amtrak ink - may/june 2015

i n kA Monthly Publication for and by Amtrak Employees

Volume 20 • Issue 3 • May/June 2015

Reflecting on Train 188

Veterans Hiring Update

40 Years of Amtrak at Beech Grove

APD Officer of the Year

2 | May/June 2015 Amtrak Ink

Train of Thought

Amtrak recently experienced a great tragedy when a Northeast Regional train traveling

between Washington and New York derailed in Philadelphia. The entire Amtrak family mourns those who died. Our hearts go out as well to those who were injured. The passengers, crew members, families and loved ones of Train 188 remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Safety and security are and always will be our first priority. Amtrak continues to work with the National Transportation Safety Board investigation, and we are committed to understanding what happened and how we can pre-vent a similar accident from occurring in the future.

Amtrak thanks all the first responders and hospital person-nel who attended to the injured, as well as the City officials who quickly implemented a response plan. Employees from across the company swiftly responded to the emergency. Personnel from the Amtrak Police, Emergency Management & Corporate Security and System Safety departments were joined by senior Amtrak leader-ship at the scene to assess the situation and coordinate with city and federal agencies.

Soon after the incident, Amtrak established both a Family Assistance Center to work closely with families of those on the train, and an Amtrak Incident Hotline to answer questions from families and loved ones. Employees worked with individuals and families to help with transportation, lodging, medical bills and funeral expenses. Within Amtrak, Employee Assistance Program counselors spoke with employees and their family members.

As we responded to the losses and injuries from the accident, we had a parallel obligation to restore the railroad and service.

Engineering and Operations planned for repairing the roadbed, tracks and catenary wire. This herculean effort continued around the clock so that the first trains left Philadelphia and New York early on the Monday following the incident. Repairs were made with the utmost care and emphasis on safety, including complete compliance with Federal Railroad Administration directives.

Amtrak remains on schedule to meet a federal mandate by the end of 2015 to install Positive Train Control (PTC) on tracks for which it is responsible. PTC is a system that analyzes track condi-tions and equipment speed for optimal safety. The Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES), a form of PTC, is already operating on 206 of the 401 route miles of track that Amtrak is responsible for on the NEC spine between Washington and Boston. Amtrak is also upgrading locomotives used outside the corridor to ensure they are compatible with the host railroads’ PTC systems. No other large, Class I railroad has progressed as far as Amtrak in installing PTC technology.

In response to the incident, I’ve instructed that inward-facing video cameras be installed on all ACS-64 locomotives in service on the NEC by the end of this year. We are also developing a plan for installing inward-facing cameras in the rest of our loco-motive fleet, including Acela Express power cars and diesel units. The cameras add an additional layer of safety to the outward facing cameras already in place on locomotives, as well as to the advanced systems that monitor locomotive and engineer actions. This technology bolsters the thorough training, oversight and coaching systems for our crews, as well as the layered signal sys-tem that provides trains with multiple levels of protection.

We must continue to demonstrate to our customers that Amtrak services are safe and secure. This means recommiting ourselves to practicing safe behaviors and encouraging our co-workers to do the same. Everything we do should set the right example so our cus-tomers continue to trust in Amtrak as a safe way to travel. n

On the CoverBackground image: Amtrak crews repair tracks and catenary wire at Frankford Jct. Left, from top to bottom: Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman speaks at a Philadelphia news conference (AP Photo/Mel Evans); a dove is released during a service of reflection near the site of the Train 188 derailment (AP Photo/Joseph Kaczmarek); and workers position a new track panel.

Table of Contentsi n k

A Monthly Publication for and by Amtrak Employees

Volume 20 • Issue 3 • May/June 2015

Reflecting

on Train 188

Veterans Hiring

on Track for Success

40 Years of Amtrak

at Beech Grove


2 Train of Thought

4 Moving Forward

6 Amtrak Police Department Honors Officer of the Year

7 Operation Lifesaver Needs You

8 Leadership Q&A: Chief Human Capital Officer Barry Melnkovic

Joseph H. Boardman

10 40 Years of Amtrak at Beech Grove

13 Amtrak Train Days Begin

14 Veterans Hiring Initiative on Track for Success

16 Bulletin Board

17 Awards and Recognition

18 Milestones

Amtrak Ink May/June 2015 | 3

ReflectionIn MemoriamThe Amtrak family mourns the eight passengers who died in the derailment of Northeast Regional No. 188 on the evening of May 12, 2015. The deceased are:

Laura Finamore

Jim Gaines

Abid Gilani

Bob Gildersleeve

Dr. Derrick E. Griffith

Rachel Jacobs

Giuseppe Piras

Justin Zemser

We offer our deepest sympathies and prayers for them and their loved ones.

At the Amtrak Mid-Atlantic Reservations Sales Contact Center, customer service representatives assist passengers affected by the derailment.

Family care liaisons receive instruction from Amtrak EMCS staff before deploying to hospitals to support hospitalized passengers and their families.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (second from left) speaks with Amtrak Police Chief Polly Hanson (center) and officers near the incident scene.

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Amtrak Headquarters 60 Massachusetts Ave., NEWashington, D.C. [email protected] Ink is a monthly employee publication of Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, published 10 times a year.® AMTRAK is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

Note: The Safe-2-Safer peer-to-peer contact reporting numbers that normally are displayed on page 2 will appear in the next issue of Ink.

Amtrak Government Affairs and Corporate Communications

Joe McHugh, Sr. Vice President Government Affairs & Corporate Communications

Rod Gibbons Vice President, Corporate Communications

Marlon Sharpe Sr. Manager Creative Services

Patrick Kidd Sr. Communications Specialist

Lisa V. Pulaski Sr. Graphic Designer

Chuck Gomez Sr. Multimedia Specialist

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Supporting Our Passengers, Crew and Families Amtrak is thankful to the people of Philadelphia, includ-

ing first responders, hospital personnel, municipal officials and residents, who rushed to assist passengers, render aid, assess the situation and implement a clear response plan following the derailment on the Northeast Corridor.

Employees from departments across Amtrak worked tire-lessly to assist the affected passengers and their families by staffing the Family Assistance Center and answering questions through the Amtrak Incident Hotline.

Senior leadership and colleagues from the Amtrak Police, Emergency Management & Corporate Security and System Safety departments worked closely with the National Transportation Safety Board and local agencies to provide support at the scene, and they continue to assist the ongoing investigation into the cause of the incident.


Moving Forward

Safety and Security Are Guiding Principles Amtrak employees play an important role in educating

passengers and the public about the importance America’s Railroad places on safety and security. Along with Financial Excellence and Customer Focus, Safety and Security are guiding principles of our Strategic Plan.

Passenger railroading is fundamentally about people, and our first priority is the safe transport of our passengers and crews. Amtrak has a strong safety record and continues to search for opportunities to further improve.

Amtrak moved approximately 31 million people last year, and 17 million of those passengers traveled over some part of the Northeast Corridor (NEC). On a daily basis, about 750,000 trips are made on the NEC—either on Amtrak or one of eight commuter railroads that use our infrastructure. That adds up to more than 2,100 passenger trains and 60 freight trains operating on portions of the cor-ridor every day.

