), a BNSF locomo- Braile of BLET Division 11 (New York, • Hunter D. Hoatson, son of Shawn tive engineer. N.Y.), an Amtrak locomotive engineer; D. Hoatson of BLET Division 388 (North • Andrew P. Cardone, son of Peter Platte, Neb.), a UP locomotive engineer; 2021 WINNERS Cardone of BLET Division 269 (Long • Olivia M. King, daughter of Rich- There were five scholarships Island, N.Y.), a Long Island Rail Road ard E. King of BLET Division 392 (Havre, awarded in the 2021 $10,000 (LIRR) locomotive engineer; Mont.), a BNSF/MRL locomotive engi- category: • Phylicia Childs, daughter of neer; • Kaedon D. Tuomela, son of Chad Elaine J. Childs of BLET Division 482 • Isabella M. Kudyba, daughter of

iStock.com/skynesher R. Tuomela of BLET Division 94 (Gil- (Washington, D.C.), an Amtrak locomo- Kevin A. Kudyba of BLET Division 335 lette, Wyo.), a BNSF locomotive engineer; tive engineer; (Elrama, Pa.), a NS locomotive engineer; Photo: www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 5 up front

• Casimira M. Lopez, daughter of Gerald V. Lopez of BLET Division 269 BLET family members (Long Island, N.Y.), a LIRR locomotive engineer; • J’Cee Faith Petty, daughter of J. awarded 2020 C. Petty of BLET Division 592 (Dalhart, Texas), a UP locomotive engineer; Union Plus scholarships • Olivia Propeck, daughter of Mi- chael J. Propeck of BLET Division 202 In early 2020, Union Plus awarded $300,000 in scholarships to (Dilworth, Minn.), a BNSF locomotive 215 students representing 43 unions — including four winners engineer; representing the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers • Sage A. Stevens, daughter of and Trainmen (BLET). This year’s group of scholarship Warren Stevens of BLET Division 197 recipients includes university, college, and trade or technical (San Antonio, Texas), a UP locomotive school students from 38 states. The four BLET winners are: engineer; • Dacey L. Turner, daughter of Tim- ANDREW LOGAN DYLAN JOSHUA othy E. Whitworth of BLET Division CARDONE COGDILL HISER YOUNG Levittown, New York Taylorsville, Kentucky 178 (Carthage, Mo.), a Missouri & North- Seward, Nebraska Abilene, Kansas. ern Arkansas locomotive engineer; and Cardone, whose Cogdill, whose Hiser, whose father, Young, whose father, • Joshua M. Young, son of Troy M. father, Peter Cardone, father, Michael Evan Hiser, is a Troy Young, is a Young of BLET Division 587 (Salina, is a retired Long Cogdill, is a BNSF locomotive Union Pacific Kan.), a UP locomotive engineer. Island Rail Road CSX locomotive engineer and locomotive engineer locomotive engineer engineer and member of BLET and member There also were three 2021 and member of BLET member of Division 98 of BLET Division vocational scholarships awarded, Division 269 (Long BLET Division 78 (Lincoln, Neb.), 587 (Salina, Kan.), ranging up to $2,000: Island, N.Y.), has (Louisville, Ky.), has been awarded has been awarded • Malorie Barkman, daughter of been awarded a has been awarded a $4,000 a $1,000 scholarship. Darren T. Barkman of BLET Division $2,000 scholarship a $1,000 scholarship scholarship 303 (Morrill, Neb.), a UP locomotive engineer; and • Trey D. Potter, son of Eric W. Meet the 2020 BLET Winners Potter of BLET Division 120 (Kansas City, Andrew Cardone 2016. HFTF founder Rev. Diane Dunne Mo.), a NS locomotive engineer; Island Trees High School (ITHS), said Andrew is a hardworking self-start- • Ava M. Walker, daughter of Phil- Levittown, New York (2020) er. “He has been faithful each Friday eve- lip D. Walker of BLET Division 934 Andrew plans to major in engineer- ning, helping us load vans and stock food (Cumberland, Md.), a CSX locomotive ing in college and hopes to become an for the poor while others his age are out engineer. electrical engineer having a good time,” Dunne said. “He specializing in ro- doesn’t volunteer in order to receive spe- ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIPS: The James botics. He was cial or extra credit at school but simply R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund offers born in Latvia and to help the downtrodden.” college and vocational scholarships to the abandoned at age ACTIVITIES AND HONORS: National Hon- sons, daughters and financial dependents of 8, then became a or Society; ITHS FIRST Robotics Club Teamster members (including the BLET, BM- ward of a Latvian (RoboDawgs); ITHS Student of the Month WED, GCC and TCRC). Academic scholarships Orphan Court be- (October 2019); Carson Scholar; HFTF range from $1,000 to $10,000 for high school fore being adopted Volunteer of the Year seniors who plan to attend a four-year col- by his American VOLUNTEERISM: HFTF community out- lege or university. The training/vocational father in 2016. “I reach, fundraisers program provides awards of up to $2,000 for know what it is use at community colleges and trade like to be hungry and homeless,” Andrew Logan Cogdill schools. The application process for 2021 said. “In Latvia, I ate donated food and Jefferson Community and Technical College will begin in November 2020, and the dead- wore donated clothing. I want to give back (JCTC), Louisville, Kentucky and Spencer line each year is typically in early March. For to needy people as people gave to me when County High School (SCHS), Taylorsville, more information, please visit the James R. I was a kid.” Kentucky (2018) Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund website, Andrew has volunteered with Hope Logan is in the medical laboratory www.jrhmsf.org. for the Future Ministries (HFTF) since technician program at JCTC and ex-

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pects to complete his associate degree aunt and uncle became foster parents to ica. Josh graduated at the top of his class in June 2021. He wants to help make three children, Dylan was inspired to cre- and completed more than 20 college the world a bet- ate Foster Friends, a nonprofit organiza- credits via courses at a local technical ter place by con- tion that accepts donations of clothes, college. He is an accomplished alto sax- ducting cancer toys, and supplies for foster children. The ophonist and earned a Superior I rat- research, in- organization was overwhelmed by the ing at the Kansas spired by mem- community’s generosity and partnered Solo and Ensem- bers of his fam- with the Lincoln People’s City Mission ble Festival. ily who have to distribute the donations. Marc Riegel, been affected by Dylan is thankful for his father’s BLET an associate pas- the disease. Lo- membership and said the union is a true tor at Emmanuel gan worked to- brotherhood. “When my dad had a life- C h u r c h i n ward phleboto- changing injury, BLET was there to pro- Abilene, led Josh my and EKG tect him and his job,” Dylan said. “The and other church technician certifications while at union allows my dad to stand shoulder members on a SCHS, where he was part of the school’s to shoulder with his co-workers on an 2017 mission trip nursing program. even playing field, giving him opportu- to Guatemala Logan is thankful for his father’s BLET nities in his workplace. BLET gives the where they served at Eagle’s Nest Orphan- membership and said the union provides voice of a single employee the power of age. “Josh is the kind of person who leads job protection and better wages for its thousands.” by example and is always willing to do members. “In an ever-increasingly fickle ACTIVITIES AND HONORS: Boy Scouts of the work that others don’t want to do,” job market, unions are the last strong- America (Eagle Scout, Order of the Riegel said. “He has a gift of mercy and hold against unfair layoff or termination,” Arrow); National Honor Society; Fu- comforting that allows him to come Logan said. “Most jobs in our state don’t ture Business Leaders of America alongside those who are in need of care provide nearly the protection and bene- (FBLA); SHS marching, concert bands; and concern.” fits that a union job provides. BLET has SHS varsity football, baseball; UNL ACTIVITIES, HONORS, AND EMPLOYMENT: provided a solid middle-class way of life Regents Scholarship National Honor Society (NHS); AHS for my family.” VOLUNTEERISM: Foster Friends; com- band; AHS varsity track; Fellowship of ACTIVITIES, HONORS, AND EMPLOYMENT: munity outreach events Christian Athletes; AHS Principal’s Hon- National Honor Society; Beta Club; or Roll; Gold Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish); SCHS Book Club; HOSA–Future Health Joshua Young Abilene Municipal Pool Professionals; HOSA Biomedical Debate Abilene (Kansas) High School (2020) VOLUNTEERISM: NHS community li- state winner; HOSA Sophomore of the Josh will attend the University of aison Year; Spencer County Library summer Kansas as a biochemistry and Spanish internship double major. He hopes to attend med- ABOUT THE UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP VOLUNTEERISM: Jewish Hospital ical school, become a general practitio- PROGRAM: The Union Plus Scholarship Pro- Shelbyville radiology department; ani- ner, and provide medical care in im- gram, now in its 29th year, awards scholar- mal shelter; blood drives poverished communities in Latin Amer- ships based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need, and Dylan Hiser “When my dad had a commitment to the values of organized labor. Seward (Nebraska) High School (2020) Since 1991, Union Plus has awarded more Dylan will attend the University of life-changing injury, the BLET than $4.8 million in educational funding to Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) as a pre-med was there to protect him and more than 3,200 union members, spouses, biochemistry ma- his job. The union allows and dependent children. Union Plus Scholar- jor and a member my dad to stand shoulder to ship awards are granted to students attend- of the University ing a two-year college, four-year college, Honors Program. shoulder with his co-workers graduate school, or recognized technical or He hopes to be- on an even playing field, trade school. The selection process is very come a family giving him opportunities competitive, and in 2020 over 6,300 applica- practice physi- in his workplace. BLET gives tions were received from 68 unions and all 50 cian. Dylan was states, plus the District of Columbia, two U.S. among the top the voice of a single employee territories, and six Canadian provinces. The students in his the power of thousands.” deadline to apply is usually January 31 each SHS graduating — Dylan Hiser, son of BLET year. Visit unionplus.org/scholarship for ap- class. When his Division 98 Member Evan Hiser plications and benefit eligibility. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 7 Obituaries Stephen Shawn Miskimens, Div. 78, 1969-2020 THE BLET MOURNS THE LOSS OF BROTHER STEPHEN hardworking and professional locomotive engineer. SHAWN MISKIMENS, who passed away on He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sabrina, October 12, 2020, from complications related to five children and four grandchildren. He also leaves COVID-19. He was 51 years old. Brother Miskimens his father, Steven and brother, Michael (Angela) was a CSX locomotive engineer and had 25 years and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and of railroad seniority. He has been member of BLET nephews. Brother Miskimens will be deeply missed Division 78 in Louisville, Kentucky, since December by his family as well as his railroad family. Our 1, 2015. He came from a large railroad family, Brotherhood extends deepest sympathies to the including his father and brother, and was a family of Brother Miskimens. BROTHERHOOD OBITUARIES: THIS INFORMATION IS BASED UPON REPORTS FILED BY THE SECRETARY-TREASURERS OF THE VARIOUS BLET DIVISIONS AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 2020 332 — John W. Mitchell 348 — C. R. Shell 133 — Gary D. Isabell 54 — Steve Lasota 421 — S. Scinta 386 — A. A. Bunn 158 — Kenneth D. Willis 71 — William P. Mullen 446 — Marvin P. Glidewell 392 — Bruce J. James 197 — A. J. Gangluff 88 — R. L. Young 447 — L. E. Cloud 404 — J. R. Pinion 198 — R. Monger 131 — Johnnie M. Phelan 482 — Anthony M. Saunders 421 — J. F. Michel 206 — F. D. Madden 153 — Leighton B. Calloway 496 — C. E. Gentry 448 — D. B. Clendenin 269 — S. J. Bove 190 — Billy J. Arbaugh 497 — D. J. Vogt 448 — T. McCoy 269 — A. J. Green 190 — Richard P. Edmonds 526 — Charles A. Shreve 646 — A. J. Usher 269 — Edward A. Pettersen 190 — Thomas E. Hackworth 742 — R. R. Steckler 894 — Mark E. Shroyer 269 — J. J. Zwerle 190 — B. L. Hendricks 779 — Kenneth W. Arnold 899 — R. Collins 409 — James W. Vaught 190 — J. K. Thompson 779 — Donald A. Jones 919 — Edsel R. Carpenter 494 — W. A. Emerson 285 — Michael L. Coker 779 — Willie F. Patterson 495 — J. G. Weaver 370 — Michael J. Halerz 830 — R. Young AS OF JULY 31, 2020 502 — James W. Tolbert 497 — W. Flaherty 858 — Michael L. Lyons 1 — Gary L. Locklin 518 — D. E. Kurtz 497 — J. F. Tinney 934 — H. J. Foreback 110 — G. M. Chard 547 — James E. Black 165 — R. L. Perkins 575 — Ralph Sweat AS OF MARCH 31, 2020 AS OF MAY 31, 2020 165 — C. E. Stidham 620 — D. L. Pattison 26 — Terry D. Tyson 26 — Neal G. Adams 183 — E. W. Jeffres 34 — Henry L. Green 26 — Kenneth W. Brown 190 — W. H. Adkins AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 37 — Marty W. Street 48 — M. D. Massie 194 — John Goebel 2 — R. K. Smith 100 — C. C. Whiles 69 — David C. Godke 253 — R. S. Wagner 16 — K. L. Stoll 101 — J. B. Ashley 88 — N. J. Boyd 269 — George A. Ginocchio 39 — K. M. Bailey 269 — John H. Gilson 182 — Dan J. Koehler 269 — Tom. J. Gleason 48 — Jeffery M. Moeckli 328 — Jerry Smith 195 — Florian Norton 269 — C. J. Kellett 56 — J. E. Wilson 337 — R. G. Thompson 239 — Stanley E. Mainor 269 — Peter J. Riley 60 — Aaron B. Rowe 388 — Tad A. Wright 273 — W. J. Powell 391 — Don E. Dredge 169 — R. D. Greco 421 — E. C. Nichols 309 — Danny D. Spell 444 — C. K. Buffington 221 — Arnie J. Armbrust 523 — Jerry D. Cloke 483 — John P. Durborow 45 — G. L. Lowry 221 — Stu A. Turner 696 — Jermaine D. Hunt 620 — Cecil L. Jackson 511 — J. L. Jeffries 269 — R. L. Laffman 754 — Michael R. Harting 632 — T. G. Holliday 526 — K. J. Krichbaum 269 — Terence J. McCauley 779 — Timothy E. Clark 858 — D. R. Poore 565 — M. S. McCabe 269 — F. Miller 914 — W. J. Carr 574 — Lewis L. Owens 269 — M. J. Moskowitz AS OF JUNE 30, 2020 592 — Colley S. Ellsworth 269 — E. G. Schleyer AS OF APRIL 30, 2020 10 — D. L. Lindsey 621 — Robert E. Dittoe 269 — V. J. Senerchia 94 — Thomas L. Walker 14 — Mark B. Woodburn 623 — John E. Scheidt 269 — R. C. Shelley 131 — Calvert C. Pitchford 39 — Philip W. Clary 730 — Richard C. Logue 301 — J. R. Jonas 131 — Al J. Prutsman 88 — R. E. Forrester 778 — T. D. Bretthauer 364 — Jeffrey T. Mundhenke 174 — Jason L. Girven 130 — A. D. Mount 383 — Michael T. Ellis 190 — H. K. Rhodes 140 — H. L. Byrd AS OF AUGUST 31, 2020 489 — Jerry L. Wyatt 194 — D. H. Kruse 183 — D. M. O’Connor 13 — John N. Lodoen 524 — Donald Gentry 216 — Doug D. Ure 197 — James M. Bird 14 — William E. Brown 547 — Samuel R. Lane 269 — Matthew E. Martin 209 — Kenneth Lestrud 60 — Thomas Evans 567 — J. D. Armstrong 283 — L. Schuyler 239 — J. W. Sitton 62 — D. C. Battle 592 — Patrick S. Saavedra 284 — R. L. Phillips 259 — C. B. Rodgers 74 — Luke A. Kenny 791 — J. C. Dowley 332 — Dennis M. Carmichael 272 — George Carlin 106 — John L Bonvillian

