Master Sergeant Jason Elm and his son Captain Dave Elm love being railroaders, serving their country and having the opportunity to do both together.

The Elms are among hundreds of veterans and reserve members who work at CN, where they find fulfilling railroad careers after or while serving in the military. They are also in the U.S. Army Reserve for the 757th Expeditionary Railway Center – a specialized rail operations unit that taps their railroading passion and expertise.

From the time he received a train set when he was 5 years old, Jason knew he wanted to work on the railroad. After serving 10 years in the U.S. Navy, he was hired as a conductor at Wisconsin Central Ltd., which was later acquired by CN. Wanting to continue both his railroading and military careers, Jason joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve and then the U.S. Army Reserve, where he continues serving.

As father and son CN railroaders, Master Sergeant Jason Elm (left) and Captain Dave Elm also serve in the U.S. Army Reserve for the 757th Expeditionary Railway Center – a specialized rail operations unit.

Dave sought to follow in his dad’s railroading footsteps on the civilian side and in the military. He attended the University of Nebraska, while concurrently serving in the Nebraska National Guard. After graduating, he was commissioned and assigned to the 757th Expeditionary Railway Center in 2016. A year later, Dave joined CN as a conductor and was promoted to locomotive engineer before his current position as Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers.

While they spend most of their time in the field and have different roles, Jason and Dave share a CN office in Fond du Lac, where they also live. They appreciate discussing operations rules and related questions that they receive from field employees to offer the best guidance. “Railroading is a great career and a hobby that we share,” Dave says. “It’s nice having my dad close by as someone I always rely on.”

The Elms agree that railroading is an ideal fit for military members or veterans, who they say receive an excellent salary, benefits and support from CN. Service years toward retirement at CN also isn’t interrupted during any reserve duty or deployments.

“I always say that the railroad is like the military without a uniform,” says Jason. “Both run 24/7, 365 days a year. Soldiers, sailors and airmen follow everything by the book and maintain situational awareness to stay safe and keep each other safe. We do the same at CN to serve each other and our customers.”

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