From 2000 to 2014, the total annual accident rate per million passenger miles fell from 4.1 to 1.7, and annual derail-ments fell from 80 to 28 over the same period. According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the overall count of Amtrak incidents decreased from 148 in 2000 to 67 in 2014. Incidents caused by track problems have fallen by two-thirds since 2000, while those caused by human error have been reduced by 50 percent.

Implementing Positive Train ControlSince Amtrak gained ownership of the NEC in 1976,

all Amtrak trains on the corridor have included a system called Automatic Train Control (ATC). ATC ensures that trains comply with the wayside signal system, by providing a notification to the engineer through signals in the loco-motive, when the train approaches a more restrictive signal. If the engineer does not respond, the system will automati-cally apply the train’s brakes and protect the train against a collision.

All trains operating along the NEC are equipped with ATC including those using the segment of line owned, main-tained and dispatched by Metro-North Railroad between New Rochelle, N.Y., and New Haven, Conn.

In the 1990s, Amtrak worked with industry partners to develop the nation’s first Positive Train Control (PTC) system, known as the Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES). Amtrak developed ACSES as an integral component of plans for Acela Express service. ACSES went into operation in 2000, and is currently installed and oper-ating on 206 of the 401 route miles of track that Amtrak is

responsible for on the NEC spine.ACSES has several components that build on the pro-

tection provided by ATC. It provides protection against derailment from excessive speed, and includes programma-ble track transponders that store and transmit information on track condition and speed, wayside interface units, a temporary speed restriction server system and an onboard installation on the locomotive. These systems are linked by radio, and the transponders are programmed with data about track configuration and permanent speed restrictions.

The ACSES wayside components have been installed on the remainder of the NEC south of Newark, N.J., but the sys-tem is not yet operational; testing, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval and radio equipment installa-tion need to be completed. Metro-North intends to install ACSES on its 56 mile line, but the installation is still several years away.

Amtrak leads all other large, Class I railroads in the installation of PTC systems, having spent $110.7 million since 2008. The next step will be the installation and testing pro-cess for the radio system on our NEC locomotive fleet over the next few months. Amtrak remains on schedule to com-plete the full activation of PTC in the Northeast Corridor in accordance with the federal deadline of December 31, 2015. Amtrak has also been working to upgrade locomotives used outside the NEC to ensure they are compatible with the host railroads’ PTC systems.

To learn more about these efforts, visit the official Amtrak Blog (Blog.Amtrak.com). n

Trackside signals, such as those shown on the signal bridge above, employ colored lights, singly or in combination, to signal the engineer to take needed actions.


Looking AheadRestoring Full Service on the NEC

Through strong interdepartmental collaboration, Amtrak restored service between Philadelphia and New York on the morning of May 18.

Prior to departure of the first trains, Amtrak complied with a Federal Railroad Administration directive to modify the Automatic Train Control system at Frankford Jct. to automatically limit train speed on the curve at which the derailment occurred. Amtrak also initiated an analysis of all curves on the NEC; in areas where approach speed is significantly higher than curve speed, the appropriate technology intended to prevent over-speed derailments was implemented.

A catenary maintenance and inspection car is used to

restring the catenary wire at Frankford Jct. Right, a

worker helps position a new track panel.

The City of Philadelphia held a Service of Reflection and

Remembrance on Sunday May 17, the day prior to service

being restored along the NEC. Amtrak officials participated in

the service.

Employees from the Track, Bridges & Buildings, Communications & Signaling and Electric Traction groups worked together at Frankford Jct. to repair the roadbed, lay track panels and string new catenary wire.

Photos courtesy of Joe Rago and Craig Schulz.


Police Officer Shawn McClister was named the Amtrak Police Officer of the Year (2014) at a

recent ceremony held in Washington, D.C. This honor is the most prestigious award presented by the Amtrak Police Department (APD).

McClister has been employed with the APD since April 29, 2013, and is currently assigned to the Mid-Atlantic North Division in Philadelphia. He started his law enforcement career as a police officer in June of 2008 with the Tullytown Borough Police Department in Bucks County, Pa.

In addition to his patrol duties, Officer McClister actively participates in the Anti-Crime Unit, performing plainclothes work with outside law enforcement agencies, and the APD Criminal Investigations Unit.

Officer McClister was awarded Officer of the Month for January and August 2014, and is the recipient of nine letters of commendation, a Lifesaving Award and a Distinguished Unit Citation Award. His outstanding work supporting law enforcement efforts of the APD, which included numerous arrests to combat illegal

drug use and trafficking, and prevent-ing a potential suicide, earned him national recognition within the APD.

“Officer McClister has consistently and diligently performed the best police work possible through exem-plary service and dedication to duty,” said Chief Polly Hanson during the awards ceremony. “We are extremely proud to count Shawn among the Amtrak Police Department’s finest.”

Amtrak Ink took a moment to ask Officer McClister a few important questions about his career and future plans:What are you must proud of from your time with the force?

The thing I am most proud of is being able to do the work that it takes to keep the stations and trains safe places for our passengers and employees.What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned while working with the APD?

The most valuable thing is the teamwork within our department.

Without the help of my co-workers and partners I would not be able to perform my job at the level that I have been capable of so far.Tell us about your colleagues at 30th Street Station.

Everyone is great to work with. The K-9 team members are a great asset here, they help us tremendously and the members of CIU (Criminal Investigations Unit) always come in at any time to assist. The supervisors and commanders are all excellent and great people to work with.How are you going to celebrate your award?

I’ll be with my friends and family to celebrate the event. My mom and dad and my aunt and uncle will be in the audience and I think they are really proud of the career I’ve chosen and the work that I’ve done.What’s your next step?

I will keep looking for whatever advancement opportunities might become available to keep me moving forward in my career with the APD. n


Amtrak Board Member Albert DiClemente presents Officer McClister with the Board Resolution naming him as Officer of the Year.

Officer McClister patrols Philadelphia 30th Street Station.


About every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle ends up in the path of a moving train and is struck. According to the Federal Railroad

Administration, trespasser fatalities rose 21.8 percent from 2013 to 2014 to reach 526, while injuries over that same period declined a modest 2.8 percent to 419.

These sobering statistics point to the importance of educating the public about safety in and around railroad property. “As employees of the nation’s only intercity pas-senger rail operator, we all have a responsibility to ensure we practice safe behavior on the railroad, thereby setting a good example for our customers and the public,” says Amtrak Vice President and Chief Safety Officer Michael Logue.

Amtrak is proud of its strong collaboration with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OL), a national non-profit organi-zation with a mission to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad property. Nearly 100 Amtrak employees are trained as Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteers (OLAVs). They help spread the word about trespassing dangers and grade crossing safety to civic organizations, first responder classes and schools nationwide.