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Guest Columnists by Ja m e s P. Hof fa , T e a m st er s G e n er a l P r e si de n t & Joh n Mu r ph y, Di r e c t or , T e a m st er s R a i l C on f er e nce

Economic Struggle is Real for Millions of Americans ome in power might workers. And with the recov- One area where real gains be done to help those at the want to point to recent ery seen as slowing (as job could come from govern- bottom of the pay scale who unemployment num- gains decrease), the pain is ment intervention is in the were doing all they could bersS as a sign that a stronger going to continue. public sector. The Teamsters to support themselves and economy is just around the As it stands, some 30 mil- and others have called on their loved ones before CO- corner. But it is clear this lion Americans are receiving federal policymakers to step VID-19 hit. Hardworking country is still facing a seri- unemployment benefits. Of up and provide more fiscal Americans deserve to have ous jobs problem that is dis- course, those benefits are relief to state and local gov- a government that works proportionately hitting those much less generous since a ernments. That way, they for them. who need help the most. $600 weekly bonus paid for by can continue to provide nec- Nearly eight months into the federal government came essary services and prevent Fraternally, this coronavirus-induced re- to an end in July. And with no unnecessary cuts to their cession, the U.S. is still 11.5 congressional agreement ex- budgets as their revenue falls million jobs below where it pected on enhanced benefits in the face of the historical- stood earlier this year. The anytime soon, low-income ly large shutdown in eco- James P. Hoffa brunt of that is being felt by workers and their families will nomic activity. Teamsters General women, Black and Latino continue to suffer. In short, work needs to President Pressuring the Rail Carriers to Protect Rail Workers uring this ongoing Unfortunately, you and profits over serving their the Heroes Act which would COVID crisis, your fellow essential work- customers. Today, despite provide relief for the vari- when much of the ers are not getting the rec- the fact the traffic is again ous rail systems and their nationD is shut down — busi- ognition and benefits you growing, the recalls of fur- workers, if the Senate would nesses closed, restaurants deserve. Instead, a record loughed workers have been take it up. Please help us shuttered, and many work- numbers of rail workers in insufficient to meet the in- urge the Senate to pass these ing from home — you, as both the freight and pas- creasing demand. bills to help keep passenger railroad workers, are the es- senger systems have been Currently, there are two and commuter trains roll- sential workers out there on furloughed as traffic and bills in the Senate that we ing and safe. the frontline keeping our ridership has dropped. encourage you to reach out fragile economy moving for- Compounding this is the to your Senators to support: Fraternally, ward, despite the risks. Suc- systemically flawed “preci- S.3884 - Essential Trans- cessful economies demand sion scheduled railroading” portation Employee Safety John F. Murphy an efficient and effective job killing scheme in which Act of 2020; and S. 3677 - Director, Teamsters transportation system, and the carriers have abandoned COVID-19 Every Worker Rail Conference you are the key drivers of their responsibilities as Protection Act of 2020. In and International that system. common carriers and put May 2020, the House passed Vice President

About the Authors: James P. Hoffa grew up on picket lines and in John Murphy has been an Eastern Region union meetings. He is the only son of James R. Hoffa, Vice President since 1998. He spearheaded merger former General President of the International negotiations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Brotherhood of Teamsters. On his 18th birthday, Engineers and Brotherhood of Maintenance of Hoffa received his own union card and was sworn Way Employes and now serves as Director of the in by his father. Rail Conference.

www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 9 feature RALLY TO SAVE AMTRAK The BLET and other rail labor unions organized a day of protest on September 30, 2020, in response to Amtrak’s plan to slash service and furlough thousands of workers. Rallies were held in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City. WASHINGTON D.C. Union members rally with members of Congress in front of U.S. Capitol Building AT A RALLY IN FRONT OF THE U.S. CAPITOL ON SEPTEMBER 30, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), a division of the Teamsters Rail Confer- ence, joined members of the SMART-TD and Transportation Communications Union (TCU) to urge Congress to vote Vince Verna, BLET Director of Regulatory Affairs, addresses the rally in favor of nearly $3 billion in funding have and continue to take care of us.” for Amtrak. A bipartisan group of legislators from “We need to protect all the brothers the U.S. House of Representatives spoke and sisters at Amtrak,” said Vince at the rally, including: Rep. Stephen Verna, the BLET’s Director of Regulatory Lynch (D-MA); Rep. Brendan Boyle Affairs. “Legislators need to demand (D-PA); Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA); that there are no furloughs. This and Donald Norcross (D-NJ). pandemic will end and we want to have a In addition to Brother Verna, addition- first-class American passenger rail al speakers from organized labor system. We are going to fight and we are included: Joe Sellars, SMART-TD going to get the funding for Amtrak!” General President; Larry Willis, Presi- Approximately 200 rank-and-file dent of the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Sean Simon, BLET New Jersey members of Amtrak unions converged Trades Department; and William State Legislative Board Chairman holds on Washington, D.C., in order to make DeCarlo, TCU Vice-President and a “Save America’s Railroad” sign. sure that Congress, especially Senate National Legislative Director. nate when considering that Amtrak had Leader Mitch McConnell, saw and heard Union Presidents Jeremy Ferguson set passenger service records in recent that unions are fighting to get the funds (SMART-TD), Dennis Pierce (BLET) and years. However, placing the burden of necessary for Amtrak’s survival passed. Arthur Maratea (TCU) said: “We the pandemic’s effects on all of these “Our Amtrak workers have shown up recognize that the coronavirus has essential workers who faithfully kept the and done their jobs every single day,” said profoundly affected the national rail service running during this ongoing U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan from Ohio. “We need network with a major reduction in national emergency is absolutely wrong. to take care of our rail workers as they ridership, which is especially unfortu- Job cuts are not the cure.”

10 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org Organized labor was out in force at Capitol Hill to urge Congress to extend emergency funding for Amtrak.

The late Larry Willis, former President of the Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department

Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA) Joe Sellers, SMART-TD General President Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 11 feature

LOS ANGELES Workers and families will suffer from furloughs THE AMTRAK RALLY IN LOS ANGELES took place in front of Union Station and was well attended by numerous union members and passenger rail supporters. The three primary speakers were: • Jack Dinsdale, TCU Vice President; • Louie Costa SMART-TD California State Legislative Director; and • Jerry Padilla Jr., Legislative Representative of BLET Division 660. BLET members at the Amtrak rally in Los Angeles on September 30, from left: “Amtrak workers were essential Damon Allen (BNSF), Legislative Representative of Division 662; workers through this whole pandemic,” John Mobley (BNSF), Legislative Representative of BLET Division 398; Brother Padilla said. “The public uses Ulises Flotte (Amtrak), Legislative Representative of BLET Division 20; Amtrak on a daily basis whether it be for Jerry Padilla Jr. (UP), Legislative Representative of BLET Division 660; business or leisure and massive and Stefan Alexis (UP), Legislative Representative of BLET Division 56. furloughs and service reductions would limit travel options. Before this pandemic, there was a year-over-year increase of 800,000 passengers. If Amtrak’s funding is cut, then there will be 2,000 furloughs. Good paying jobs would be lost, and those who were laid off would suffer as well as their families.” Brother Padilla concluded his remarks by encouraging everyone at the rally to contact their member of Con- gress and their Senators in support of proper funding for Amtrak.

12 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org CHICAGO “Let’s get to work!” THE AMTRAK FUNDING RALLY IN CHICAGO had a great turn out with A throng of union members including members of BLET, SMART, incredible support from organized labor TCU, UNITE HERE and the Chicago Federation of Labor. throughout the state of Illinois. In addition to BLET, SMART, and TCU, unions such as UNITE HERE, the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL), and representatives from other organized labor unions came together to support Amtrak’s workers. The rally was held in front of Union State on South Canal St. Speakers included: • Jeremy R. Ferguson, SMART-TD Representing the BLET’s Illinois SLB at the Chairman Falaney at the microphone. President; rally in Chicago were: Chairman Chris their families during the COVID-19 • Chris Falaney, BLET Illinois State Falaney and 1st VC Rick Leschina. pandemic; and Legislative Board Chairman; • The importance of Amtrak to • A call to action to immediately call • Brian Shanahan, TCU National national, regional and state economies; on our legislators to include or pass Representative; and • The need to preserve the almost emergency funding for Amtrak. • Don Villar, CFL Secretary-Treasurer. 2,000 jobs that will be lost to service Brother Falaney concluded his speech During his remarks, Brother Falaney reductions; by saying, “This is not a time for touched upon several key elements • The loyalty and commitment of rail indecision. We must bring this to action regarding the necessity to provide union members who continue to provide — not in a week, not in a day — right Amtrak with the vital additional funding, this essential service at great risk to now! Today! Will you join me? Let’s get including: their personal safety and the safety of to work!” NEW YORK Unions rally at Penn Station MEMBERS OF THE BLET, SMART-TD AND TCU — along with other rail union members and supporters — rallied in New York City on September 30 to call upon Congress to provide emergency funding to prevent significant job cuts From left: Anthony Simon, SMART-TD GC, LIRR; Kevin Sexton, BLET GC, LIRR; at Amtrak. Charles Jackson, TCU NR; Scott Carey, SMART-TD LR from Local 95 Without additional funding from the (Albany, N.Y.); and Bill Fleischmann, BLET New York SLBC. federal government, Amtrak has areas especially hard. According to General Chairman, LIRR; Charles announced it will furlough approximately Amtrak internal documents, 1,950 Jackson, TCU National Representative; 2,000 union unionized workers are targeted by these and Scott Carey, SMART-TD Legislative members effective cuts. Of those, 1,225 are members of the Representative from Local 95 (Albany, October 1, 2020. BLET, SMART-TD or the TCU. N.Y.). In addition, U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Amtrak also The rally in New York City took place Maloney (D-12) had a representative on announced plans to in front of Penn Station at 8th Avenue by hand — Taylor M. Abbruzzese — to reduce service, the Farley Post Office. Speakers there listen to union member concerns. which would hit included: Kevin Sexton, BLET General Thank you to all speakers, supporters, long-distance and Chairman, LIRR; Bill Fleischmann, and members who turned out in force BLET’s Bill state-run routes BLET New York State Legislative Board today for an impressive show of solidarity Fleischmann that serve rural Chairman; Anthony Simon, SMART-TD for our Amtrak Brothers and Sisters. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 13 BLET web store Get your union-made gear from the BLET web store! You Can Also Shop For BLET Merchandise Online. Go to www.bletmerchandise.com Jersey Full Zip Jacket — BLT-0221 This is must have addition to your BLET wardrobe. Bonded jersey material that is water resistant and breath- able. Full zip with cinch waist Raglan Hoodie band. — BLT-0225 Available in black sizes small thru 4 XL Soft and cozy is how you will Plaid Placket Polo Shirt Small-XL $62.00, 2XL $64.00, 3XL describe $66.00, 4XL $68.00 — BLT-0245 our new Classic black polo shirt with aqua pullover New Cool Watch dry wicking material with just the hoodie. — BLT-0222 right contrast in the placket. This Navy The newest polo looks great with dress pants or blue and addition to jeans. The BLET logo is embroi- heather our watch dered in complimentary colors to gray give family is our the plaid placket. A must have for it a stylish BLET Woven Beanie — sleek high your BLET wardrobe! look and BLT-0233 polished black Available in black sizes the left You will have to have this woven-in bracelet style medium thru 3XL chest em- beanie for your union apparel col- band with broidered Med-XL $40.00, 2XL $42.00, lection. classic roman logo finishes it off in our classic red, 3XL $44.00 numerals and white and blue. Available in one size. Beanie $15.00 a gold BLET Available in blue and logo. gray sizes small thru 4XL Engraving is Small-XL, $46.00, 2XL $48.00, available. 3XL $50.00, 4XL $52.00 Watch $99.00 Engraving $10.00

