Veterans Day is an important day of remembrance for our union and our members. The BLET has always been proud to support America’s soldiers and their families. Since our union was founded in 1863, our members have embraced the honorable tradition of service to America’s military heritage. Throughout BLET’s long and distinguished history, our membership ranks have included veterans who have served in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Iraq and Afghanistan. Our members are rightfully proud of their tradition of military service.
This year, we are featuring two BLET military veterans who left the service to forge successful careers in the railroad industry: Dan Cadogan, a commuter rail locomotive engineer in the Northeast who works for Keolis/Amtrak; and Klayton Kmett, a freight locomotive engineer who works in Iowa for the Union Pacific. Both men obtained a sense of purpose in the military that they still carry to this day as they serve our Brotherhood in active leadership roles.
Thank you to Brother Cadogan and Brother Kmett for your service and for the sacrifices made by you and your families. On Veterans Day, the BLET also proudly salutes and honors all veterans and active-duty soldiers.
By Dan Cadogan, New England Legislative Board Chairman
UNITED STATES NAVY
Dan Cadogan began serving in the U.S. Navy when he was 17 years old and says the military still shapes his life today.
“August 2, 1993 was a dark and lonely night in San Diego; my head was unceremoniously shaved, my arms blasted with inoculations as I walked the line. My clothes were taken; replaced with New Balance sneakers, a denim shirt, bellbottom pants, and a ridiculous hat. I was given just minutes to stencil my last name on what had become everything I owned. The onslaught had begun, my world was shrinking, this 17-year-old boy had never been so terrified. Discipline, discipline, discipline.
“Endless directions: sit down, stand up, look at me, don’t look at me, speak up, shut up! All at the top of their lungs, an octave I wasn’t used to. That night continued well into the morning. My internal voice screaming ‘what did I do.’ A short time before sunrise, I was allowed to rest my weary head. I remember thinking, ‘thank God that’s over.’ But just as the sun broke in the night sky, a violent crash of the barracks door broke my slumber, they were back. This was my life, what did I do? Discipline, discipline, discipline.
“I was learning the Navy way of life; civilian to sailor in 10-weeks. Firefighting, first-aid, seamanship, firearms, teamwork, damage control, and physical conditioning. Discipline, discipline, discipline.
“They seized my vocabulary; left was port, right was starboard, front was bow, and back was stern. Sometimes, front and back was fore and aft, I was so confused. As the fog lifted, and I thought I knew which way was up, they told me up was pitch. I resigned to the process. Discipline, discipline, discipline.
“They forbade me convenience, luxury, and comfort. Constrained me to duty, integrity, ethics, honor, courage, and loyalty. Discipline, discipline, discipline.
“They took my basic life and returned anything but. The military still shapes my life today. It has made me a better father, son, husband, brother, friend, and locomotive engineer.
“The U.S. Navy made me a man, and I will be forever grateful!”
Dan Cadogan is forever grateful for his time in the military.
________________________
By Klayton Kmett
Legislative Representative, BLET Division 6
UNITED STATES ARMY
Brother Klayton Kmett with his wife Nicole. Brother Kmett says Veterans Day is a special time for him to remember those he served with and those who served before him.
“I am a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. I served for four years from 2000-2004. After my time in the service I started working as a railroad employee. In my time in as an Army Field Artillery soldier, I not only fought for my country, but for my fellow soldiers that stood beside me. I have been able to draw similarities between the military and the railroad.
“I am also proud to represent the members of BLET Division 6 as their Legislative Representative. As railroad employees we all work for these large corporations, regardless of how we feel about their actions. Yet in my role as LR, I am constantly reminded that I work and serve my fellow coworkers beside me.
“Veterans Day is a special time for me to remember those I served with and those service members who served before and after me. I also think about my coworkers now, and I will always do my best to represent and serve them.
“Thank you to all of my fellow veterans for your dedication and sacrifice for making this country the land of the free, and the home of the brave.”
Klayton Kmett (front) during his four years serving in the U.S. Army.