Last year Amtrak created a specific OL liaison position within the Operations Safety department. This enabled Amtrak to more closely work with the non-profit to recruit volunteers and carry out a national rail safety public aware-ness campaign. Barbara Petito currently serves in that position. “Amtrak is doing it right and I couldn’t be more proud to serve in this capacity,” Petito says. “Our goal with Operation Lifesaver is for Amtrak to be an industry leader in rail safety messaging, and we’re off to a great start. By the close of 2015, more than one million people will have watched our grade crossing and trespassing awareness video nationwide.”

Petito notes the top three goals guiding the Amtrak-OL partnership:

• Increase the number of Amtrak OLAVs and presenta-tions delivered;

• Through our Trespassing and Rail Grade Education Team or “TARGET” initiative, heighten police pres-ence and enforcement activities in areas where grade crossing and trespassing incidents occur; and

• Continue to build on our national public awareness campaign to educate the public on the consequences of trespassing on railroad property and failing to comply with grade crossing warnings.

In an effort to recruit more OLAVs, the Operations department created the company’s very first guidelines

covering an Amtrak OLAV conducting OL presentations. This opportunity is open to agreement and non-agreement personnel who qualify, and must be approved by one’s direct supervisor. Presentations cannot conflict with hours of ser-vice requirements or business needs. OLAVs who are On Train crew members may only conduct OL presentations during relief days as a precaution against possible fatigue or interference with proper rest.

“Having railroaders involved in OL work is crucial because they understand the rail safety message like no one else,” Petito says. According to the new guidelines, OLAVs are per-mitted to use a total of four straight time hours per month (including all travel time) to conduct an approved presentation.

All Amtrak employees are invited to volunteer with OL; the process is easy and includes online training. Lead Claims Specialist Ramona Dottery, based in Oakland, Calif., became involved with OL after responding to a vehicle-train colli-sion. “Each incident affects our crews,” says Dottery, “and volunteering with OL helps ease those effects because we know we are doing what we can to share the message of rail-road safety and raise awareness to prevent tragic incidents.”

OLAVs must commit to perform a minimum of four pre-sentations annually. Qualified non-agreement OLAVs who conduct at least four presentations may count that service as a measureable success factor toward reaching a developmen-tal safety and security goal. Those who participate in 12 or more presentations are eligible to receive a “thank-you” gift chosen from a pre-approved catalog.

Getting started is simple—visit www.OLI.org and click on “Become a Volunteer.” Also check out the OL webpage on the company Intranet at Safety>Operation Lifesaver. n

Operation Lifesaver Needs You

Ramona Dottery (r), an Amtrak OLAV based in Oakland, Calif., has initiated rail safety outreach to the Bay Area homeless community.


Leadership Q&A

Hard Choices and an Investment in Learning Position Amtrak for the Future: An Interview with Chief Human Capital Officer Barry Melnkovic

Ink recently sat down with Barry Melnkovic, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Capital

Officer, to discuss the value the Human Capital department brings to the business, as well as the evolution of Amtrak Total Rewards and Integrated Talent Management—and what they mean for Amtrak employees.

What are the driving forces behind the significant transformation we have seen in Human Capital over the last couple of years? Value. If we aren’t driving alignment to our strategy, improving efficiency, reducing waste, fostering innovation and tapping into our employees’ dis-cretionary effort as a Human Capital function, then there is no need for the function. Every day, my team and I are looking for new ways to deliver value to the business.

Describe how Human Capital delivers value to the enterprise.

Human Capital continues to create value and competitive advantage for our business by ensuring we have the right rewards, organizational structure, people and culture to execute on our business strategy. As a team, we have:

Introduced a competitive and consistent total rewards structure—We’ve redesigned the Amtrak pay and benefits offering to more directly link employee rewards to the Strategic Plan. Total Rewards and Integrated Talent Management expand and enhance the plans and programs we can deploy to attract, reward, recog-nize, motivate and develop Amtrak employees throughout their careers.

Differentiated pay and rewards based on performance—The new Performance Management process and Short-Term Incentive Plan reward employees based on their performance as it relates to our Strategic Plan. While there’s more to do, it’s a dra-matic change for our culture.

Improved our investment in learn-ing and strengthened career growth and development opportunities for all of our employees—In 2015, Amtrak will invest more than $1.5 million in the Amtrak Leadership Development Excellence (ALDE)—our leadership development program—and more than $7 million in technical training. We have made substantial investments in technology to support employee performance management and career development including SuccessFactors and My CareerTrak.

Reduced our costs—We’ve taken

control of our retiree liability, which will result in $1.4 billion in savings over 20 years. The most recent retirement pro-gram changes will improve the Amtrak balance sheet by an additional $655 million over the next five years. And, we’ve implemented a strategic wellness program that will generate $5 million in savings in the next five years—not to mention improve the health of our employees and their families.

Improved processes—As of April 2015, 15 high volume processes within Human Capital have met ISO certification—an international standard used for certification of an organization’s quality management system. Amtrak identified ISO 9001 as a rigorous system to ensure its Human Capital processes and systems were designed to achieve process effi-ciency, consistency and cost reduction, while addressing the gap in service


Leadership Q&A

quality identified by Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).

The Amtrak Board of Directors recently approved significant changes to the retirement program for non-agreement employees and retirees. Why were those changes made?

The truth is we simply couldn’t afford the retirement program we had in place. In fact, our projections indi-cated that Amtrak costs for pay and benefits exceeded our overall ticket revenue, thereby limiting money for other critical investments.

These high benefit costs impeded our ability to be cost-competitive on contracts for new business. The costs continued to rise and the impact of delaying the inevitable decision com-pounded year over year.

In 2013, the Board closed the Amtrak retiree medical and pension plan to new employees hired on or after April 1, 2013. Those changes had a substantial impact: Amtrak reduced its benefits liability and is projected to save more than $1 billion over the next 20 years.

But even with that change, the projected financial obligation for our pension and retiree medical plans was still almost $1 billion, and would continue to vary significantly based on investment returns, medical inflation and regulatory requirements.

As Amtrak continued to allocate more of its budget toward retirement programs, other companies increased investments in performance-based pay, tied directly to organizational outcomes, and put more money into the learning and development of their people. We are now beginning to close the gaps we have in employee learning and career development.

Will the agreement-covered employees see similar changes?

We are one company. The issue of

rising costs doesn’t only impact the retirement program for non-agreement employees. It is an issue that affects all of our employees. We continue to work with the Amtrak unions to make sure all of our pay and benefit programs are affordable for Amtrak and our employees and retirees—as well as sus-tainable for the long-term.

What can employees expect to see in the future in terms of learning and career growth opportunities?

We are really excited about the investments we are making in learning at Amtrak. A few years ago, we estab-lished the Amtrak Learning Council (ALC), a cross-functional team of senior leaders, to define the knowl-edge, skills and capabilities we need to develop in our workforce. The ALC is crafting a three-year strategy to guide our future investments in training and employee development.

What is Amtrak doing to build the workforce of tomorrow?

We already talked about the sub-stantial investment we are making in training and employee development. To me, that is about ensuring the team members we have in place today continue to develop their knowl-edge, skills and abilities. But building tomorrow’s workforce is also about identifying the new skills we need, recruiting new people and ensuring our team better reflects the diversity of our customer base.