Bamboo Polo Shirt — BLT-0246 A luxurious fabric that feels so good to wear! This polo is silver with a contrast- ing stripe in the Short Sleeve Rosewood Clock collar and Moisture Tec Tee — BLT-0117 Oxford Dress Shirt a touch — BLT-0247 This clock features your BLET logo (multiple colors) of that Our new t-shirt features a great new in 18kt. gold plating with polished — BLT-0230 contrast- full back screen printed design with highlights and museum quality Oxford long sleeve dress shirt with ing color the BLET logo complimenting the rosewood. The movement is made embroidered BLET logo above on the cuff to really make this shirt front left chest to complete the look. in America, and uses AA battery. pocket on the left chest. 60/40 blend stand out from all the rest. We have Cool and comfortable moisture Hand-crafted and assembled by a with traditional dress shirt styling. embroidered it with our classic wicking fabric in navy blue. union work force, your clock will be BLET logo. Available in colors Black, Available in navy blue sizes small a lasting memento for years to come. Available in silver sizes French Blue and Gray and thru 4XL Engraving available. medium thru 3 XL in sizes Medium thru 3XL Small-XL $18.00, 2XL $19.50, 3XL Clock $129.00 Med thru XL $39.00, 2XL $41.00, Med-XL $60.00, 2XL $62.00, $21.00, 4XL $22.50 Engraving $10.00 3XL $43.00 3XL $64.00

14 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org BLET GEAR • ORDER FORM Ordered by: Date of order:______ORDER TOLL FREE Name (Please print) 1-800-272-5120 ...or FAX 1-585-295-8004 Address Method of Payment: Check VISA - (3 digit VI # ______from back) MasterCard Discover Amex Please provide contact numbers below:

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. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 15 Legislative Update A big thank you to all my Brothers, Sisters, staff, and families

by John P. Tolman Vice President & U.S. National Legislative Representative John Tolman retired on November 4, 2020, after serving the past 14 years as Vice Pres- ident and National Legislative Represen- tative of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and nearly 50 years in the railroad industry.

n 1971, in the shadows of Boston and my dad, who had a successful career a General Chairman for the UTU, I got a job as a hostler in 2006 Convention 2018 Convention Beacon Park Yard at 18 years old. International President in 1996, I was bership. This decision has had such a I was fresh out of high school and I knew offered the opportunity of a lifetime as tremendous positive difference for our whatI to expect, or so I thought. My plan a Special Representative of the BLE In- Brotherhood and in the support of our was to work on the railroad during the ternational Division, to serve our union Brothers and Sisters. day, and attend school to earn my MBA from Cleveland, Ohio. I was tasked with My most difficult and impactful as- at night. I had this vision I would get my helping with research, education, and signment was my role on the Safety Task degree and, soon after, leave the railroad training. My wife and I made the deci- Force, assisting with NTSB investiga- industry. “Soon after” has turned into sion to move to Ohio along with our tions on major rail accidents. The horror nearly 50 years. three young children. of a major accident is indescribable and For 25 years I operated trains out of My first assignment as special repre- heart-breaking. What I experienced be- Boston, Massachusetts, and I truly loved sentative was organizing the Wisconsin ing in the forefront of the investigation it. I ran mostly passenger trains, but also Central Railroad. While it took us of these traumatic events helped shape freight, up and down the East Coast and months, the membership was successful my career. I never wanted beyond. I was a second generation rail- and they formed a union. My job took to see another Brother or roader and the ride took me places I me many places around our country, Sister not come home to couldn’t have imagined. from the tracks in Wisconsin to an elec- their loved ones after a day While the railroad was my career, I tion protest on New Jersey Transit in on the railroad. I long kept was also passionate about my local com- Hoboken. As Chief of Staff for the BLE, a picture of Brother Chris munity. I served as a local Alderman of under President Don M. Hahs from Seeling Seeling, who was killed in Melrose, Massachusetts, a Democratic 2002–2006 I did double duty, serving as a tragic accident on January 6, 2005, in City Chairman and, in 1992, I was elect- the Legislative and Political Director Graniteville, South Carolina. Chris’s ed the first Chairman of the Massachu- and Chief of Staff for the latter two years. parents came to Washington, D.C. to setts State Legislative Board. Shortly This was when the Advisory Board pro- tell the story of the loss of their son to after Clarence V. Monin was elected BLE posed a merger with the IBT to the mem- our Congressional leaders, and helped

16 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org Legislative Update

1997 BLE rally with his kids Caroline and Jeff President Barack Obama Supporting striking Verizon workers

The late Rep. John Lewis The late Rep. Jim Oberstar Rep. Tim Ryan the Brotherhood in our efforts to make government across the country. bership. I appreciate everyone who made our jobs safer for all. The past 14 years representing the the phone calls, wrote the letters, and Rail safety has been a personal pas- Brotherhood in Washington, D.C. has came to D.C. to educate Congress on sion and my professional priority. In been the greatest honor in my long career. things that matter to BLET members and 2006, I ran and was elected by the Del- It’s been a special privilege to work along- their families. egates at the BLET’s First National Con- side and have the support of our Teamster But we must remember that every day vention. It was during this campaign Brothers and Sisters, including General brings a new fight. As the great Martin that I learned that a thick skin is required President James Hoffa, a true icon of the Luther King, Jr. said, “Now is not the time in union politics. As Vice President and American labor movement. to remain silent on things that matter.” National Legislative Representative since I have worked under seven BLE/BLET Stay active and stay involved. There will 2006, I’ve had the privilege to serve in a presidents, none longer than National be many obstacles in our tracks, but stay position where I can make a difference President Dennis R. Pierce, and I’ve had the course and we will persevere. There for our Brothers and Sisters. After im- the pleasure of being surrounded is no such thing as complacency when it proving protections for whistleblowers throughout my career by intelligent, car- comes to rail safety and labor protections, in 2007, with the Rail Safety Improve- ing, and dedicated people. We have ac- especially in our changing world. The ment Act of 2008 our fight led to passage complished great things and I am priv- work will never be done. of the first federal rail safety legislation ileged to help move the BLET train off But it’s time for me to pass the torch in over a decade. While I was always just the side track and onto the mainline in to a new generation of leaders. I want to part of a greater team, providing testi- our Nation’s capital. thank my family for supporting me all mony on behalf of our Brothers and Sis- A big thank you to all who have sup- the way, my wife Chris and our kids Car- ters to our country’s leaders has been ported me and have been involved in this oline, Jeff, and Johanna. I cannot begin the honor of a lifetime. great Brotherhood. You have all made a to thank them enough for allowing me Together we have helped provide our difference in my journey, and I truly ap- to give my calling and passion to this rail workers with whistleblower protec- preciate all the Presidents, Vice Presidents, Brotherhood. And I am proud to have tions, mandated the implementation of Legislative Chairmen, General Chairmen, been able to fight to make things better Positive Train Control, and advanced our BLET Auxiliary, the D.C. staff, the Cleve- for them, and for all BLET families. agenda in the rail industry at all levels of land staff, families, and the entire mem- It has been a privilege to serve. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 17 LReegigusllativorye Update OMB, not “deep state” but definitely an opaque one “As far as “draining the Office, “the OMB is part of the Executive Office of the President (EOP) this hous- swamp” — at the OMB the es OMB, along with the White House by Vincent G. Verna swamp does not get drained. staff, the Office of the Vice President, the Director of National Security Council, the Council Regulatory Affairs It does, however, get of Economic Advisors and the Office of n my prior articles I have explained exchanged. Every presidential the U.S. Trade Representative, among to my BLET Brothers and Sisters administration has its own others. OMB has an annual budget of $56 some of the complications faced million and a 518 person staff. It is the by a union officer or staffer work- set of political appointees largest of any one office of in the EOP.” ing in the nation’s capital. I have who run the managerial If it seems OMB occupies a huge por- tried to connect some of the dots where tion of EOP, you’re right. One problem is politics,I legislation and regulations inter- side of the OMB.” that even though it occupies such a large sect with the working lives we lead as footprint at EOP, the 518 people staffing locomotive engineers and trainmen. It is usually in archives long before someone the OMB can in no way possess all the a big challenge trying to turn D.C. com- sees them. expertise necessary to complete its mis- plexities into simple, easy to understand As far as “draining the swamp” — at sion. In addition to managing and bud- concepts. There is just so much. the OMB the swamp does not get drained. geting, OMB also serves as the final filter This article was originally going to It does, however, get exchanged. Every for Executive Branch agency regulatory be titled OMB, OMG, WTF because presidential administration has its own actions, such as regulations promulgated most of the time I have read anything, set of political appointees who run the by the FRA or the Railroad Retirement encountered anything or had to talk managerial side of the OMB. Board (RRB). Thus, it is not unreasonable about anything related to the Office of This is all located in the Eisenhower to ask how OMB also can have the staff Management and Budget (OMB), this Old Executive Office Building and across with the requisite and expansive subject has been the thought that crossed my Pennsylvania Avenue in the New Execu- matter expertise to understand topics mind. OMG and What the ####? Many tive Office Building, both of which are from basic railroad operations, PTC or BLET members do not get to hear much within walking distance of the White Railroad Retirement and occupational about the OMB. It operates mostly be- House. This physical separation within disability? And keep in mind that OMB hind the scenes and will rarely let anyone OMB produces a conceptual tug-of-war is not just looking at FRA and RRB. It is peek behind its curtain. between stability and instability or, put responsible for all the federal agencies We have very few meetings with another way, between continuity and under control of the Executive Branch. OMB and when we have had them, they disruption. This is not inherently a bad The OMB was created in 1970, as the really do not talk to us. They will typ- push-pull. Seeking to disrupt the same successor agency to the Bureau of the ically listen, say thank you and leave old thing that does not get results by try- Budget, which was established in 1921 the meeting. It has to be experienced ing new things is admirable. But a certain as a part of the Department of the Trea- to gain an appreciation for how myste- command of historical knowledge is re- sury. For purposes of our focus, OMB rious meeting with OMB staff can feel. quired in order to determine whether or has been the final filter through which This is not a conclusion drawn from not an idea really is a new one. government regulations must pass for large amount of data, but from the few It is not only possible, but it is likely, the past four decades. It also is used as experiences the BLET has actually been that a “new idea” often is an old idea that the office of support for the Executive permitted to interact with OMB. OMB’s has been discarded because it already had Branch’s budget proposals to Congress. internal documents that are used to been tried by a previous Administration The OMB is responsible for developing make decisions are not made public, and failed. As Shelley Lynne Tomkin budgets for the Executive Branch agen- and they are not easy to gain access to points out in her book Inside OMB: Pol- cies — and the rules and regulations during an administration. They are itics and Process in the President’s Budget these agencies promulgate — and then

