BNSF donates $3 million to USO for vet transition programs; BNSF Logistics promotes three execs

The BNSF Railway Foundation recently announced a $3 million pledge to the USO to support hiring initiatives for active-duty men and women transitioning out of the military.

The pledge — a three-year commitment to USO Inc.'s mission to support military veterans — makes the railroad the program's primary sponsor, BNSF officials said in a press release.

The USO is dedicated to helping military members develop the tools they need to make a smooth transition to the civilian workforce. BNSF’s donation will fund an array of programs that provide employment services to wounded, ill and injured troops and their families and caregivers. Specifically, the pledge will support programs that target practice interviews, resume preparation and networking opportunities.

The Class I has a strong military recruiting program and a long tradition of hiring veterans, BNSF officials said. In 2013, more than 1,200 — or 26 percent — of its new employees were veterans. The railroad currently employs more than 7,500 veterans, representing nearly 17 percent of its total workforce.

"We are honored to partner with the USO on such an important initiative that helps connect employers with military veterans and provides the tools necessary for troops to successfully transition to civilian careers," said BNSF President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Ice. "The men and women of the United States military know what it means to be mission-focused and bring experience and training that adds so much value to the work we do."

Meanwhile, BNSF Logistics L.L.C. has promoted Dan Curtis to chief operating officer of U.S. domestic operations and technology; Robert Sutton, to senior vice president of U.S. domestic and international project/rail services; and Pete Dutton, to vice president of technology services.

Curtis has served as the third-party logistics service provider's chief financial officer the past three years. He previously held senior financial leadership positions with Greatwide Logistics Services, and key positions at Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and Ernst & Young.

Most recently VP of domestic operations, Sutton joined BNSF Logistics in 2003. He previously held key positions with J.B. Hunt Logistics and Transplace.

Dutton most recently was director of integration. Prior to joining BNSF Logistics in 2011, he held senior engineering and IT positions at Greatwide Logistics Services and UPS Supply Chain Solutions.