To get there, we are strengthening Amtrak’s employer brand—how we are viewed in the marketplace from a talent perspective. We have improved our presence in career-related social media, community outreach and participation in national conferences and recruitment events. We have also made a significant commitment to hire America’s women and men who serve—setting an ambitious goal to ensure 25 percent of our new hires

by the end of this fiscal year are veterans.

People are recognizing the progress we have made at Amtrak. In April, Amtrak was named to the first-ever “America’s Best Employers 2015” list issued by Forbes magazine. We were also ranked on the annual “Military Friendly® Top 100 List” published in G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines. In addition, Amtrak made the inaugural list of “STEM JobsSM Approved Employers.” The companies and institutions on the list excel in hir-ing for positions in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathemat-ics (STEM); creating STEM-focused career paths; encouraging workforce diversity; and aligning careers with STEM education programs. n

Main photo by Lisa Pulaski.

Important Deadlines Approaching

Medicare-eligible Amtrak Retirees (age 65 and older) July 1, 2015—Deadline to enroll in supplemental medical coverage. Contact: OneExchange 855-259-6082www.medicare.oneexchange.com/amtrak

Non-Agreement EmployeesJuly 1, 2015—New features in the Amtrak Retirement Savings Plan-401(k) begin:Increase in maximum company match (from 5% to 7%); new Roth contribution feature.Contact: Fidelity Investments877-477-AMTK (2685)www.mysavingsatwork.com/amtrak

For questions, contact the Amtrak Benefits Service Center by phone at (800) 481-4887 or email: [email protected].


On April 1, Beech Grove employees and Plant Manager Bob Moriarty were joined by

Amtrak leadership including Chief Mechanical Officer Mario Bergeron and General Manager Long-Distance Mark Murphy to celebrate 40 years of Amtrak ownership over the Beech Grove heavy maintenance facility.

The complex has a rich history that dates to 1904. Prior to purchasing the shops in 1975, Amtrak contracted out preventative maintenance and over-haul work there to Penn Central.

In Fiscal Year 2014, more than 500 employees rebuilt, overhauled or per-formed wreck repairs on Superliner, Viewliner, Surfliner and Horizon cars, as well as P32, P42 and F59 locomo-tives used across the system. Two hundred and seventy-five pieces of equipment underwent heavy overhaul, periodic maintenance, repainting and other upkeep.

Rick Burton, Manager Mechanical Operations, opened the ceremony, held in the vast trim shop, by introducing

12 employees from various crafts who have been with Amtrak since the takeover. They gathered for a photo in which they sported custom blue polo shirts; they also wore anniversary caps given to all employees.

Plant Manager Bob Moriarty followed with brief remarks and high-lighted the Long-Distance Business Line Summit taking place that week at Beech Grove. The summit is the result of an ongoing collaboration between the business line and the Beech Grove Improvement Committee (BIC). The BIC brings together management and labor employees at our principal heavy maintenance facility to identify ways to streamline car overhauls, work more efficiently and focus on business oppor-tunities. As Moriarty finished, cheers of “40 more!” could be heard in the crowd.

During his speech, Bergeron thanked the employees on behalf of President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Boardman, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer DJ Stadtler and the entire Amtrak

leadership team. He added, “The congratulations to the Beech Grove maintenance facility are really congratu-lations to the men and women working here. You offer unique skills and capa-bilities that support and complement the entire Amtrak system…some of you are from a family of railroaders and now carry the flag of our heritage.”

John Feltz of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) read from remarks prepared by Gary Maslanka, TWU Rail Division Director: “Congratulations on...40 years of keeping the backbone of America’s Railroad, its equipment fleet…in a state of good repair. Without your commitment and skills, the core of Amtrak’s purpose, providing safe rail transportation to millions of customers annually, would not be possible.”

Employees had a chance to view a slide show and posters during the celebration created by the BIC Communications Subcommittee. They traced the shops’ evolution, with a spe-cial focus on the Amtrak era.

Amtrak Celebrates 40 Years at Beech Grove

On April 1, Amtrak and Conrail gain control of Beech Grove facility from Penn Central

Amtrak buys out Conrail for full ownership of the shops

HEP conver-sion program concludes

Under contract to Breda Costruzioni Ferrovia-rie, S. p. A., Amtrak begins to assemble 294 rapid transit cars for the Washington, D.C., area subway system

Amfleet coach No. 21222 rebuilt and returned to service as business and inspection car No. 10001—better known as the Beech Grove

Prototype Viewliner cars assembled to include the interior modules, wiring and car systems

Program to convert Heritage cars to head-end power (HEP) begins

1975 1978 19831981 19841982 1986


Prototype Viewliner cars assembled to include the interior modules, wiring and car systems

While talking with employees after the ceremony, Bergeron noted: “The men and women of Beech Grove are passionate about Amtrak and the shops. They are becoming more engaged with the BIC and taking true ownership for their performance. I think everyone here knows that we all have a role in improving our business—we are com-mitted to do just that and are moving forward.” He and Moriarty also high-lighted a new hire agreement with shop crafts that incorporates a mentorship program for new employees.

Asked to highlight recent Beech Grove accomplishments, Moriarty points to efforts that support our Stategic Plan. In the first half of the fiscal year, FRA-reportable injuries declined by more than 31 percent compared to last year, while lost duty reportable inju-ries declined by 88 percent. The facility has also achieved a high-functioning designation under Safe-2-Safer.

Streamlined work methods have resulted in significant savings that can be reinvested in other areas. The shops were ahead of the maintenance and overhaul schedule by four cars in April, a noteworthy improvement compared to the same period in FY 2014. Twelve of 19 programs have also

demonstrated solid improvements. On average, Beech Grove now com-pletes a car overhaul with 7.1 percent fewer labor hours and an 8.9 percent reduction in material costs when com-pared to a year ago. The savings per locomotive are greater at 12.4 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively. Internal dwell time—the number of days a car spends in the shops—has also dropped. Moriarty credits this progress to ongo-ing discussions between the BIC and

the long-distance business line.“Our success is a product of run-

ning the shops like a business and working to meet our customers’ expec-tations,” says Moriarty. “Listening and collaborating with our partners ensures that they will continue to look to Beech Grove for all of their maintenance and overhaul needs. We look with excite-ment to Beech Grove’s next 40 years.”

1998 2002 20092003 201120081986 2013

Cars overhauled for the Alaska Railroad

Tornado strikes facility and damages coach shop 3

“Good Morning America” charter train produced

Amtrak 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train created

With American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, more than 100 new employees hired to help with overhaul and repair of wrecked cars Veterans Locomotive (P42 No. 42) painted

First wrecked Superliners returned to service following significant overhauls

Continued on page 12.

Beech Grove employees gathered in the vast trim shop to recognize 12 longtime employees, hear congratulatory speeches, view a history slide show and enjoy a buffet lunch.