18 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org Regulatory Update

presenting this budget in the President’s the Policy Director for the House Repub- senior- and policy-level appointments annual budget to Congress. lican Conference, under then-Chairman within the Executive Branch. OMB is officially tasked with the fol- (and now Vice President) Mike Pence, as These are not things we need to con- lowing: the Executive Director of the Republican cern ourselves with at the controls of the “Budget development and execution. Study Committee (RSC), and as a legisla- locomotive. We all know that we must Management, including oversight of tive assistant for U.S. Senator Phil Gramm. be ever vigilant to the task at hand when agency performance, human capital, He is the third Director since 2016. running the engine. However, these are Federal procurement, financial manage- As citizens, we are touched by ev- items that we need to be concerned with ment, and information technology. Reg- erything on the list above. As locomo- as far as how the table is set in Washing- ulatory policy, including coordination tive engineers and trainmen, our main ton when we get a chance to have a seat and review of all significant Federal focus is on the “regulatory policy, in- at the table. Because of the complex and regulations by executive agencies. Leg- cluding coordination and review of all obscure nature of the OMB, our strate- islative clearance and coordination.” significant Federal regulations by ex- gies must be proportioned to tackle prob- — From www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ ecutive agencies.” lems legislatively and with the FRA (not The current Director of OMB is Russell The purpose of this article is not to that they are the most transparent either). Vought. Prior to serving in the Trump make us experts on OMB. We certainly It is critical to know that the OMB is one Administration, Director Vought spent are not. However, we have a clear under- of the last hurdles to passing safety reg- over 20 years working in Washington, D.C. standing that the OMB represents a com- ulations that can and do benefit our with grassroots and public policy organi- plex and opaque office within the Ex- members. Anyone working in D.C. who zations. Before joining the Administration, ecutive Branch. The President appoints does not know who OMB is or how it he worked for seven years as Vice President all of the management of OMB, plus the operates goes to their job with one hand of Heritage Action for America. Prior to Secretary of Transportation, the Admin- tied behind their back, and is not set up this, he worked on Capitol Hill, serving as istrator of the FRA, along with all other to succeed. BLET’s John Tolman retires; Vince Verna is new Vice President & National Legislative Representative fter a distinguished been established during John Tol- tion in 2014 and again at the Brother Verna began working railroad career that be- man’s remarkable tenure as Vice BLET’s Fourth National Conven- full time for the BLET National Di- gan nearly 50 years President and National Legisla- tion in 2018. His railroad career vision on August 1, 2011, when he ago, BLET Vice Presi- tive Representative.” began in 1994 when he hired out was appointed to the position of Adent & National Legislative Rep- The BLET Bylaws dictate the as a brakeman for the Southern Director of Regulatory Affairs by resentative John P. Tolman re- order of succession in filling va- Pacific Railroad in Los Angeles, President Pierce. In his role as tired on November 4, 2020. His cancies on the Advisory Board, Calif. He transferred to engine Director of Regulatory Affairs, alternate, Vincent G. Verna, including when a National Division service in March of 1995 in Tuc- Verna represented the BLET in succeeded to his place on the Officer retires. Having won elec- son, Ariz., and joined BLET Divi- regulatory matters before the De- BLET Advisory Board effective tion by acclamation to the office sion 28 (Tucson, Ariz.) on Novem- partment of Transportation, the November 5, 2020. of First Alternate Vice President ber 17, 1995. Verna became National Transportation Safety “It would be trite to merely & National Legislative Represen- actively involved in the Brother- Board the Transportation Security state that John Tolman’s retire- tative at the BLET’s Fourth Na- hood almost immediately, serving Administration, and the Transpor- ment will leave big shoes to fill,” tional Convention in 2018, Broth- as Alternate Legislative Repre- tation Research Board, among oth- BLET National President Dennis er Verna will automatically fill the sentative of Division 28 in 1995, ers agencies and organizations. R. Pierce said. “I think it is much office vacated by Brother Tolman’s and as Vice Local Chairman in Brother Verna a proud third more accurate to say that his retirement. Verna has worked out 1999. Brother Vince continued in generation railroader. His father unique style cannot be duplicat- of the BLET’s National Legislative both positions until becoming Di- Fred retired as a conductor from ed. However, Brother Vince Ver- office for the past nine years, hav- vision 28’s Legislative Represen- UP in 2010 after 48 years of ser- na has had many years to learn ing served as Director of Regula- tative in 2006 and full-time Local vice. Also, his great uncle was a the territory under Brother Tol- tory Affairs since August 1, 2011. Chairman in 2008. Brother Verna conductor for the Penn Central man’s mentorship, and I am con- Brother Verna was twice elect- also began serving as Chairman and the Southern Pacific, and his fident that Brother Verna will ed by acclamation to the office of of the Arizona State Legislative brother Tony is a BLET member continue the BLET’s high level of First Alternate VP&NLR: first at Board in 2008, a position he was and locomotive engineer working legislative leadership that has the BLET’s Third National Conven- reelected to in 2009. at Union Pacific. www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 19 |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

BLET President’s Message by D e n n is R. P i erce , BLET Nat ion a l P r esi de n t Tribute to an extraordinary lawyer and friend ur Brotherhood lost one of tracks of a third, newly consolidated car- its greatest friends in No- rier. The following year, Brother Harold vember when retired Gen- filed a Petition for Clarification on behalf eral Counsel Harold A. Ross of the BLE asking the ICC to declare that passedO away at the age of 89. He served the earlier order did not authorize the our union as General Counsel from 1967- tenant railroads to use their own crews 2011, and during that time made a pro- on routes they had not previously served, foundly positive and lasting impact that which the ICC denied. BLE and the UTU still benefits our members to this day. then filed timely petitions for reconsid- After graduating from high school in eration of the ICC order, which the ICC 1948, Brother Harold worked at a steel also denied. The unions petitioned for mill during summers to pay for his col- review by the Court of Appeals, which lege education. He graduated from the vacated the ICC and ruled for the unions Western Reserve College in 1953 and on the merits. A 5-justice majority of the from Harvard Law School in 1956, passing Supreme Court reversed the Court of Ap- the bar exam that same year. Like many peals, ruling that federal agency decisions young men of his generation, he served Brother Harold Ross served as General denying petitions for reopening based on in the U.S. Army from 1956-58. Cousel for our Brotherhood for “material error” are not subject to judicial 44 years until he retired in 2011. As a graduate of Harvard Law, Brother review, even if the denial is arbitrary or Harold was more than qualified to begin Administration; railroad safety was contrary to law. practicing law at any number of presti- regulated on a very limited basis by the In the Landers case, Landers was a gious institutions. So to me, it really says Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). passenger engineer employed by Amtrak, something about the content of Harold’s Union shop agreements had been autho- who belonged to the UTU. His request to character that he chose to begin his ca- rized by the RLA for only seven years, be represented by that union at a compa- reer by working for the Brotherhood of and there were five unions representing ny-level disciplinary investigation was Locomotive Engineers in 1958 (the year operating employees. denied, because the BLE was the recog- that I was born). He probably could have Nonetheless, Brother Ross was a pio- nized collective bargaining representative earned a much bigger paycheck by work- neer who quickly became one of the na- of all passenger engineers. Landers then ing for a Class I railroad or one of their tion’s foremost authorities on the RLA. filed suit in Federal District Court seeking outside counsel law firms, but I believe Brother Harold commanded respect from declaratory and injunctive relief against Brother Harold selected his path because both sides of the courtroom, where he Amtrak and the BLE on the ground that it was more important to him to defend spoke as a gentleman with unmistakable their refusal to allow his representation by the rights of working Americans against confidence. He performed extraordinarily the UTU at the hearing violated his rights the abuses of employers. well in the most difficult of cases. under the RLA. The court dismissed the The Railway Labor Act (RLA) is the law In more than four decades of distin- complaint after a bench trial, and the that governs labor relations in the railroad guished legal service to the BLE and BLET, Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal. industry, and it became Brother Harold’s Brother Harold twice argued before the A unanimous Supreme Court held that area of expertise. The law was passed in Supreme Court of the United States. The the RLA does not entitle a railroad em- 1926 and amended in 1934, 1936 and first case he argued was ICC v. Brother- ployee to be represented at company-level 1951, so it was relatively new by today’s hood of Locomotive Engineers in 1987. grievance or disciplinary proceedings by standards when Brother Harold began The second time was when he prevailed in a union other than his collective bargain- working for the Brotherhood in 1958. Landers v. Amtrak and the Brotherhood ing representative, which is the union The railroad industry of that era was of Locomotive Engineers in 1988. entitled to provide “exclusive representa- very different than it is at the present In ICC v. BLE, the ICC had issued an tion” on the property. Although it came at time. There were over 125 Class I carri- order in 1982 granting Missouri-Kansas- a time when our relationships with other ers in the 1950s, compared to just seven Texas Railroad Co. and another railroad Unions were much different, it is thanks to today. There was no Federal Railroad the right to conduct operations using the Continued on page 29 •

2 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org >> Last Runs Paul Piekarski served as Chairman of Illinois State Legislative Board, NASLBC rother Paul S. Piekarski, who has been a member of the BLET for over 46 years — including Bover a decade of service as Chairman of the Illinois State Legislative Board — retired effective February 7, 2020. Brother Piekarski’s railroad career began 47 years ago. He hired out on September 17, 1973, as a clerk/passenger ticket agent with the Chicago and NorthWestern Railroad (CNW) in Chicago. He went firing in February of 1974 and earned promotion to locomotive engineer in April of 1975. Brother Piekarski has been a proud member of BLET Division 683 (Chi- cago) since 1974. Much of Brother Piekarski’s railroad career was spent in dedicated service to the BLET and its membership. He served Division 683 as Pres- Paul Piekarski served the BLET as Chairman of the Illinois State Legislative Board from 2006 until his retirement in 2020. ident from 1998-2010, and as Legisla- tive Representative from 1998-2011. to launch the Illinois State Legislative In 2004, Brother Piekarski became Board’s annual scholarship program. 1st Vice Chairman of the Illinois State Known as the Don Little Memorial Legislative Board and was elected by Scholarship Fund, the program pro- acclamation to that position at the vides financial assistance to the children Board’s 2006 quadrennial meeting. of BLET members who are in good He was promoted to the Chairman’s standing with a BLET Local Division position following the retirement of represented by the Illinois State Legis- C. Edward Way on May 31, 2010. lative Board. Over the past seven years, Brother Piekarski was then reelected numerous BLET families have benefit- as Chairman at the Board’s 2010, 2014 ting from the generosity of Brother and 2018 quadrennial meetings. Piekarski and others thanks to the Don During his tenure as Chairman, Little Memorial Scholarship Fund. Brother Piekarski successfully lobbied During his career of service to the Illinois legislators to pass one of the BLET, Brother Piekarski also served few two-person crew laws in the Unit- Piekarski in Washington D.C. with on the Hazmat Identification RSAC ed States. On August 9, 2019, Illinois John Tolman, BLET Vice President & Committee, represented the Teamsters Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Senate National Legislative Representative. Rail Conference at the Midwest Inter- Bill 24, or the Two Person Freight Train key testimony before major hearings state Passenger Rail Conference from Act, into law. The law requires two cer- of the Illinois House Transportation, 2010-2020, and represented the BLET tified employees in the cab of certain Roads and Bridges Committee. His at the annual National Conference of trains. Brother Piekarski — along with testimony helped convince a majority State Legislators from 2010-2019. fellow BLET officers — spent months of members of the committee to pass Brother Piekarski served as an in- lobbying for passage of the bill. As the much-needed safety legislation. fluential leader of the BLET’s National Chairman, Brother Piekarski delivered In 2013, Brother Piekarski helped Association of State Legislative Board

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during retirement. retirement. during Engineers and Trainmen.” Trainmen.” and Engineers Louis Albert was a train dispatcher in in dispatcher train a was Albert Louis

time sleeping at home in his own bed bed own his in home at sleeping time ber of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Locomotive of Brotherhood the of ber dedicated railroad family. His father father His family. railroad dedicated

trains and cars. He plans to spend more more spend to plans He cars. and trains - mem lifetime proud a be always will I Brother D.J. comes from a large and and large a from comes D.J. Brother

woodworking, and working on model model on working and woodworking, and the CNW/Union Pacific Railroad, Railroad, Pacific CNW/Union the and effective on June 28, 2020. 2020. 28, June on effective

ing his free time, Brother D.J. enjoys golf, golf, enjoys D.J. Brother time, free his ing I may be retired from union leadership leadership union from retired be may I Syracuse, N.Y. His retirement became became retirement His N.Y. Syracuse,

- Dur grandchildren. seven and children Brother Piekarski concluded: “While “While concluded: Piekarski Brother P-42 locomotive between Buffalo and and Buffalo between locomotive P-42

married on July 26, 2008. He has five five has He 2008. 26, July on married py years together during retirement.” during together years py engineer for Amtrak and operated a a operated and Amtrak for engineer

