Joshua G. Albritton

Argyle, TX

Texas Tech University

Son of Kathy and Kevin Albritton

Joshua plans to attend Texas Tech University, where he aspires to obtain degrees in both biochemistry and music.  Eventually, he will go on to medical school and become a practicing physician.

Joshua played both percussion and clarinet in the marching and concert bands at Argyle High School.  He also competed on his school’s academic team in the math and science events.  He enjoys playing music in his free time and works at a local restaurant.  He hopes to continue his musical studies while pursuing his pre-med curriculum. 

Joshua’s mother, Kathy, is a homemaker and his father, Kevin, is a train dispatcher for the BNSF Railroad.

Kealy V. Beskoon

Florence, MT

University of Montana – Davidson Honors College

Son of Rebecca and Garyl Beskoon

Kealy enjoys all kinds of sports, including rugby, football, folf, wrestling, javelin throw and baseball.  He also takes pleasure in playing trombone in jazz band, orchestra and city band.  He has helped with his church’s youth missions program and was involved with his high school Student Government and Honors Club.

Kealy plans on obtaining a Masters Degree in mechanical engineering and working for a major firm so he can gain experience to eventually own his own company.

His mother, Rebecca, is a college student and his father, Garyl, is a locomotive engineer with the Montana Rail Link.

Caleb M. Carroll

Creston, IA

Iowa State University

Son of Roxanne and Jon Carroll

During the last four years, Caleb has been active in school participating in cross country, soccer, improvisational acting, student government and the National Honor Society.  In the community, he helps with youth soccer programs, local bloodmobiles and is a member of Appalachia Service Project.  He enjoys snowboarding, computer programming, swimming and being with friends.

Caleb would like to pursue a career as a computer network administrator in a large company or to work as a computer technician.  Since he has always enjoyed computer technology, interacting with others and problem solving, he feels that this area would be both challenging and interesting.

His father, Jon, is employed by the BNSF Railroad as a locomotive engineer and his mother, Roxanne, is a staff accountant for Draper, Snodgrass, Mikkelsen & Co. P.C.

John M. Caufield

Carl Junction, MO

University of Missouri – Rolla

Son of Karen and Dennis Caufield

While attending Carl Junction High School, John spent most of his time focusing on speech and debate, as well as going to Knowledge Bowl tournaments.  When he has free time, he usually spends it on the computer, PS2 and relaxing with friends.  He also works part-time at Applebee’s, where he has been employed for two years.

John plans to earn a degree in civil engineering.  He then aspires to go on to graduate school and possibly into the medical field.

His mother, Karen, is a special education teacher at Carl Junction R-1 Schools and his father, Dennis, is a locomotive engineer for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.

Randy J. Creaser

Douglas, WY

Brigham Young University

Son of Shelly and Jim Creaser

Randy will attend Brigham Young University where he will work toward earning a degree in electrical engineering.

While attending Douglas High School, Randy was involved in several activities, including cross country, track and basketball, receiving several recognitions for his achievements in track.  He was a member of his high school band, FBLA, National Honor Society and the Douglas Alliance of Youth.  As president of his church youth group, he has had many opportunities to benefit himself and his community.  He is interested in outdoor activities and reading.

Randy’s father, Jim, is employed by the BNSF as a CTC maintainer.  His mother, Shelly, is a secretary at the Douglas Middle School.

Jenna L. Davis

Streator, IL

Olivet Nazarene University

Daughter of Jo Ann and James Davis

Jenna’s primary hobby while attending Streator High School was playing flute/piccolo in the school band and for religious services.  She also enjoyed working on service projects through her clubs in school – Key Club, the National Honor Society and Class Executive Council.  Much of her time has gone to these organizations as she held the office of secretary for all three.

Jenna will attend Olivet Nazarene University or Illinois Valley Community College to study accounting or physical therapy.

Her mother, Jo Ann, is a secretary for the Centennial Grade School and her father, James, is a conductor for the BNSF.

Thirston I. Divinity

Utica, MS

University of Mississippi

Son of Leneice and J. Q. Divinity, Jr.