Reflecting on 40 Years of Amtrak at Beech Grove

Steve OsburnSheet metal worker Steve Osburn

was hired by Penn Central in May 1970 after serving four years in the United States Air Force. He came to Beech Grove two years later and is now the longest-serving active Amtrak employee at the shops. Osburn is

proud to tell people that he is a third generation railroader. Half of his siblings have also worked in the industry, and two of his children are carrying on the tradition at Beech Grove.

Osburn initially repaired the pressure lines on the steam-heated passenger cars that Amtrak purchased and leased from the predecessor railroads. Over the years, he’s also worked in the powerhouse, ordered parts for the diesel shop and rebuilt valves and trucks. Asked about what’s changed in railroading and the shops over four decades, Osburn notes a strong emphasis on safety, which includes hardhats and pro-tective eyewear, as well as programs such as Safe-2-Safer that encourage positive behavioral change.

“Helping someone else, you help yourself too,” notes Osburn as he recounts the mentors who helped him perfect his craft and advance his career. Asked what advice he has for new Amtrak employees, Osburn replies, “Amtrak is a good organization and will be a big part of the future. People starting [their careers] need to get out and ride the train, learn the system…they should be ambassadors for Amtrak.”

Gary WoodsSumming up four decades with

Amtrak, Foreman 3 Gary Woods reflects, “It’s been a hell of a job that allowed me to make a good living.” Like many of his colleagues, Woods belongs to a family with a long rail-road history: five generations have

worked at Beech Grove. He started at the facility in January 1974 as an 18 year old, working as a carman in the truck shop. Later he served as the general foreman in coach shop 2 where employees refurbish cars that have been stripped and inspected. Today he oversees the forge shop.

Woods recalls changes to the complex and its operations, including replacement of the original dirt floors with concrete in the 1990s, the switch from DC to AC power and conversion of machinery from steam power to modern hydraulic systems. With the passing of years, Woods notes that certain skill sets have faded and been replaced by others. For example, numer-ous blacksmiths used to work at Beech Grove, crafting custom

parts for cars and locomotives. Today, boilermakers, who use pre-made components, are more common around the shops.

“I’m not afraid to get out on the floor and show how to get the job done,” Woods says when asked about mentoring new hires. He adds that it’s important to transfer skills and knowledge to the next generation before they are lost.

John Milenbaugh“Railroading is one of the greatest

industries…I love being a railroader,” says carman John Milenbaugh, who started at Beech Grove in January 1975. Initially he worked as a coal passer—shoveling coal into boilers at the facility’s power plant—but within

three months had become a carman helper; a year later he was promoted to a carman.

For more than three decades, Milenbaugh has worked in the trim shop on the southeast end of the property. There he paints cars for Amtrak and the various railroads for which Beech Grove performs contract work. Asked about improvements over time, he cites “modernized spray guns, protective gear and scaffolding.” He particularly enjoyed working on the five loco-motives that received heritage paint schemes for the Amtrak 40th Anniversary, as well as the P42 Veterans Locomotive. Crediting mentors who “taught me to be a better man,” Milenbaugh emphasizes the importance of being a good teacher.

He also sits on the Beech Grove Improvement Committee, noting, “One of the best things about my job and time with Amtrak is being a labor leader because I have a say in how the railroad is run, and I appreciate the opportu-nity to work with management.” n

A dozen employees have been at the Beech Grove facility for the entire Amtrak period. L-r: Joe Hoff, Mike Young, David Patton, Darrell Buis, Brian Cooper, Steve Osburn, John Milenbaugh, Gary Woods and Jack Sappington. Not shown: Joe Kriech, Mike Farmiga and Tony Gallagher.

Beech Grove continued from page 11.

First Amtrak Train Days Events Attract Large Crowds

Amtrak Train Days (ATD) officially kicked off at Chicago Union Station on May 9. Attendees explored the Amtrak Exhibit Train and the interactive Amtrak Experience display, took excursion rides and participated in behind-the-scenes tours of the station and Joseph Szabo Control Center.

More than 150 communities in 37 states are scheduled to hold ATD celebrations from May through November.

Employees interested in volunteering at an ATD event should visit the Amtrak Intranet>News>Amtrak Train Days.

At Toledo, dignitaries included (l-r): Ottawa County

Commissioner James Sass, Jane Ruvolo, Aide to Rep. Marcy

Kaptur, NS Superintendent Mike Grace, Amtrak Government

Affairs Manager Derrick James, Councilman Mike Craig, Mayor

Paula Hicks-Hudson and State Representative Michael Sheehy.

In Kirkwood, Mo., Senior Marketing and Sales Specialist Tamara Sehl (l) was joined by depot volunteer Midge Supp-Feldman.

More than 3,000 guests attended ATD in Temple, Texas. A highlight was the large model railroad at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum.

In Chicago, visitors enjoyed walking through the “Amtrak Experience”

display (above) and posing in the photo booth (bottom rigth).

Customer Service Representatives Lupe Medina (l) and Javier

Rodriguez greeted attendees in El Paso, Texas.

Attendees check out a new CAF baggage

car in St. Paul, Minn. Photo: Ramsey County

Regional Railroad Authority


June marks two years since Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman gathered with

employees and members of Congress to announce an Amtrak commitment to employ veterans of the United States Armed Forces as 25 percent of total new hires by the close of Fiscal Year 2015. Boardman, a Vietnam veteran, noted at the time: “The leadership, reliability and high-tech skills veterans bring to the job are a great resource.”

Amtrak was selected as a Top 100 Military Employer for 2014. This honor is indicative of our robust efforts to engage, inform, recruit and train veterans and welcome them into our railroad family. Besides valuable technical skills, Amtrak recognizes that veterans also possess personal

and work attributes that are a good fit for the railroad industry, including the ability to provide leadership, react quickly in dynamic situations and prac-tice strict safety standards.

From June 2013 to the present, 21 percent of new hires—approximately 600 people—have been veterans. Craig Kramer, Veteran Talent Acquisition Program Manager, notes: “Initiatives such as the Employee Assistance Program, our online military skills matching tool and dedicated hiring resources in Human Capital ensure that military veterans in the Amtrak family are fully supported.”

Veterans Hiring Initiative Accomplishments• Hired a veteran talent acquisi-

tion program manager to provide

veterans a specific point of contact during the hiring process;

• Created a team of dedicated recruiters that works with military professionals to understand their skills experience and training;

• Partnered with national organiza-tions such as Hiring Our Heroes;

• Attended more than 50 military hir-ing events since July 2013;

• Established partnerships with Military Transition Assistance Program Offices, which help separat-ing service members transition back into civilian life;

• Hosted the first Veterans Virtual Hiring event on January 28, 2015;

• Increased social media presence focused on veterans; and

• Created a specific veterans page on the Amtrak Careers website.