Brother D.J. and his wife Linda were were Linda wife his and D.J. Brother - hap many for Joyce and you to wishes 25, 2020. He worked as a locomotive locomotive a as worked He 2020. 25,

traveling switcher in Erie, Pa. Pa. Erie, in switcher traveling family for allowing us his time. Best Best time. his us allowing for family Brother D.J.’s Last Run was on June June on was Run Last D.J.’s Brother

Division 3 (Cleveland) who works a a works who (Cleveland) 3 Division I would be remiss if I didn’t thank his his thank didn’t I if remiss be would I er of a 40-year BLET membership pin. pin. membership BLET 40-year a of er

ing. Chad is a long time member of of member time long a is Chad ing. Legislative Board,” Tolman said. “Also, “Also, said. Tolman Board,” Legislative - own proud the is He years. 34 past the

- railroad of years 20+ has also Chad ew and as Chairman of the Illinois State State Illinois the of Chairman as and as an Amtrak locomotive engineer for for engineer locomotive Amtrak an as

- neph other his and Cleveland, in Yard ership as Chairman of the NASLBC NASLBC the of Chairman as ership from Conrail to Amtrak, and has worked worked has and Amtrak, to Conrail from

currently works out of the Collinwood Collinwood the of out works currently - lead selfless and dedicated of years his 1986, Brother D.J. made the transition transition the made D.J. Brother 1986,

ew Matt has 20+ years of service and and service of years 20+ has Matt ew Brotherhood a better place through through place better a Brotherhood of Division 752 since 1983. In May of of May In 1983. since 752 Division of

- neph His 2013. in retiring before land ership and compassion in making this this making in compassion and ership March 1, 1980, and has been a member member a been has and 1980, 1, March

- Cleve in 3 Division BLET of member - lead friendship, his for Paul thank to D.J. initiated into the Brotherhood on on Brotherhood the into initiated D.J.

a CSX locomotive engineer and was a a was and engineer locomotive CSX a and healthy retirement. “I would like like would “I retirement. healthy and engineer in February of 1980. Brother Brother 1980. of February in engineer

40+ years of service. Darryl worked as as worked Darryl service. of years 40+ fered his best wishes for a safe, happy happy safe, a for wishes best his fered and earned promotion to locomotive locomotive to promotion earned and

retired. His other brother Darryl had had Darryl brother other His retired. - of years, many for Piekarski Brother la, Ohio. He went firing in April of 1979 1979 of April in firing went He Ohio. la,

roster and was #2 in Zone 3 when he he when 3 Zone in #2 was and roster man, who worked hand-in-hand with with hand-in-hand worked who man, - Ashtabu in operator tower a as Conrail

was #6 on Amtrak’s national seniority seniority national Amtrak’s on #6 was - Tol John Representative Legislative In 1978, Brother D.J. hired out with with out hired D.J. Brother 1978, In

member of BLET Division 752. D.L. D.L. 752. Division BLET of member BLET Vice President and National National and President Vice BLET ity roster for locomotive engineers. locomotive for roster ity

Brother D.J., D.L. Albert was also a a also was Albert D.L. D.J., Brother the future.” future.” the - senior 3 Zone Amtrak’s on #1 being of

Amtrak on November 7, 2019. Like his his Like 2019. 7, November on Amtrak Paul and his family the very best for for best very the family his and Paul ment, Brother D.J. held the distinction distinction the held D.J. Brother ment,

motive engineer, when he retired from from retired he when engineer, motive tional 46 year tenure and do wish wish do and tenure year 46 tional - retire his of time the At 2020. 25, June

- loco a as 46 including railroading, of A - excep his for Piekarski Paul to tions D.J. Albert completed his Last Run on on Run Last his completed Albert D.J.

His brother D.L. Albert had 48 years years 48 had Albert D.L. brother His - congratula warmest our extend we 752 (Rensselaer, N.Y.) member member N.Y.) (Rensselaer, 752

when he retired in Cleveland, Ohio. Ohio. Cleveland, in retired he when local, state and federal levels... and and levels... federal and state local, rail and Amtrak, BLET Division Division BLET Amtrak, and rail

Erie, Pa., who had 40+ years of service service of years 40+ had who Pa., Erie, fought for labor and rail safety on the the on safety rail and labor for fought - Con with career 42-year a fter

Piekarski has tirelessly supported and and supported tirelessly has Piekarski D.J. Albert on the day of his Last Run Last his of day the on Albert D.J.

ruary 4, 2020, reads in part: “Paul “Paul part: in reads 2020, 4, ruary

- Feb on Hastings E. Michael Senator

Senate proclamation, presented by by presented proclamation, Senate

Illinois House of Representatives. The The Representatives. of House Illinois

both the Illinois State Senate and the the and Senate State Illinois the both

arski received a proclamation from from proclamation a received arski

- Piek Brother retirement, his Upon

Council. Council.

member of the DuPage Rail Safety Safety Rail DuPage the of member

Boys & Girls Club of America and a a and America of Club Girls & Boys

Lakes. He is a life time member of the the of member time life a is He Lakes.

fishing and cruising on the Great Great the on cruising and fishing

arski enjoys boating and can be found found be can and boating enjoys arski

During his free time, Brother Piek Brother time, free his During -

daughters, Lillian and London. London. and Lillian daughters,

nifer and Brandon, and two grand two and Brandon, and nifer -

1979. They have two children, Jen children, two have They 1979. -

for Zone 3 engineers 3 Zone for

Joyce Ann were married on May 5, 5, May on married were Ann Joyce

Brother Piekarski and his wife wife his and Piekarski Brother

on Amtrak seniority roster roster seniority Amtrak on 2020). 2020).

(2013-2017) and Chairman (2017- Chairman and (2013-2017)

years, including First Vice Chairman Chairman Vice First including years,

D.J. Albert retired as #1 as retired Albert D.J.

offices with the NASLBC over the the over NASLBC the with offices

Chairmen. He held various elected elected various held He Chairmen.

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>> ast >> Last Runs Metra’s John Appel retires after 52 years of service Possibly the last Milwaukee Road engineer working in the U.S. n 1968 when he was 17 years old, John Appel cared more about dating than he did about trains. But Itwo weeks after graduating high school, these unrelated interests became curi- ously entangled. “I had never been on a train before in my life,” Appel said. “A girl I was dating, her father was an engineer and he said, ‘If you’re gonna date my daughter, you gotta get a job.’ So that’s how I started.” And he never stopped. On June 29, Appel retired after 52 years of service. The Metra engineer began his railroad career on July 5, 1968 as a fireman with the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad — better known as the Milwaukee Road. His retirement marks John Appel at the throttle during his Last Run the end of an era not only for him, but worked with care, respect, knowledge, He worked with men who had run for his craft. Appel is the last engineer and candor that’s unrivaled. steam engines, and some who had served to have joined the ranks when Metra “John raised us,” said Metra conduc- in World War II. They were the kind of acquired the Milwaukee Road’s com- tor Ryan Dempsey, who’s worked with guys who had never heard of kid gloves muter lines in 1987, and possibly the Appel for 20 years. “I was just a kid when and wouldn’t mince words if they last Milwaukee Road engineer working I started. He picked on us a lot over the thought you’d done something wrong. in the country. years, but he taught us it’s serious out They were also the kind to play jokes. “Went by in a hurry, believe it or not, there and to never be complacent. We’re Appel remembered on one of his first as long as it’s been,” Appel said on one running million-dollar equipment with trips as they approached a curve, the of his recent inbound runs from Fox thousands of lives. I’m ecstatic for him, engineer told him to run back and turn Lake. “Went by in a hurry. It’s unbeliev- but he’s going to be truly missed.” a big steel wheel slightly to the right. able how fast life goes by, so enjoy it, “And I did,” Appel laughed, shaking which I do.” THE BEGINNING his head. He spent the first 41 years of his ca- For the first five years of his career, In some ways, it’s a different railroad reer on the Fox Lake subdivision — the Appel was a fireman on the Milwaukee than it was 52 years ago. Not only does predecessor of today’s Milwaukee Dis- Road’s freight trains running on the his first job, fireman, no longer exist, trict North Line — 10½ on the North Fox Lake subdivision. In the steam en- but signal systems and rules have Central Service and will now end his gine days, a fireman was responsible changed, cab cars now have radios, career on the Fox Lake sub where it all for stoking the fire to maintain steam customers and pedestrians have dis- started. Ask Appel if he’s considered pressure in the boiler. By the time John tracting cell phones, and Positive Train the significance of his retirement to the arrived, the Milwaukee Road had been Control (PTC) now dictates how rail- railroad and he’ll take the humble route. dieselized, meaning he was responsible roads operate. “There’s nothing special about me,” for assisting the engineer, gaining real “And there’s the loss of hair color,” Appel contended. “I’m just another guy life experience for when he took the Appel said, white hair bouncing with retiring.” engineer’s seat himself. the cadence of the rails. But if you ask his colleagues, Appel’s “I was on the engine every day,” Ap- Those early days were the best be- retirement is an immeasurable loss for pel said. “I picked out the parts I thought cause everything was new. (“I can’t learn

the railroad. He’s trained generations were good and the parts I said ‘I’ll nev- anymore. The gum ball machine is Metra Communications Specialist II Katie Dahlstrom of engineers and conductors, and er do it that way.’” broke,” he joked.) He hostled freight in Photos: 22 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org

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- ei You is. he who is “He said. Kiesgen Chrissy said. “You make it work.” work.” it make “You said. Chrissy But it’s time. time. it’s But

“He’s fair. He’ll give it to you straight,” straight,” you to it give He’ll fair. “He’s “We’d celebrate when he got home,” home,” got he when celebrate “We’d tough to do.” do.” to tough

tors alike for being direct. direct. being for alike tors was growing up. up. growing was away from your own family. It’s pretty pretty It’s family. own your from away

- conduc and engineers among utation who both worked out of town when she she when town of out worked both who my kids,” Appel said. “It’s like walking walking like “It’s said. Appel kids,” my

- rep a earned He career. his throughout the life, having a father and grandfather grandfather and father a having life, the “Some of these young guys are like like are guys young these of “Some

John also trained new engineers engineers new trained also John a few seasons, and Chrissy understood understood Chrissy and seasons, few a made over the years. years. the over made

it’s us.” us.” it’s He was able to coach little league for for league little coach to able was He He’ll also miss the friendships he’s he’s friendships the miss also He’ll

what’s best for everybody. It’s not me, me, not It’s everybody. for best what’s hard it is.” is.” it hard inbound train. train. inbound

and he’s a true brother. He taught us it’s it’s us taught He brother. true a he’s and engineers, he totally understands how how understands totally he engineers, miss most about being in the cab of an an of cab the in being about most miss

much easier. He’s very knowledgeable knowledgeable very He’s easier. much pel. “So, when he trains these new new these trains he when “So, pel. rising over the city skyline that he’ll he’ll that skyline city the over rising

Kiesgen said. “John breaks it down so so down it breaks “John said. Kiesgen - Ap Chrissy years, 40 of wife his said It’s the sight of that moon or the sun sun the or moon that of sight the It’s

and it’s another when you’re out there,” there,” out you’re when another it’s and having a baby and you can’t be there,” there,” be can’t you and baby a having the moon and back in the last 52 years. years. 52 last the in back and moon the

“It’s one thing reading a rule book, book, rule a reading thing one “It’s mas and Thanksgiving. Your wife is is wife Your Thanksgiving. and mas miles on trains to make four trips to to trips four make to trains on miles

member. member. - Christ working job, midnight the ing Appel estimates he’s traveled enough enough traveled he’s estimates Appel

into being a conductor, but also a union union a also but conductor, a being into - work it: of all through been “He’s “I’VE STILL GOT A LOT TO DO” TO LOT A GOT STILL “I’VE

the camaraderie and teamwork that goes goes that teamwork and camaraderie the sons were growing up. up. growing were sons

something you have to work at.” at.” work to have you something credits Appel for teaching him about about him teaching for Appel credits neers, he missed milestones as his five five his as milestones missed he neers,

you’re doing when you’re doing it. That’s That’s it. doing you’re when doing you’re Metra conductor Don Kiesgen Jr. Jr. Kiesgen Don conductor Metra - engi many Like railroad. the in term

said. “The key is to concentrate on what what on concentrate to is key “The said. May 1, 1996. 1996. 1, May stability. However, stability is a relative relative a is stability However, stability.

we go through, it wears on you,” Appel Appel you,” on wears it through, go we bership in Division 575 (Chicago) since since (Chicago) 575 Division in bership erations, a move that gave him more more him gave that move a erations,

tion, the sound, some of the tragic things things tragic the of some sound, the tion, - mem continuous held has and 1968, 1, - op passenger to freight from switch

- concentra the work, we hours “The He first joined the BLET on November November on BLET the joined first He Dec. 12, 1973. He eventually made the the made eventually He 1973. 12, Dec.

