UP Military Headlines

Award Recognizes UP's Military Support

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) recently recognized Union Pacific with its Distinguished Service Award for strongly supporting military men and women, especially employees in the National Guard and Reserve deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from the MOAA," said Barb Schaefer, senior vice president-Human Resources. "Our history of supporting America's military and hiring veterans goes all the way back to 1862, when Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act authorizing construction of the transcontinental railroad, creating our company."

Union Pacific was the only company cited by the MOAA, which also recognized several individuals, including singer and songwriter Toby Keith. The awards will be presented April 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

G.I. Jobs also recently named UP a top military employer. In addition, the railroad received the Freedom Award, the U.S. Government's highest recognition for corporations exemplifying outstanding dedication to military employers.

March 3, 2009, UPOnline Employee news.

Former Deployed Soldier Expresses Gratitude

Sgt. Russell Nissen, thermite welder, presents Chairman Jim Young with the American flag flown over his military base at Al Taqaduum, Iraq.

Recently completing his last tour in Iraq, Sgt. Russell Nissen, thermite welder, presented Chairman Jim Young with the American flag flown over his military base, thanking UP for the support he and his family received throughout his deployment.

Stationed at Al Taqaduum, Iraq, 10 miles west of Fallujah, Sgt. Nissen worked convoy security for 12 months before returning to the United States. "The support UP afforded not only me, but my family was an absolute blessing; the railroad truly went above and beyond," Nissen said.

"Among other things, I was assured that my health insurance would remain active and that my job would be here when I returned – two major worries I didn't have to be concerned about while away."

"I admire and appreciate what Sgt. Nissen does for our country, and am proud of our employees who do the same," said Chairman Jim Young. "Their brave commitment to our country and dedication to our company are commendable."

CEAC Names UP 'Employer of the Year'

For providing outstanding employment services to veterans, Union Pacific was named Employer of the Year by the California Employer Advisory Council (CEAC), a nonprofit organization that works with the Employment Development Department to improve the quality of California's employment services.

"California has more than 1 million large businesses," said Dr. Cal Farmer, chairman of CEAC's Veterans Committee. "We had great candidates, and with this honor UP has joined a very prestigious club."

Union Pacific was selected for its leave and reemployment policies for veterans, reservists, National Guard members and others in the uniformed services; participation in military and veteran job fairs; posting on CalJobs, and the hiring of veterans. More...

Flags Travel Railroad to Support Military Personnel

Flags from all five military service branches are traveling around the railroad to recognize Union Pacific employees currently deployed with Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Border Security Operations and Crescent Guardian.

Currently, more than 125 employees are deployed, and nearly 345 have returned from their tour of duty.

Employees are penning messages of thanks and encouragement as the flags travel on board trains to various locations, as well as to shops and Maintenance of Way locations. Three sets of flags representing the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force were released this summer on trains, with instructions for employees to write a message in the book, sign the flag and then pass the package on to another location. Another set of flags is circulating among system shops, and the Engineering Department has flags that are traveling among the gangs.

Chicago-area Commuter Operations shop employees display a Coast Guard flag that's traveling from shop to shop systemwide. Shown are, from left, Benjie Casapao, Phil Racina, Tim Conoboy, Jim Maroney, Dave Thomas and Roy Siegfried.

Veterans Express Appreciation for Employees' Efforts

U.S. flags flown at Camp Alamo, Afghanistan, on Sept. 11, 2007, recently were presented to four UP employees who have been instrumental in supporting deployed employees.

Chairman Jim Young presented flags to Bruce Ferguson, machinist, Eagle Grove, Iowa; Ralph Schiring, director-process improvement, Omaha; and Wayne Huddleston, director-records and mail services, Omaha. Steve Dixon, senior instructor, Spring, Texas, also received a flag. The four have organized flag-flying events and gathered messages of support for deployed employees and their families. This includes promotion of the www.anysoldier.com Web site, where the public can find "wish lists" to send care packages and letters to soldiers in harm's way.

Ferguson said they accepted the flags on behalf of all employees who have helped with these projects for the past four years and in honor of those employees who are currently deployed.

Pat Meriwether, Kansas City Service Unit general superintendent until called to active duty as a Navy Embedded Training Team member for Operation Enduring Freedom, flew the flags at the operating base near Kabul on behalf of all UP employees serving their country.

The flags, he said, represent pride and hope. "We live in the greatest country in the world, and I take a great amount of pride in that. I know each person who is receiving a flag is equally as proud as I am," he said.

Union Pacific One of Most Military-Friendly Employer in America

Omaha, Neb., November 11, 2007 – For the fourth time in five years, G.I. Jobs magazine, the nation's premier career guide for military job seekers, has named Union Pacific one of the nation's top Military-Friendly Employers.

"We continue to look for people to fill technical positions across our railroad, and are actively encouraging members of the military to apply," said Barb Schaefer, senior vice president-Human Resources."

UP targets military personnel for several reasons. Many of the railroad’s technical jobs - such as diesel locomotive mechanics and electricians, and rail car mechanics - are well-suited for military members who have developed similar skills working with Armed Forces large equipment.  More...