Veterans Hiring Initiative: On Track for Success

25% ‘15

‘14

‘13

GOAL

On track

1in5 current Amtrak employees is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces 45 Partnerships with

Military Transition Assistance Program Offices

50+

ATTENDED M I L I TA RY Hiring events

INCREASED

SOCIAL MEDIAPRESENCEFOCUSED

ON VETERANS21%

of new hiresare Veterans

JUNE 2013 TO PRESENT


Veteran is NEC Engineer in Training

Jeff Geozeff oversaw critical pieces of our nation’s security while serving with the U.S. Air Force. In a career that spanned 24 years in the armed forces, he served as chief at the Joint Information Operations Warfare Command and area desk officer at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Geozeff graduated from the Air Force Academy and then pursued a master’s degree in Aviation Safety before serv-ing at various posts around the country and overseas. Upon retirement, Geozeff was looking for a challenging career that also revolved around a per-sonal passion—transportation.

“Amtrak seemed like a perfect fit. I also appreciate the investment that Amtrak has put into identifying and supporting veterans as they transition to rewarding careers in the civilian world,” says Geozeff, who recently fin-ished 10 weeks of rigorous training to prepare him for work as an engineer on Acela Express and Northeast Regional trains. He must now complete approx-imately a year and a half of on-the-job training designed to familiarize himself with equipment, infrastructure and sta-tions along the NEC before he assumes the driver’s seat.

Asked why he chose Amtrak, Geozeff says, “I remember my dad always talking to me about trains as I was growing up...Also, working with complex engineering systems is some-thing I’m familiar with.” It’s exactly that kind of specialized training devel-oped in the Air Force that makes Geozeff a perfect match for the com-pany. “A lot of my skill sets from the Air Force translate very well to my work now—especially a mission-ori-ented mindset and teamwork.”

Veteran Helps Streamline Internal Processes

Antoinett Williams’s 11 year career with the U.S. Coast Guard touched on many different facets of the military branch’s functions, from marine safety to personnel manage-ment. As a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) analyst in the Information Technology department, Williams puts this unique skill set to work analyzing systems for maximum efficiency and minimum waste.

“LSS was originally a manufac-turing methodology that sought to analyze how companies organized themselves and their work,” she says. “Tasks or procedures that are analyzed using LSS principles are looked at according to their effectiveness and ways in which we can standardize them to streamline efforts and save the com-pany time and money.”

Williams serves as a mentor in the LSS training process to employees in various departments. She also applies LSS principles to the Quality Control Testing Process, which ensures that IT functions are effectively supporting Amtrak daily operations.

Williams says her experience in the Coast Guard prepared her well for work at Amtrak. “Both are large orga-nizations with thousands of members, and both deal with complex processes and systems. My experiences in the military translate very well to Amtrak, and I’m excited to apply my skills to supporting our company goals of safety and security, financial excellence and customer focus.” n

Meet Craig Kramer: Amtrak Veteran Talent Acquisition Program Manger

Craig Kramer, a former Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, helps Amtrak identify and recruit top veteran talent. He puts a background in education and human resources

to use in translating veterans’ military skills to job opportunities at Amtrak. “Because military skills are so specialized, it often takes a veteran to under-stand what another veteran brings to the table.”

Kramer dedicates his time to getting the word out to potential veteran hires that are retired or transitioning from military careers to careers in the private sector. “I think that many veterans would feel right at home at Amtrak. Military values are very similar to values on the railroad—leadership, dependability, integrity and a commitment to excellence.”

Veterans can turn to Kramer for questions they may have or resources they may need to thrive in their new positions. “We want to provide veteran hires with support at the beginning of their application, all the way through their careers here at Amtrak,” he explains.

Learn more about our veterans hiring initiative and find out about upcom-ing career fairs by following the @AmtrakVets Twitter handle.


Bulletin Board

Making a Wish Come True at Toledo Amtrak Train Days

Amtrak employees welcomed two special guests from the Make-A-Wish program at Toledo Amtrak Train Days: nine year old Tyler Trejo and his 10-year-old brother Spencer. Both boys were born with a life-threatening genetic condition that causes premature aging. Tyler is a major train enthusiast, and through Make-A-Wish, he asked for a train hobby room where he could work on models. While Tyler and his

family recently enjoyed the Indianapolis Lionel Train Convention, volunteers put together his train room as a surprise. He loves controlling the trains and working on new models for his miniature city.

Tyler and Spencer attended Toledo ATD with their parents and two sisters. On Friday, the entire fam-ily toured the Amtrak Exhibit Train, Superliner equipment, an Amtrak locomotive and two freight locomo-tives. The kids were invited to go inside one of the freight locomotives where they rang the bell and blew the whistle—leading to broad smiles all around. Amtrak Police Officer Jeremy Kosmac then presented each of the kids with an Amtrak Police patch.

At the opening ceremony on Saturday morning, Tyler and Spencer were designated the official Train Day Ambassadors. Goodie bags provided by Amtrak, Norfolk Southern and Trinity Transportation (the local Thruway bus vendor) included engineer hats, model train engines and posters. “It was an honor to have Tyler and Spencer with us for Amtrak Train Days,” says District Station Manager II Dave Kuhn. “For me and many others, it was the most memorable Train Day ever.”

In MemoriamDoras M. BriggsJuly 4, 1918 – May 4, 2015

Doras M. Briggs, 96, of Emeryville, Calif., passed away on May 4, 2015.

Briggs was a founding member of the Amtrak Customer Advisory Com-mittee, created in 1997 to rec-

ommend service improvements and enhancements on behalf of all Amtrak passengers. In 2002, Amtrak honored Briggs with a President’s Service and Safety Award. It in part recognized her work to create the Station Host Association of California in 2001.

Joe McHugh, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications, recalls Briggs’s spirit:

“Back in 1996 or 1997, we were facing some very challenging times on Capitol Hill regarding long-distance trains. Senate Commerce Committee staff asked if there was someone who might be able to testify and get people to think differently about why these trains were important to our country. Tim Gillespie, then our Vice President of Government Affairs, had met Doras and thought that there’d be no finer person to speak. On her own dime, she traveled across the country by train to appear before the committee.

Well into her seventies, and dressed in her host uniform, she gave one of the most powerful presentations about the importance of Amtrak, so that by the end she had even some of our harshest critics stumbling over themselves to praise her and Amtrak. She made a difference that day and every day she put on the uni-form to help passengers. She was a dear friend of mine and of this company, and we will miss her very much.”

Our condolences to Doras’s family and friends. n

Photo by Greig Pirie

Officer Jeremy Kosmac presented the Trejo children with their own APD patches.

In celebration of Earth Day, Amtrak staff participated in a clean-up event organized by the Environmental team in the Mantua neighborhood near Philadelphia 30th Street Station. Back row, l-r: Kim Carter*, Maxwell Toth, Kelsey Gibbons, Jameson Harris*, Joanne Maxwell, Mary Bannan, Danelle Hunter, Beth Termini, Donna Griffin* and Cecilia Kopp. Front row, l-r: Anthony DeDominicis, Christopher Benson*, Laura Fotiou, Aaron Wright*, Jeffrey Keno* and Julius Brown* (*We Are Mantua! Employees)


Awards & Recognition

30th Street Station Engineering Subgroup Takes the Prize

On March 19, the Philadelphia 30th Street Facilities Team was recognized as the best among its Engineering subgroup peers along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) for Fiscal Year 2014 in meeting goals and budgets. During a ceremony held at the station, team members received plaques recognizing their collective accomplishment. Team leaders include Division Engineer Dan Karczeski, Deputy Division Engineer Bill Bentley, Manager Facilities-30th Street Station Paul Roddy, Supervisor John Brooks, Supervisor Justin Jaworowski and ARSA Foreman 3 Glen Zolnierz.