Thirston is presently attending the University of Mississippi.  His career goals are to obtain his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree and work as a licensed pharmacist.  He works as an apprentice to the pharmacist at his local drug store which allows him to experience the full scope of his chosen career.

Thirston’s hobbies include fishing and playing basketball.  He spends time tutoring special education students and is a member of the Big Brother Club and the Boys and Girls Club of Oxford. 

His mother, Leneice, is an educator for the Hinds County Schools and his father, J. Q., is a locomotive engineer employed by the Kansas City Southern Railway Co.

Jaclyn M. Farina

Hamilton, NJ

Rutgers University

Daughter of Irene and Charles Farina

During her high school years, Jaclyn participated in the band, Yearbook Club and varsity cheerleading.  She was a member of the National Honor Society, which included being a part of the tutoring program and participating in community events.  For three years, she was on a traveling all-star cheerleading team that has competed on a national level and won many titles.

Jaclyn plans to attend Rutgers University for the next four years.  Her major is undeclared at the present time, but she is leaning toward something in the field of mathematics.

Her father, Charles, is a road foreman for Conrail and her mother, Irene, is a homemaker.

Jonathan A. Fouhse

Saskatoon, SK

University of Saskatchewan

Son of Janice and Aaron Fouhse

Jonathan attended Evan Hardy Collegiate in Saskatoon, SK, where he was a member of the senior football team.  He has been playing hockey since he was a small child, a sport he continues to enjoy.  He has helped to coach a basketball team and also works part time at the local A & W.

Jonathan will attend the University of Saskatchewan where he will work for his degree in kinesiology.  He hopes to get into physical therapy and eventually open his own business.

His mother, Janice, is a teacher employed by the Saskatoon Public School Board and his father, Aaron, is a locomotive engineer for the Canadian National Railway.

Alicia F. Halter

North Platte, NE

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Daughter of Eileen and Merle Halter

This fall, Alicia will be attending Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, majoring in biology.  After earning a Bachelor of Science Degree, she plans to continue on to graduate school, with long-term plans of working in the field of biological research.

At St. Patrick High School, Alicia was involved in swing choir, chorus, band and volleyball.  A three-year member of the National Honor Society, she held the office of president this year.  She was also a teacher’s aide for biology and was on the Knowledge Master’s team.  In her junior and senior years, Alicia was chosen to participate in several honor choirs, including the Nebraska All-State Choir.  Involved in several community service activities, she feels that the most important is her participation in music ministry at church.  She is an avid reader and enjoys listening to music and spending time with family and friends.

Alicia’s mother, Eileen, is a homemaker and her father, Merle, is employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a locomotive engineer.

Christopher E. Holder

Abbeville, SC

University of South Carolina

Son of Vickey and Tony Ricketts

After spending the past year at Coastal Carolina University, Christopher will transfer to the University of South Carolina in the fall, where he plans to graduate with a Health Care Management Degree.  After college, he aspires to hold a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative or a hospital administrator.

Through his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Christopher has participated in many community service organizations, including Habitat for Humanity.  Throughout high school and college he has held jobs and expects to wait tables in a restaurant in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, this summer.  His extracurricular activities include riding four-wheelers, waterskiing, wakeboarding, riding jet skis, camping, going to the beach and playing beach volleyball. 

Christopher’s mother, Vickey, is a homemaker and his father, Tony, is employed by the CSX Railroad as a conductor.

Nicole A. Holleuffer

Clifton, NJ

Rutgers, the State University of     New Jersey

Daughter of Leslie and Alan Holleuffer

Nicole’s love of animals, which began in early childhood, along with her varied experiences at an animal shelter and a veterinary hospital has inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Her academic honors include being Salutatorian of the Clifton High School Class of 2004, a member of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools, La Societe Honoraire de Francais, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Edward J. Bloustein Scholar, Dean’s List at Rutgers and the National Dean’s List.  Her extracurricular activities in high school included serving as an Executive Board Officer of the Conservation Club, Co-President of both the French Club and the La Societe Honoraire de Francais, a cellist in the school orchestra and an art contributor to the Phoenix Art and Literary Magazine.