on the task at hand. at task the on and local chairman and vice chairman. chairman. vice and chairman local and Appel was promoted to engineer on on engineer to promoted was Appel

to leave their egos at the door and focus focus and door the at egos their leave to He served at various points as president president as points various at served He BECOMING AN ENGINEER ENGINEER AN BECOMING

to run the railroad, telling his trainees trainees his telling railroad, the run to Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. Trainmen. and Engineers Locomotive

engineers as a small part of what it takes takes it what of part small a as engineers senting engineers, the Brotherhood of of Brotherhood the engineers, senting ging there through the night. night. the through there ging

Appel sees himself and his fellow fellow his and himself sees Appel - repre union the in involved became - chug after Madison in lakefront the to

care either way.” way.” either care ter — he retired at number one — he he — one number at retired he — ter and remembers early morning jaunts jaunts morning early remembers and

ther like him or you don’t, and he doesn’t doesn’t he and don’t, you or him like ther - ros seniority the through rose he As Milwaukee, worked on the turbo trains, trains, turbo the on worked Milwaukee,

which had decals added to it to honor Appel's last run. last Appel's honor to it to added decals had which

Metra Coach Cleaner Mark Llanuza Mark Cleaner Coach Metra Photo:

John Appel standing next to Metra locomotive 405, the Milwaukee Road heritage unit, heritage Road Milwaukee the 405, locomotive Metra to next standing Appel John

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>> ast >> Last Runs Former CN-WC General Chairman John Reynolds retires rother John W. Reynolds, who Brother Appel climbs down from the served for nearly two decades locomotive following his Last Run. as General Chairman of the Ca- Despite the long hours, stressful days, Bnadian National/Wisconsin Central Appel’s managed to live a full life out- General Committee of Adjustment side of work. (GCA), has retired after a 42-year rail- “I already do it all, this railroading road career. thing is getting in the way,” he quipped. Brother Reynolds began serving In fact, he has a reputation for being the Wisconsin Central GCA as Gen- something of a renaissance man who eral Chairman in early 2003, and over can’t sit still. the next 17 years, he was reelected five Appel reads constantly between times — all by acclamation. Most re- train runs, he’s also bowled several cently, he was reelected at the GCA’s sanctioned 300 games, loves golf, fish- 2016 quadrennial meeting and retired ing, hunting and anything with a mo- at the GCA’s 2020 quadrennial meet- tor in it, has a knack for making stained ing, which was held on April 21, 2020. glass, and isn’t above getting his nails Brother Reynolds hired out on the done by his six granddaughters. Then St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad (Fris- there’s his gift of gab. co) in 1978. He is a member of BLET “He’s very outgoing. He could talk Division 209 (Green Bay) and has held to a wall for hours,” said his middle son, continuous membership since Sep- Jeremy. “Everyone loves him. Even when tember 1, 1997. On February 24, 2003, I was in high school, friends would want he was elevated to the office of Gen- to hang out with my dad, which, when eral Chairman of the CN-WC GCA, John W. Reynolds retired after a 42 year railroad career. you’re in high school, is the last thing then reelected by acclamation in 2004, you want. You realize when you’re old- 2007, 2011, 2012 and 2016. In 2012, most sincere congratulations upon er that’s a pretty cool thing.” the GCA held a special meeting after your retirement as General Chair- He’s looking forward to spending the WC GCA merged with the Du- man, and upon completing an illus- time with his grandchildren, sons and luth, Missabe & Iron Range and the trious career as an officer of our wife. He might travel or take some more Two Harbors GCAs. Brotherhood. Your dedication and fishing trips. Brother Reynolds also served as Vice perseverance provide a model for all “All I know is I’ve still got a lot to Chairman of the BLET’s Western Gen- BLET officers to aspire to. It has been do,” he said. eral Chairmen’s Association for several my personal honor and privilege to Reflecting on his career, he said one years during his career. In 2009, Broth- work with you and I deeply appreci- of his favorite memories was running er Reynolds served as Chairman of the ate your friendship and support over the Nickel Plate 765 steam engine on BLET’s 69th annual International West- these many years. In our time work- June 12, 2016. A fitting assignment for ern Convention (IWC), hosting the ing together as General Chairmen, a man whose first railroad job has its meeting in Green Bay, Wisc. Brother and most certainly in the time that roots in the railroad’s steam era. Reynolds also served the Brotherhood I served as the BLET National Vice “I was picking cinders out of my hair as a member of the Work Committee President assigned to your General for a week,” he said. at the BLET’s Fourth National Conven- Committee, I saw first-hand your As for what his favorite modern Me- tion in 2018. personal devotion to your member- tra locomotive is, it’s simple. BLET National President Dennis R. ship and to our great Brotherhood... “Whatever one is the last one.” Pierce congratulated Brother Reynolds [H]aving served the Brotherhood (Article reproduced with permission upon his retirement in a letter dated honorably for all these years, you have and written by Metra Communications April 23, 2020. now bid on the best job you can hold,” Specialist Katie Dahlstrom) “Brother John, please accept my President Pierce wrote.

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opinion.” my in necessity, a is in his free time and to this day remains remains day this to and time free his in - Whis and Cleveland, Junction, Mingo

that in the railroad industry, the union union the industry, railroad the in that Brother Abraham enjoys playing golf golf playing enjoys Abraham Brother Ashtabula to locations such as Conway, Conway, as such locations to Ashtabula

things running smoothly. I also learned learned also I smoothly. running things nickname “Conrail Fish.” Fish.” “Conrail nickname early days of his career, he worked from from worked he career, his of days early

to give a little and take a little to keep keep to little a take and little a give to the initials C.R., Fish earned the apt apt the earned Fish C.R., initials the ety of locations over the years. In the the In years. the over locations of ety

peace between the parties... you have have you parties... the between peace for Conrail for about 20 years. With With years. 20 about for Conrail for - vari a at worked Abraham Brother

experience. You learned how to make make to how learned You experience. Cosmo R. Fish, worked as a conductor conductor a as worked Fish, R. Cosmo Conrail by CSX and Norfolk Southern. Southern. Norfolk and CSX by Conrail

“Serving the union was a good learning learning good a was union the “Serving one daughter, Alexis. His wife’s father, father, wife’s His Alexis. daughter, one CSX following the purchase and split of of split and purchase the following CSX

good people,” Brother Abraham said. said. Abraham Brother people,” good anniversary in August 2020. They have have They 2020. August in anniversary Brother Abraham chose to work for for work to chose Abraham Brother

“I had a nice career and met a lot of of lot a met and career nice a had “I mille celebrated their 32nd wedding wedding 32nd their celebrated mille locomotive engineer. In the year 2000, 2000, year the In engineer. locomotive

of photos to document the occasion. occasion. the document to photos of - Ca wife his and Abraham Brother 1996, working the rest of his career as a a as career his of rest the working 1996,

sion 3 engineer Doug Berg took plenty plenty took Berg Doug engineer 3 sion dent from 2007-2010. 2007-2010. from dent was promoted again in the summer of of summer the in again promoted was

- Divi retired while event, the organize to - Presi and Chairman Local Vice as Ohio tor craft for the next several months. He He months. several next the for craft tor

Retired conductor Jerry Lambert helped helped Lambert Jerry conductor Retired He later served Division 3 in Cleveland, Cleveland, in 3 Division served later He - conduc the to back bounced but 1995,

sion 3 Local Chairman Erin Patterson. Patterson. Erin Chairman Local 3 sion BLET Division 260 in Ashtabula, Ohio. Ohio. Ashtabula, in 260 Division BLET locomotive engineer in September of of September in engineer locomotive

- Divi by plaque a with presented was He 1990s, he served as Local Chairman of of Chairman Local as served he 1990s, Ohio. He first earned promotion to to promotion earned first He Ohio.

ing in Cleveland on February 10, 2020. 2020. 10, February on Cleveland in ing as an elected union officer. In the late late the In officer. union elected an as as a conductor/engineer in Ashtabula, Ashtabula, in conductor/engineer a as

- meet monthly regular their at Abraham served the membership of the BLET BLET the of membership the served of 1994 when he was hired by Conrail Conrail by hired was he when 1994 of

hosted a retirement party for Brother Brother for party retirement a hosted During his career, Brother Abraham Abraham Brother career, his During railroad industry came in September September in came industry railroad

The members of BLET Division 3 3 Division BLET of members The in Ashtabula. Ashtabula. in Brother Abraham’s return to the the to return Abraham’s Brother

Dame fan. fan. Dame and finished his career on a local job job local a on career his finished and Washington. Washington.

football. Brother Driscoll is a big Notre Notre big a is Driscoll Brother football. several local jobs in the Ashtabula area area Ashtabula the in jobs local several of Notre Dame and the University of of University the and Dame Notre of

Michigan State played Notre Dame in in Dame Notre played State Michigan Near the end of his career, he worked worked he career, his of end the Near for Stanford University, the University University the University, Stanford for

eral Chairman Pat Driscoll every time time every Driscoll Pat Chairman eral lo and worked to Willard and Crestline. Crestline. and Willard to worked and lo who would become head football coach coach football head become would who

- Gen Conrail BLET with bet standing a - Buffa of out working started eventually les Dodgers; and Tyrone Willingham, Willingham, Tyrone and Dodgers; les

Abraham reports that he used to have have to used he that reports Abraham worked from Cleveland to Buffalo. He He Buffalo. to Cleveland from worked - Ange Los and Tigers Detroit the for

a proud Michigan State fan. Brother Brother fan. State Michigan proud a key Island. After the Conrail split, he he split, Conrail the After Island. key All-Star Major League Baseball player player Baseball League Major All-Star

Kirk Gibson, who would become an an become would who Gibson, Kirk

from Division 3 Local Chairman Erin Patterson. Erin Chairman Local 3 Division from

would go on to achieve national fame: fame: national achieve to on go would

Brother Abraham accepts a retirement plaque retirement a accepts Abraham Brother

Spartans and had two teammates who who teammates two had and Spartans

agement. He played tight end for the the for end tight played He agement.

- man restaurant and hotel and ness,

- busi education, physical and health

studied a variety of courses, including including courses, of variety a studied

At Michigan State, Brother Abraham Abraham Brother State, Michigan At

and football. football. and

of his railroad career to focus on college college on focus to career railroad his of

Abraham had — so he delayed the start start the delayed he so — had Abraham

had full scholarships — which Brother Brother which — scholarships full had

working and accepting money if they they if money accepting and working

rules prohibited student athletes from from athletes student prohibited rules

for Michigan State University. NCAA NCAA University. State Michigan for

college and played Division I football football I Division played and college

to work for the PC. Instead, he attend attend he Instead, PC. the for work to

road in June of 1974, but he never went went never he but 1974, of June in road

out with the Penn Central (PC) Rail (PC) Central Penn the with out - Brother Abraham originally hired hired originally Abraham Brother

Run for CSX on November 20, 2019. 2019. 20, November on CSX for B Run

Ohio) safely completed his Last Last his completed safely Ohio)

of BLET Division 3 (Cleveland, (Cleveland, 3 Division BLET of

rother Steve R. (Abe) Abraham Abraham (Abe) R. Steve rother

trains after NCAA football career football NCAA after trains

Division 3’s Abraham returned to to returned Abraham 3’s Division

L R uns

>> ast >> Last Runs Lund retires after distinguished career of service to BLET members rother Gregory W. Lund, a member of BLET Division 421 (Buf- falo, N.Y.), completed his Last BRun for CSX Transportation on June 30, 2020. Brother Lund started his railroad career in March of 1979 as a Tower Op- erator, and eventually as Train Dis- patcher, on Conrail at Buffalo, N.Y., and New York, N.Y. He moved into engine service in 1989 and earned promotion to locomotive engineer for Conrail later that same year. He first joined the Brotherhood on February 1, 1991. Brother Lund has been actively involved in the Brotherhood since 1993, serving as Vice President and President of Division 421, while also handling claims for his Division throughout the years. Brother Lund served as Legisla- tive Representative of Division 421, Secretary-Treasurer of the CSX-North- ern District/Conrail SAA General Committee of Adjustment, and as Sec- For his Last Run, Brother Lund worked a yard job retary-Treasurer of the New York State in Niagara Falls, N.Y., on June 30, 2020. Legislative Board. He also served on tional Division as Director of Research 382 on August 17, 2020, BLET Vice Pres- the Arrangements Committee during and Assistant to the Office Administra- ident James P. Louis presented a brass BLET National Conventions in 2006, tor. In that role, he provided assistance bell to Brother Lund on behalf of the 2010 and 2014. on collective bargaining matters, and combined membership. Vice President Brother Lund worked as a Desig- assisted in administration and in over- Louis is a member of Division 421. nated Supervisor of Locomotive Engi- sight of the day-to-day operations of the Brother Lund and his wife, Margaret, neers, certifying the skills performance National Division office. He held this have three children (Michele, Madeline, of other locomotive engineers, in 2005, position for a short while before decid- and Zachary) and three grandchildren and has been involved with Critical In- ing to return home to Buffalo to be with (Sofia, Ezekiel, and Isaiah). cident Response Teams for 15 years. He his family and to resume running trains. In a letter congratulating Brother was an Operation Red Block Team Cap- Brother Lund also helped to organize Lund on his retirement, President tain for 10 years and has been a member the Western New York & Pennsylvania Pierce wrote: “On the one hand, I am of a joint CSX/BLET/UTU program to railroad, and helped to negotiate their very happy that your 41-year railroad clarify Carrier operating rules and was first-ever union contract. In 2018, Broth- career will end safely and profitably. appointed to the Federal Railroad Ad- er Lund served as a member of the Sal- On the other, my staff and I will very ministration’s “SOFA” (Switching Op- aries Committee during the BLET’s much miss what you have brought to erations Fatality Analysis) Working Fourth National Convention. National Division operations over the Group, and to a Railroad Safety Advi- His last road assignment was on train past decade, and all members will miss sory Committee Working Group study- Q008-26 on June 26th, 2020 between the contributions you have made during electronic device distraction until Willard/Crestline, Ohio and Buffalo, ing your 20-plus years of service to those programs were discontinued by N.Y. and his last official assignment was our great Brotherhood. Your service the Carrier and FRA. on train Y123-30 in Niagara Falls, N.Y. to the National Division during my Beginning in March of 2012, Broth- on June 30, 2020. His retirement was Presidency has been remarkable. No er Lund was appointed by National Pres- effective July 1, 2020. At the joint union matter whether the task was big or ident Dennis R. Pierce to serve the Na- meeting of Division 421 and Division small, simple or complex, financial or