All of the Engineering subgroups along the NEC, including Track, Bridges & Buildings, Communications & Signaling and Electric Traction, were evaluated on how well they met FY 2014 Engineering department goals, which are closely aligned to the Amtrak corporate goals of safety and security, financial excellence and customer service, as well as environmental stew-ardship and energy conservation. Areas examined for each subgroup included core expenses, capital expenses, absen-teeism, movable bridge incidents, Federal Railroad Administration equip-ment audits and energy consumption.

The 30th Street Station subgroup

earned the prize by meeting core expenses within 0.01 percent of a $6 million budget, initiating the installa-tion of new, cohesive, ADA-compliant signage in the station (fully funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation), installing a new 2.2 million gallon chiller and cooling tower, completing major high-voltage substation improvements and building a new National Police Call Center.

Team members also undertook numerous improvements to the public areas of the historic station—the third busiest in the national system—includ-ing restoration of the Great Hall ceiling and marble replacement to eliminate tripping hazards. Congratulations!

Progressive Railroading Recognizes Amtrak Employee

Celia Ann Pfleckl, Amtrak Senior Sustainability Manager, has been named a “Rising Star” by Progressive Railroading magazine for her work to make Amtrak a more sustainabil-ity-conscious company. The honor recognizes people under the age of 40 “who are making a positive difference in railroading.”

Pfleckl joined Amtrak in July 2009 and is responsible for developing the enterprise’s Sustainability Program. One of her major initiatives was the creation of the Amtrak Sustainability

Policy, which was approved in July 2013. She also oversees annual reports to the Carbon Disclosure Project and the company’s greenhouse gas inventory, and is proud to have partic-ipated in projects to develop our first Green Power Purchasing Policy and to repower two switch locomotives at the Ivy City Yard through a Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant.

Pfleckl co-chairs the Amtrak Climate Change Strategy Sub-Committee, which is charged with developing cohesive climate change strategies for the company and shaping supporting programs, procedures and initiatives. “I work with an amazing group of individuals,” she says, “and I’m proud of our efforts to familiarize employees with the concept of sustain-ability and what it means for Amtrak.”

Following graduate studies in chemical engineering and technology management at Vanderbilt University, Pfleckl entered the environmental con-sulting field. Early clients included CSX and Conrail, thereby introducing her to the railroad industry, and she later managed several projects for Amtrak.

Asked to give advice to the next generation of railroaders, Pfleckl reflects: “Bring fresh ideas, but be will-ing to listen and understand the current culture.” n

Celia Ann Pfleckl has been named a “Rising Star” in the railroad industry.

The winning Philadelphia 30th Street Facilities Team celebrates during an award ceremony.


Congratulations to All of You!

Employee Milestones

20-Year AnniversaryMarch 2015

MOHLENHOFF, RICHARDNew York Division HQ


AGUILAR, YVONNESan Diego Station/ Mechanical

ANDREWS, LEITAWilmington Station

BOONE, GARYLos Angeles 8th St. Coach Yard

CANSELO, PAULPelham Tower

COWAN, LILIANALos Angeles Offices

EIGHMY, STEVENProvidence MOW Base

GINYARD, CRAIGNY Penn Station

HEBERT, PATRICIANew Orleans Station

LANERS, JOHNNYBeech Grove Material Control Facility

MENDEZ, JOEKansas City Station

MONTGOMERY, DARRELLMiami Mechanical Yard

MORALES, JUANWRSCC, Riverside, Calif.

MURPHY, RONALDNew York Penn Station

QUIROZ, JOSEPHChicago Mech. & Terminal Offices

ROSA, HARRYSouthampton St. Yard

SUTTON, WYMANChicago Union Station

VELTRI, MICHAELCNOC, Wilmington

ZINNO, MICHAELNew York Division HQ


DAVIS, DANNYBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

GALES, GLENNWashington Union Station

HERRON, TIMOTHYBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

MCKISSICK, LARRYChicago Mech. & Terminal Offices

RENTMEESTERS, GREGORYBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

SNODGRASS, MICHAELBeech Grove Maintenance Facility


VAN LENTEN, MARKWilliamsburg, Va., Station

RetireesMarch 2015

BARTON, DONNABoston South Station

CALVIN, CYNTHIALos Angeles Offices

CANADIATE, GESSNEROrlando Station

CHESTER, GARYFlagstaff, Ariz., Station

CLARK-WALCZAK, NANCYRaleigh, N.C., Offices

CONNELL, JOSEPH30th Street Station

DAVENPORT, MARCITAMARSCC, Philadelphia

DEBELLIS, FRANKLos Angeles Commissary

DETRICK, MICHELEWilmington Shops

DORRIS, JACKBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

EDLER, KARLTransportation Bldg. Washington, D.C.

FUNK, OMARBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

FURLOW, RONALDMechanical Office

GRIFFITH, RANDYT&E Crew Base - Ft Worth

HALL, SHERMANMerced, Calif., Station

HERRELL, GLENIvy City Maint. Facility

HILLBLOM, BRUCEChicago Offices

HURD, WILLIAMBaltimore Station

INGERSOLL, JOELNew York Division HQ

JOHNSON, PAMELABear Car Shop

LAPAN, LEVBrighton Park Facility

LEWIS, MICHAELUnion Station Washington, D.C.

LOWE, NICHOLASChicago Mech. & Terminal Offices

MANNING, PATRICIANew York Division HQ

MURPHY, RICHARDRensselaer, N.Y., Station

ODOM, CONNIEBear Car Shop

PEARSON, RICHARDAuto Train Lorton Station

SALZMAN, THOMASPaoli, Pa., Station

SEARS, MARCIASeattle Transportation Bldg.

SMITH, MARY LOUISEMARSCC, Philadelphia

TOLLIVER, KEITHBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

TORRES, JOELos Angeles Offices

TRACHTENBERG, GAIL30th Street Station

WELSH, STANLEYLos Angeles Offices

ZUSIS, ISAAKChicago Locomotive Shop

20-Year AnniversaryApril 2015

BENJAMIN, DALEWilmington Shops

GRAY, HERBERT30th Street Station

KANE, ROBERT30th Street Station


ANDERSON, DAVIDOrlando Station

BELL, BARBARAChicago Mech. & Terminal Offices

COBURN, JAMESMiami Station

COOPER, TIMOTHYT&E Crew Base,Ft. Worth

DOWD, ARTHURNew Haven Station

FERTIG, RICHARDDenver Station

FRENCH, ROBERTNew Haven Station

GREENE, BENNEDETTE30th Street Station

JACKSON, RENEE10 G Street, Washington, D.C.

