CSX Honored by ESGR for Exceptional Support of Military Employees

June 28, 2024 - CSX received significant recognition from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), earning two 2024 Patriot Awards and the prestigious Freedom Award. These accolades underscore CSX's steadfast commitment as a military-friendly employer, with nearly one in five employees having served in the military.

The ESGR awards CSX received highlight the company's dedication to supporting service members and their families beyond what is required by law. Rita Broadway, Chair of ESGR, emphasized this during remarks following the event:

"CSX has a foundation of service. The attitude of giving back starts at the top with the corporate climate and is reflected in their behaviors, down to the Pride in Service shirts that CSX employees wear. This commitment demonstrates that it's not just about profits or business models; they are truly giving back to the community. CSX has done a great job of incorporating the spirit of giving back into their whole corporate demeanor."

The Freedom Award stands as the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Government on employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Established to publicly acknowledge employers who go above and beyond in their support for Guard and Reserve staff, it represents the pinnacle among a series of employer recognition awards issued by the Department of Defense. CSX Vice President of Intermodal and Automotive and former U.S. Army Captain Maryclare Kenney accepted the award on behalf of the company.

On a more personal level, the Patriot Award is given to individual supervisors for their exceptional support of citizen warriors. This recognition highlights the efforts supervisors make to accommodate military service members through flexible scheduling, leaves of absence as needed, granting time off before and after deployment, and looking after their families. National Guard or Reserve members, or their spouses, are encouraged to nominate supervisors who have provided exemplary direct support to them and their families. In recognition of such support, CSX Chief of Police Sean Douris and Senior Manager of Police Bob Poisson were honored by CSX Supervisory Special Agent Jim Finnegan, who is currently deployed in the Middle East, demonstrating the company's commitment to supporting its serving personnel.

“CSX is proud of the acknowledgment from the ESGR, which reflects our broader commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace for all of our employees,” said Joe Hinrichs, president and chief executive officer of CSX. “We are committed to supporting and developing our employees and making certain they feel valued, included, appreciated, and respected. That means prioritizing their well-being and success.”

CSX continues to foster an environment where military service is honored and respected, ensuring that veterans and service members feel valued and supported. This commitment is evident in CSX's Military Business Resource Group and its Pride in Service community investment efforts to advocate for and provide resources to its military employees and the broader military community, helping them transition smoothly into civilian roles within the organization.

The ESGR recognition serves as a reminder of the significant impact that dedicated support for military employees can have, not just on individuals, but on the entire company and community.

To learn more about CSX’s support of military employees visit csx.com/military.

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