26 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org

J BLET 2020 -W S 2 . N • l ourna r te in r e umm o . - . org t ble www

enough.” enough.” commemorative watch at the event. event. the at watch commemorative taining that voice in the workplace.” workplace.” the in voice that taining

years old and 49 years of service was was service of years 49 and old years Division 83 presented him with a a with him presented 83 Division - main and providing for everywhere cers

er Klepper concluded: “I thought 70 70 thought “I concluded: Klepper er evening on June 18. The members of of members The 18. June on evening - offi union many the and BLET the to

- Broth career, railroad long a such after in honor of Brother Klepper on the the on Klepper Brother of honor in and words cannot express my gratitude gratitude my express cannot words and

Reflecting on the decision to retire retire to decision the on Reflecting crafts, attended a retirement party party retirement a attended crafts, imagine a workplace without that voice, voice, that without workplace a imagine

to see me go.” go.” me see to with many co-workers from other other from co-workers many with participating in that union. I cannot cannot I union. that in participating

er Klepper said: “They were just glad glad just were “They said: Klepper er The members of Division 83, along along 83, Division of members The ber, and you make that voice strong by by strong voice that make you and ber,

- Broth way, any in retirement his nized for the Frisco. Frisco. the for - mem union the you for voice collective a

- recog carrier the if asked When J.S. Webb, was a machinist helper helper machinist a was Webb, J.S. Union represent you provides a voice , , voice a provides you represent Union

my sleep pattern figured out.” out.” figured pattern sleep my dren. Brother Klepper’s grandfather, grandfather, Klepper’s Brother dren. thing, nothing in life is, but having a a having but is, life in nothing thing,

mal job,” Klepper said. “I’ll have to get get to have “I’ll said. Klepper job,” mal - grandchil two and Don, son, one by your union. A Union isn’t a perfect perfect a isn’t Union A union. your by

- nor a have will I that 19-years-old was he hired out on the railroad. He has has He railroad. the on out hired he benefits were negotiated and maintained maintained and negotiated were benefits

“This will be the first time since I I since time first the be will “This which is also the anniversary of when when of anniversary the also is which or the kindness of the Carriers, those those Carriers, the of kindness the or

a car lot that he has owned since 1992. 1992. since owned has he that lot car a Danja, were married on May 23, 2003, 2003, 23, May on married were Danja, is terrific didn’t come by happenstance happenstance by come didn’t terrific is

to sell cars, operating and managing managing and operating cars, sell to Brother Klepper and his wife, wife, his and Klepper Brother working, and a retirement benefit that that benefit retirement a and working,

per plans to play golf while continuing continuing while golf play to plans per 31, 2014. 2014. 31, representation and decent pay while while pay decent and representation

- Klep Brother retirement, During til his retirement effective December December effective retirement his til ing that goal of retirement. Benefits, Benefits, retirement. of goal that ing

ers, but I won’t miss running a train.” a running miss won’t I but ers, - un 2001 from NST as served Walpert - gain hopefully and maintaining your

- co-work my miss will “I said. Klepper BLET National Division. Brother Brother Division. National BLET how important that union was and is in in is and was union that important how

young men in this union,” Brother Brother union,” this in men young tional Secretary-Treasurer with the the with Secretary-Treasurer tional career however, you realize all too well well too all realize you however, career

“We have a lot of championship championship of lot a have “We - Na become eventually would who union representation. At the end of your your of end the At representation. union

in attendance. in man at the time: William C. Walpert, Walpert, C. William time: the at man place or the long term benefits of having having of benefits term long the or place

He estimates that 30-40 people were were people 30-40 that estimates He - Chair General Frisco’s with friends - work the in union a of importance the

Chairman of Division 83. He was was He 83. Division of Chairman your career, you don’t always understand understand always don’t you career, your wristwatch upon his retirement his upon wristwatch

Klepper served for a few years as Local Local as years few a for served Klepper tection to its members. “When you start start you “When members. its to tection Tom Klepper receives a BLET a receives Klepper Tom

During the early 1990s, Brother Brother 1990s, early the During - pro union and security job benefits, es,

College in Springfield, Mo., in 1972. 1972. in Mo., Springfield, in College - wag good provide to work ongoing its

economics. He graduated from Drury Drury from graduated He economics. pressed appreciation for the BLET and and BLET the for appreciation pressed

major in business administration and and administration business in major - ex Lund Brother retirement, Upon

is a college graduate with a double- a with graduate college a is healthy and happy retirement.” happy and healthy

on February 1, 1974. Brother Klepper Klepper Brother 1974. 1, February on Brother Greg, I wish you a long, long, a you wish I Greg, Brother

of 1973 and joined BLET Division 83 83 Division BLET joined and 1973 of For that, all of us are in your debt. debt. your in are us of all that, For

tion to locomotive engineer in August August in engineer locomotive to tion with professionalism and promptly. promptly. and professionalism with

- promo earned He Mo.. Springfield, in bell and completed your assignment assignment your completed and bell

out as a fireman for the Frisco Railroad Railroad Frisco the for fireman a as out Bylaws-related, you answered every every answered you Bylaws-related,

career on May 23, 1971, when he hired hired he when 1971, 23, May on career

to Brother Lund following his Last Run. Run. Last his following Lund Brother to

Brother Klepper began his railroad railroad his began Klepper Brother

presents a commemorative brass bell bell brass commemorative a presents

Railway on June 1, 2020. 2020. 1, June on Railway BLET Vice President Jim Louis Louis Jim President Vice BLET From left: From

completed his Last Run for the BNSF BNSF the for Run Last his completed

Division 83 (Springfield, Mo.) safely safely Mo.) (Springfield, 83 Division — Brother Tom G. Klepper of BLET BLET of Klepper G. Tom Brother —

comotive Engineers and Trainmen Trainmen and Engineers comotive A

ship in the Brotherhood of Lo of Brotherhood the in ship -

including 46 years of member of years 46 including -

fter 49 years of railroading — — railroading of years 49 fter

of BLET membership BLET of

with 46 years 46 with

Tom Klepper retires Klepper Tom

Division 83’s 83’s Division

L R uns

>> ast >> Last Runs Larry Stokes retires from NS with 42-years of injury-free service rother R.L. (Larry) Stokes of BLET Division 59 (Valdosta, Ga.) retired with 42-years of injury-freeB service when he completed his Last Run for Norfolk Southern on June 30, 2020. Brother Stokes is a third generation railroader who followed in the footsteps of his father Robert Casey Stokes, a switchman who retired from the Southern Railway with 42 years of injury-free service (1950-1992), and his grandfather William Hester Stokes, a blacksmith who also worked 42-years injury-free for the Southern during the steam era. Nicknamed “Safety Man” by his wife Kim, Brother Stokes was Norfolk South- ern’s Harold F. Hammond Award rail Brother Stokes on the day of his Last Run. safety winner in 2011, and also was nom- Charlie Ivey, retired from the mechanical inated for the award in 1997 and 1998. department at CSX. The Hammond Award was the railroad He and his wife Kimberly Ivey Stokes industry’s top safety award until the were married on November 16, 1979. program was retired in 2012. In 2011, he The couple has two children, Robert represented NS at the Hammond Award Casey Stokes and Caley Dionne Stokes, ceremony in Washington, D.C. Brother and one grandson, Maverick Edwards. Stokes also received a Superintendent During his free time, Brother Stokes Safety Award from NS and served on helps with a special needs group called the railroad’s safety committee for 20 Young Adult Club in Valdosta, Ga. His years. In that role, Brother Stokes made sister in law Jennifer Ivey is in the group. many posters to promote safety and was During retirement, Brother Stokes plans a facilitator at many safety workshops. to do more work with his church and He was also the editor of the safety news- Larry, grandson Maverick, wife Kim, spend more time at his family farm in letter in Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Stokes sister-in-law Jennifer, and daughter Caley. Kentucky. “I plan to enjoy more time taught at the Norfolk Southern training Brother Stokes began his railroad with my grandson Maverick,” Brother center as an LET instructor. A certified career in 1978 when he hired out as a Stokes said. “He’s five years old and he Operation Lifesaver presenter, Brother switchman for the Southern Railway in calls me Choo Choo.” Stokes has delivered important messages Jacksonville, Fla. He earned promotion On June 30, 2020, Brother Stokes about railroad safety to countless school to locomotive in 1992, and initiated into safely completed his Last Run on train children in his home state of Georgia. BLET Division 59 on September 1, 2004. G68, operating a SD60 locomotive from “I have enjoyed teaching the im- Brother Stokes comes from a large Valdosta to Adel, Ga. His retirement portance of safety around trains and railroad family. In addition to his fa- became effective July 1, 2020. railroad crossings with Operation Life- ther Bobby and grandfather William, Reflecting his 42-year career of in- saver for 15 years,” Brother Stokes said. Brother Stokes also has two uncles — jury-free service, Brother Stokes had “I love spreading railroad safety to first Gene Stokes (clerk) and Ernest Stokes this advice for today’s young engineers: responders, drivers education classes, (conductor) — who also worked for the “Come to work with a good attitude and and especially my wife’s Pre-k class.” Southern Railway. His father-in-law, keep safety first in all that you do.”

The BLET publishes Last Runs for members who have retired, and recognizes members with 40 years or more of membership in Honor Roll articles. If you are planning to retire soon, please let us know! For details, contact: John Bentley, Editor, Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Journal, Email: [email protected], 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131

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President Pierce message• “A good lawyer requires children: Leslie, Gregory and Jonathan. Continued from page 2 many skills, none more Elaine passed away in 2016. Greg has Brother Harold that the Brotherhood was worked with distinction for the Broth- able to secure this major legal victory. important than the ability to erhood for over 20 years and currently A good lawyer requires many skills, communicate. Brother Ross serves the BLET National Division as none more important than the ability to was able to listen carefully with Director of Communications, Director of communicate. Brother Ross was able to empathy and found common Legal Affairs, and Assistant to the Office listen carefully with empathy and found Administrator. common ground to establish a personal ground to establish a personal They say that a good lawyer is hard to bond with whomever he spoke. From bond with whomever he spoke.” find. I know our Brotherhood was lucky Grand Chief Engineer Guy Brown in to find an excellent lawyer in 1958, and we 1958 to me in 2011, Brother Harold forged know that I am retired, don’t you?” Even were fortunate that Brother Harold stayed those personal bonds with 15 different after that, Brother Harold joined us at our with us for more than a half century, 44 Brotherhood presidents. And, through annual Employee Christmas luncheon years of which were as General Coun- our Brotherhood’s chief executives, his almost every year. I think that I can speak sel. It is difficult to find the right words counsel guided hundreds of national of- for all of us at the National Division when to express our appreciation to Brother ficers and more than a thousand general I say that Brother Harold’s presence in Harold, but I hope this humble tribute chairmen. our lives will be missed. will provide comfort to his family. Tens of I have never forgotten the first lessons In recognition of his illustrious career, thousands of our members have benefit- that Brother Harold taught me as a young Brother Harold was named an honor- ted from his hard work, dedication and Vice General Chairman many years ago, ary member of the Union in 2004 when skill, and our Brotherhood is a stronger, or the ones that followed during my time he first attempted to retire, a rare honor more effective Union because of him. as an officer. Even though Brother Harold bestowed upon fewer than 20 individuals On behalf of our Advisory Board and all announced his well-deserved retirement in the Union’s 157-year history. men and women of the Brotherhood of in 2004, he continued to take calls and More than a gifted lawyer, Brother Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, I provide counsel to BLET National Presi- Harold was also a loving father and hus- am proud to salute Harold A. Ross and dents — including me — until 2011. He band. He and his wife Elaine were married extend our deepest and most heartfelt did finally ask me in early 2011, “You do in 1961 and together they raised three sympathies to the Ross family.