KEIM, KATHRYN30th Street Station

LUU, JOHNBoston South Station

MEW, WILLIAMNew York Division HQ

MONTESANO, GEORGERensselaer Station

MORAN, THOMASIvy City Maint. Facility

NEAL, MICHAELNew Haven Station

RAM, DAIWANAMAH30th Street Station

SADLER, MARKSalt Lake City Crew Base

SKEENS, GWANTONAMOSouthampton St. Yard

Please note that the calculation for time of service was recently changed to account for breaks in service as outlined in Human Capital Management Policy 7.28.2, Employee Recognition (Amtrak Intranet>Library>Policies>Amtrak Policy and Instruction Manual>7.0 Human Capital Management). This may affect the date of your expected milestone.


Employee Milestones

Congratulations to All of You!

SLAY, JESSIENew York Penn Station

SNOWDEN, JEFFOakland Station

TEGTMAN, WILLIAMChicago Crew Base

THOMAS, CONSUELA30th Street Station

VATSEND, DONALDSalt Lake City Station

WILMOT, ROXANNEREA Bldg, Washington, D.C.

ZEMAITIS, SANDRAChicago Union Station

ZIPOLI, GERARDMiami Mechanical Yard


DILL, SUZANNECNOC, Wilmington

MCCALLION, JOSEPHRensselaer, N.Y., Station

TOLLERTON, LEONARDRensselaer Mech. Facility

VARGAS, HERMINIOLos Angeles Offices

WHEELER, PAMELA30th Street Station


BASILE, MARIO30th Street Station

BRAITHWAITE, DOUGLASHunter Yard

CALLAN, WILLIAM30th Street Station

CARY, JOHN30th Street Station

CHILDS, LESLIEC&S HQ, Wilmington

COLLINS, STEPHANIENew York Penn Station

CUBELLO, PATRICKOdenton, Md.,M/W Base

DALE, GREGORYWilmington Shops

FLOTTE, MARIOWRSCC, Riverside, Calif.

FREYMAN, MARK30th Street Station

GRAVES, PAULACNOC, Wilmington

IRISH, DAVIDNew York Division HQ

KATZ, LINDANew York Penn Station

KERSHAW, WILLIAMNW Base, New Brunswick, N.J.

MAKOWSKE, RONALD30th Street Station

MARION, JEFFREYWilmington Shops

PRATHER, DONALD30th Street Station

SMITH, GREGORYIvy City Maint. Facility

TIFFITH, LEELos Angeles Offices

UNGAR, NANCYWRSCC, Riverside, Calif.

VAN SANT, KEITHCNOC, Wilmington

WIEDMAN, DOUGLASC&S Construction, Linden, N.J.


HOFF, JOSEPHBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

MILENBAUGH, DAVIDBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

OSBURN, STEVENBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

SAPPINGTON, JOHNBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

RetireesApril 2015

BASORE, JONATHANBeech Grove Maintenance Facility

BEHRENS, GARYSpringfield Station

BUTLER, BENAuto Train Sanford Station

DALY, SEANNew York Sunnyside Yard

DESTEFANO, ELIZABETH30th Street Station

GILL, RICHARDT&E Toledo Crew Base

GOMER, DAVID30th Street Station

HANSEN, PATRICIACNOC, Wilmington

HONER, RAYMONDLancaster, Pa., Station

JOHNSON, SHIRLEYNew Orleans Maint. Facility

JORDON-CLUGSTON, MARIEDavis, Calif., Station

KAPLAN, PHILIPNew York Division HQ

KEITH, DAVID30th Street Station

KOPROSKE, FRANKChicago Mech. & Terminal Offices

KOZMEL, THOMASChicago Union Station

LECH, LORRAINE30th Street Station

MACMICHAEL, JOHN10 G Street, Washington, D.C.

MAGERS, DONALDW. Oakland Maint. Facility

O’BRIEN, WILLIAMSouthampton St. Yard

PAGE, MICHELEChicago Union Station

POWELL, JEFFREYPerryville, Md.,M/W Base

ROSE, MARKAmtrak Corporate HQ

SCOTT, ROBERTTransportation Bldg., Washington, D.C.

SPENCE, NANCYMARSCC, Philadelphia

SPISAK, WILLIAMChicago Mech. & Terminal Offices

STUMPE, WILLIAMChicago Locomotive Shop

THOMPSON, CHETConn DOT Commuter

WATERMAN, MICHAELDepew, N.Y., Station

WEBSTER, BRIAN30th Street Station

WELCHKO, RICHARDChicago Locomotive Shop

20-Year AnniversaryMay 2015

CONYERS, SEAN30th Street Station

KREYSKOP, VLADIMIR30th Street Station

LOCKARD, DARINLancaster, Pa., Station

MEINARD YEARWOOD, MARGIABaltimore Penn Station

WILLIAMSON, GEORGENew York Division HQ

25-Year AnniversaryMay 2015

BEATTIE, ROBERT30th Street Station

BLAKE, DONNAIvy City Maint. Facility Washington, D.C.

CHITTENDEN, KEVINRensselaer, N.Y. Station

ELLIS, BERNARD30th Street Station

FLEMMING, RALEIGHNew York Penn Station

GILSON, DAVIDConn DOT Commuter

GONZALEZ, ENRIQUENew York Division HQ

JEZYK, TIMOTHYWilmington Shops

KOVALESKI, KEITHTrenton Station

LEEN, THOMASPontiac, Mich. Crew Base

LENOX, DONALDTrenton Station

NGUYEN, THANHBoston South Station

OPPONG, LINDANew York City Office

PARKINSON, ERICSacramento Station

PARMAR, SUKHCHAINNew York Penn Station

RUIZ, SALVADORNew York Division HQ

TESNO, HAROLDNew York Division HQ

TURCOL, LINDAWilmington Shops

VIRGIL, TODNiles, Mich., Station

WHALEN, KATHLEEN30th Street Station

WILSON, SCOTTRensselaer, N.Y. Station

A continuation of May anniversaries will appear in the July issue of Ink.

60 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.Washington, D.C. 20002 To change your address, sign onto the Employee Information Portal or complete an NRPC 2001 form and submit according to the directions.

In Amtrak History • JUNE 12, 1993

On this date, Amtrak officially ded-icated the Western Reservation Sales Contact Center (then known as the Western Reservation Sales Office) in Riverside, Calif.; the first call was received the next day. The WRSCC was established in 1971 in Seattle; it later moved to San Francisco and then Los Angeles where it remained for almost two decades. In 1990 the Amtrak Board of Directors approved capital funds for the purchase of land and construction of a new call center in Riverside.

Between the WRSCC and the Mid-Atlantic Reservation Sales Contact Center in Philadelphia, Amtrak can answer cus-tomer questions and take reservations for train travel 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. In Fiscal Year 2014, the contact centers handled almost 10 million calls and booked revenue of approximately

$517 million. In addition to calls from the public, employees handle email inquiries, respond to social media and send out train notices to passengers impacted by an event.

Learn more about Amtrak history by visiting

History.Amtrak.com

amtrak ink - may/june 2015

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