The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has selected HDR as its 2025 Veterans Engagement Award honoree for demonstrating “noteworthy accomplishments” in each of three categories: engaging with military veterans, supporting veterans in the workplace and community, and attracting veterans through hiring practices.
HDR’s internal Veterans Employee Network Group brings together veterans, military family members, and others to build a supportive community for current and prospective employees, according to ASLRRA, which will honor associate member HDR at its Annual Conference & Exhibition in Denver, Colo., on April 8. “Its hiring outreach has been noted by numerous groups that support veterans, and its HDR Foundation has provided significant financial support to veterans’ organizations,” the Association reported. “According to one of its many military veteran employees, the combination of these initiatives has ‘provided the support and resources to thrive professionally at HDR.’”
As part of HDR’s recruiting goal to “grow and evolve inclusive recruiting efforts,” it is also an active participant with Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), participating in HOH hiring events and career fairs and the organization’s Fellowship Cohort Program, which offers internship opportunities and industry-focused training to veterans, spouses, and others, ASLRRA said. Additionally, HDR senior leaders are active in Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), supporting initiatives to increase the number of military-affiliated individuals in the digital infrastructure industry; HDR’s efforts in this area have been recognized with an iMasons Military Serious organization designation, according to the Association.
HDR has also established a National Supplier Diversity Program to foster partnerships with small businesses, which include veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. As a 3-Star Corporate Member of the Veterans in Business (VIB) Network, ASLRRA said, HDR helps veteran-owned businesses make connections that facilitate contracting opportunities.
“The broader freight rail industry, including short lines, has consistently been an aggressive hirer of veterans and a welcoming place for veterans to work,” ASLRRA President Chuck Baker said during the award announcement on March 26. “We know that veterans bring a strong commitment to safety and the mission, the ability to work tough jobs, and valuable experience to the industry. The ASLRRA is pleased to honor these efforts by highlighting HDR’s tremendous accomplishments.”
HDR has created a video about the experiences of veteran employees, which features HDR CEO John Henderson, who served nearly 24 years in the Army.
HDR Cybersecurity Operations Manager Ina Robinson, also a veteran, told ASLRRA: “The transition time from the military into civilian life can be very stressful and sometimes challenging. When I joined HDR as a Hiring Our Heroes fellow, I quickly found that HDR recognized and valued the unique skills and values that veterans bring. The support and resources that HDR provided me with during that time made my transition from the service very smooth. Not long after coming onboard as a full-time employee, I was promoted from Senior Cybersecurity Analyst to Cybersecurity Operations Manager. This allowed me to thrive professionally and work hard to give back to the company that has positively impacted my life.”
In 2024, ASLRRA selected Watco as the recipient of its 2024 Veterans Engagement Award.
Railway Age will present six small railroads with awards on April 7 at the ASLRRA conference in Denver. The magazine is recognizing Rochester & Erie Railway LLC and Railroad Development Corporation’s Iowa Interstate Railroad LLC as our 2025 Short Line and Regional Railroads of the Year, respectively. Earning Short Line Honorable Mention are Central Montana Rail Inc., Genesee & Wyoming’s Columbus & Ohio River Rail Road, Regional Rail LLC’s Great Sandhills Railway, and R.J. Corman Railroad Company West Virginia Line.
