Honoring Our Members Who Have Served: A Veterans Day Message from President Ferguson

Fellow Veterans, 

On this Veterans Day, we honor our SMART-TD Brothers and Sisters who have worn the uniform of the United States. Your sacrifices, both seen and unseen, protect the freedoms we enjoy and strengthen the values that unite us as Americans. 

This year is particularly historic, as our nation celebrates the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps. For two and a half centuries, these proud branches have defended our country on land, at sea, and across the globe. Their enduring legacy of courage, discipline, and sacrifice continues to inspire generations, including the veterans we are proud to count among our ranks. 

Like many of you, I began my journey in the United States Army before joining the railroads and becoming active in our union. The lessons of service, solidarity, and standing shoulder to shoulder in pursuit of a common mission continue to guide my work as your president. These same principles live on in all our veteran members, whose commitment strengthens SMART-TD every single day. 

We also continue to grow in our ability to connect with our veteran membership. Through the SMART app and Member Portal, we’ve built a stronger network of veterans across our organization. If you know of a fellow member who has yet to share their veteran status, please encourage them to do so, ensuring we can better recognize and support their contributions. 

On this Veterans Day, we celebrate you—not only for your service to our nation, but for your continued dedication to our union and its mission. Together, we carry forward the proud traditions of sacrifice, solidarity, and service that have shaped both our armed forces and our labor movement. 

Wishing you a reflective and meaningful Veterans Day. 

In solidarity, 

Jeremy Ferguson 
President, Transportation Division 
U.S. Army Veteran, 1988–1991