United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (PS Form 3526) 1. Publication Title: Locomotive Engineers unincorporated firm, give its name and USPS: 0. 15b(4): Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS Journal. 2. Publication Number: 1553-5010. address as well as those of each individual Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): 0. 15c. Total Paid 3. Filing Date: 10-1-20. 4. Issue Frequency: owner. If the publication is published by (e.g. First-Class Mail): 0. 15c. Total Paid Distribution: 50,578. 15d. Free or Nominal Quarterly. 5. Number of Issues Published a nonprofit organization, give its name Distribution: 53,376. 15d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside Annually: 4. 6. Annual Subscription and address.): Full Name: Brotherhood Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail). 15d(1) Free or Nominal Rate Price: Free to members; $10 per year ($3 of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen the Mail). 15d(1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS per issue) to non-members. 7. Complete (BLET), 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 0. 15d(2). Free or Nominal Mailing Address of Known Office of Independence, OH 44131. 11. Known Form 3541: 0. 15d(2). Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Publication (Not Printer): Brotherhood Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: 0. 15d(3): Free or Nominal Rate of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, 25 Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Form 3541: 0. 15d(3): Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through Louisiana Ave. NW, 7th Floor, Washington, Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): 50. 15d(4) DC 20001. Contact Person: John Bentley. Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): 50. 15d(4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside Telephone: (216) 241-2630. 8. Complete Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 50. 15e. Mailing Address of Headquarters or organizations authorized to mail at the Mail (Carriers or other means): 50. 15e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: General Business Office of Publisher (Not nonprofit rates): Has Not Changed During Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 100. 15f. Total Distribution: 50,678. 15g. printer): BLET National Division, 7061 Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Title: 100. 15f. Total Distribution: 53,476. 15g. Copies not Distributed: 110. 15h. Total (sum East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Copies not Distributed: 105. 15h. Total of 15f and 15g): 50,788. 15i. Percent Paid: OH 44131. 9. Full Names and Complete Journal. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data (sum of 15f and 15g): 53,581. 15i. Percent 99.80%. 16. (Electronic Copy Circulation Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, Below: Spring 2020. 15. Extent and Nature Paid: 99.81%. 15a. Total number of Copies Not Claimed.) 17. Publication of Statement and Managing Editor. Publisher: BLET of Circulation. 15a. Total number of Copies (Net press run), No. Copies of Single Issue of Ownership: If the publication is a National Division, 7061 East Pleasant (Net press run), Average No. Copies Each Published Nearest to Filing Date: 50,788. general publication, publication of this Valley Road, Independence, OH 44131. Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 53,581. 15b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside statement is required. Will be printed in Editor: John Bentley, Editor, BLET National 15b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): 15b(1): Mailed Outside-County the Summer-Winter 2020 issue of this Division, 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, the Mail): 15b(1): Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 publication. 18. Signature and Title of Independence, OH 44131. Managing Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (include paid distribution above nominal Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Editor: Same as “Editor” Above. 10. 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If owned by a partnership or other Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 0. 15b(4): Paid Distribution by (including civil penalties).

www.ble-t.org BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 29 >> BLET Auxiliary BLET Auxiliary awards 7 scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year ongratulations to the 7 scholarship recipients for sion by an accredited university, college, trade school, or the 2020-2021 academic school year! The Aux- institute of higher learning. Recipients are chosen on the iliary is proud to be able to provide this funding basis of academic record, leadership, character, and per- to students who are children of BLET and BLET sonal achievement. CAuxiliary members. For high school seniors entering an institute of high- Established in 1991, the BLET Auxiliary Scholarship Pro- er learning for the first time, a copy of ACT or SAT scores gram provides $1,000 scholarships to qualifying students and a current copy of cumulative grade point average who wish to pursue higher education. The Auxiliary also of- (GPA) must accompany the application. For graduate fers two $2,500 scholarships annually in collaboration with students or students returning to an in- Locomotive Engineers and Conductors Mutual Protective stitute of higher learning, a copy of last Association (LECMA). The two $2,500 scholarships are term’s (or most current) GPA must ac- fully funded by LECMPA. company the application. Applications To apply for an submitted without these documents Auxiliary Scholar- will not be considered. ship award, the ap- The LECMPA-fund- plicant must be a son, ed scholarships will be daughter, stepson, or awarded to the two stepdaughter of a BLET applicants who score Auxiliary member and a the highest amongst Brotherhood of Locomo- those who qualify (by tive Engineer and Train- having one parent who men member (living or is an Auxiliary member for deceased), with each being at least one year, and one a member at least one year. parent who is a BLET An exception has been made member and LECMPA for those children of single- member for at least one parent BLET members with year). If an applicant at least one year of membership meets the eligibility in the BLET and at least one year of membership as a requirements for the LECMPA-funded scholarships but is BLET Auxiliary Associate Member. To qualify for the not selected for one of the two $2,500 scholarships, he/she LECMPA-funded scholarships, the BLET member in the will still be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. family must also be a member of LECMPA for no less The application deadline is typically April 1. Applica- than one year. Children of an unmarried BLET member tions received after that date will not be considered. who has been an Associate Member of the BLET Auxil- Applications, instructions for scholarships, and mailing iary for at least one year are also eligible. address for submission may be found on the Auxiliary web- In addition, applicants must be accepted for admis- site at www.bletauxiliary.net. Applications, instructions for scholarships, and mailing address for submission may be found on the Auxiliary website at www.bletauxiliary.net/scholarships.

ABOUT THE AUXILIARY: PURPOSE: The BLET Auxiliary exists to support the interest and welfare of The overall purpose of the Auxiliary shall be to provide support the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and promote issues that effect the health, safety, welfare and Auxiliary and railroad families, especially the Brotherhood of quality of life of railroaders and their families, to promote higher Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and the organizations of education with the families of its full members, to give assistance the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Rail Conference, our to widows, widowers, sisters and brothers, when needed, espe- iStock.com/Qvasimodo members and their families throughout the United States. Learn cially during times of duress, and to render assistance whenever more about joining the Auxiliary at: www.bletauxiliary.net and wherever needed to further our mission. Illustration: 30 BLET Journal No. 2 • Summer-Winter 2020 www.ble-t.org

J BLET 2020 -W S 2 . N • al ourn r te in r e umm o . - . org t ble www

Auxiliary Member at Large. Large. at Member Auxiliary

(Stockton, Calif.). (Stockton, Auxiliary Member at Large. Large. at Member Auxiliary Auxiliary Scholarship Committee. Scholarship Auxiliary

mother Nancy Fincham is an an is Fincham Nancy mother

acceptance and consideration by the BLET BLET the by consideration and acceptance is a member of Auxiliary 39 39 Auxiliary of member a is and her mother Rachael is an an is Rachael mother her and

an LECMPA member. Her Her member. LECMPA an ensure that the application will qualify for for qualify will application the that ensure

his mother, Kathleen Bisbikis, Bisbikis, Kathleen mother, his

Division 27 (St. Cloud, Minn.) Minn.) Cloud, (St. 27 Division

fully follow all instructions in order to to order in instructions all follow fully

224 (Marysville, Kan.) and is is and Kan.) (Marysville, 224

839 (Richmond, Calif.) and and Calif.) (Richmond, 839

was a member of BLET BLET of member a was

- care must Applicants bletauxiliary.net.

member of BLET Division Division BLET of member

member of BLET Division Division BLET of member Her late father John Strube Strube John father late Her

tached are available for download at: www. at: download for available are tached

father Fredrick Fincham is a a is Fincham Fredrick father

His father is Jason Bisbikis, a a Bisbikis, Jason is father His - at instructions detailed with forms tion Minnesota State University. University. State Minnesota

University of Nebraska. Her Her Nebraska. of University

- Applica year. each 1 April usually is tions University of San Francisco. Francisco. San of University Rachel will be attending attending be will Rachel

- applica scholarship for deadline The Danielle will be attending the the attending be will Danielle

Jared will be attending the the attending be will Jared Rachel Strube Rachel

or better to be considered. be to better or

Danielle Finchman Danielle

Jared Bisbikis Jared

she must have a 3.0 grade point average average point grade 3.0 a have must she

as a sophomore, junior, or senior, he or or he senior, or junior, sophomore, a as

graduate student or returning to college college to returning or student graduate

sonal achievement. If the applicant is a a is applicant the If achievement. sonal

- per and character, leadership, record, ic

- academ of basis the on chosen are ients

- Recip learning. higher of institution or

rolled in an accredited university, college, college, university, accredited an in rolled

- en or accepted be must Applicants

the BLET Auxiliary are also eligible. also are Auxiliary BLET the

of membership as an associate member of of member associate an as membership of

bership in the BLET and at least one year year one least at and BLET the in bership

- mem of year one least at with members

one year. Children of unmarried BLET BLET unmarried of Children year. one

must be a member of the BLET for at least least at for BLET the of member a be must

for at least one year, and the other parent parent other the and year, one least at for

has been a member of the BLET Auxiliary Auxiliary BLET the of member a been has

Applicants must have one parent who who parent one have must Applicants

their goals in life. life. in goals their

of BLET and Auxiliary members reach reach members Auxiliary and BLET of

scholarships annually to help the children children the help to annually scholarships Scholarship ($1,000) Scholarship

The BLET Auxiliary offers $1,000 $1,000 offers Auxiliary BLET The National Auxiliary National

LECMPA Scholarship ($2,500) ($2,500) Scholarship LECMPA

Program

(Stockton, Calif.). Calif.). (Stockton,

Scholarship ($1,000) Scholarship

Scholarship Scholarship

Auxiliary Member at Large. Large. at Member Auxiliary

Leona A. Louis Memorial Louis A. Leona member of Auxiliary 39 39 Auxiliary of member

Auxiliary

mother Tetianna is an an is Tetianna mother

her mother Lynette is a a is Lynette mother her

About the About

Auxiliary Member at Large. Large. at Member Auxiliary LECMPA member. Her Her member. LECMPA 839 (Richmond, Calif.) and and Calif.) (Richmond, 839

mother Brandy Hyde is an an is Hyde Brandy mother land, Ohio) and is an an is and Ohio) land, member of BLET Division Division BLET of member

Member at Large. Large. at Member

(Rocky Mount, N.C.) and her her and N.C.) Mount, (Rocky - (Cleve 607 Division BLET Her father Mike Altman is a a is Altman Mike father Her

mother Terri is an Auxiliary Auxiliary an is Terri mother

member of BLET Division 314 314 Division BLET of member Timothy Price is a member of of member a is Price Timothy Francisco State University. University. State Francisco

232 (Laurel, Mont.) and her her and Mont.) (Laurel, 232

Christopher Hyde is a a is Hyde Christopher Erie College. Her father father Her College. Erie Hillary will be attending San San attending be will Hillary

member of BLET Division Division BLET of member

at Chapel Hill. Her father father Her Hill. Chapel at Cami will be attending Lake Lake attending be will Cami Hillary Sanchez Hillary

Her father Russell Waters is a a is Waters Russell father Her University of North Carolina Carolina North of University Cami Price Cami

University of New Mexico. Mexico. New of University Lilly will be attending the the attending be will Lilly

Maysa will be attending the the attending be will Maysa Lilly Hyde Lilly

Maysa Watters, Watters, Maysa

Scholarship ($1,000) Scholarship ($1,000) Scholarship ($1,000) Scholarship

National Auxiliary National Auxiliary National Auxiliary National ($2,500) Scholarship LECMPA

BLET AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS SCHOLARSHIP AUXILIARY BLET

2020-2021

BLET A BLET ry a i l

>> uxi Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen Journal (ISSN: 1553-5010 USPS: 120) Published quarterly for $10 per year by Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen 25 Louisiana Ave. N.W., 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 Periodicals Postage paid at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: RECORD DEPARTMENT Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen 7061 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131

Education is a Lifelong Journey

The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund 2021 Academic and Training/ Vocational Program Scholarships

Application process opens on November 30, 2020 for academic or vocational scholarships for Teamster sons, daughters and financial dependents from the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 1, 2021

www.jrhmsf.org

For more information, visit www.jrhmsf.org or scan the QR with your smartphone’s camera or QR reader.

For the sons, daughters and financial dependents of Teamster members. Academic scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 for high school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university and training/vocational program awards range from $500 to $2,000 for use at community college or trade schools. See www.jrhmsf.org for more information.