Nicole’s mother, Leslie, is a French teacher employed by the Carteret Board of Education and her father, Alan, is a locomotive engineer for New Jersey Transit Rail Operations.

Rebecca J. Kirkley

Hamlet, NC

Wake Forest University

Daughter of Rebecca and Herbert Kirkley

Rebecca hopes to earn a Masters Degree in business administration and establish a career in marketing for a non-profit Christian organization like World Vision or Samaritan’s Purse.

She was an all-conference member of her school’s two-time state champion golf team, president of the Beta Club and a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Students.  Rebecca teaches Children’s Church at Calvary Baptist Church and volunteers at the local Literacy Council, Hospice and Humane Society.  She is a dancer and avid sports fan.

Rebecca’s father, Herbert, is a locomotive engineer with CSX Transportation and her mother, Rebecca, is a teacher employed by Richmond County Schools.

Jonathan D. Lobb

Kittanning, PA

Harvard Law School

Son of Jill and Alan Lobb

Jonathan received his Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, politics and economics with a minor in American history from the University of Pennsylvania in May.  At Penn, he tutored local elementary and high school students through the West Philadelphia Tutoring Project and was also a member of the John Marshall Pre-Law Honor Society.  He was recently elected to membership in the Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.  In the summer of 2004, he worked as an intern at the Armstrong County District Attorney’s Office in Kittanning, PA.  In his spare time he enjoys watching football and reading about American and European history. 

Jonathan will attend Harvard Law School in the fall.  Following graduation, he plans to enter a large corporate law firm, possibly in the labor department, and work toward becoming a partner.

His mother, Jill, is a homemaker and his father, Alan, is a trainman employed by the Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Tara J. Luedtke

Bismarck, ND

University of North Dakota

Daughter of Susie and David Luedtke

Tara will be attending the University of North Dakota in the fall.  Although she is undecided on a specific major, she is leaning toward a career in the medical field.

She attended Century High School, where she was an inductee to the National Honor Society and member of the National Honor Society Club, both for three years.  She earned three cum laude awards and one maxima cum laude award on the National Latin Exam throughout four years of Latin.  Additionally, she was an All-American Scholar and a volunteer for several church, community and school projects.

Her father, David, is a conductor for the BNSF Railroad and her mother, Susie, is a “domestic engineer.

Stephanie E. Pavlica

Perry, MI

Michigan State University

Daughter of Christine and Peter Pavlica

While attending Perry High School, Stephanie was a member of the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions and her school’s drum line.  In her free time, she enjoys watching films, reading, writing and listening to music.

Stephanie will be attending Michigan State University in the fall where she will be a part of the “Living and Learning” program of Lymann Briggs.  At this time, she is undecided on a major and a future career.

Her mother, Christine, is an optician employed by Lenscrafters and her father, Peter, is a locomotive engineer for Grand Trunk.

Andrea N. Rhodes

Evanston, WY

Westminster College

Daughter of Teresa and Rand Rhodes

As a member of the Evanston High School Band, Andrea played flute and served as section leader.  She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club, Who’s Who Among High School Students, National Society of High School Scholars, Natural Helpers and Captain of her school’s soccer team.  Andrea enjoys playing piano and is enthusiastic about anything outdoors in the summertime. 

Andrea plans to double major in biology and chemistry with an emphasis in pre-med.  She eventually hopes to attend medical school to study sports medicine.

Her mother, Teresa, is a homemaker and her father, Rand, is employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a locomotive engineer.

Alissa F. Sims

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University

Daughter of Janice and Richard Sims

Alissa is a student at Texas Tech University where this fall she will begin her professional blocks for teaching in the college of education.  Following graduation, she plans to teach elementary-aged children ranging from pre-school to third grade.  After a few years of teaching, she hopes to return to college and receive her Masters Degree in child psychology.

She has been very involved in her church choir and recently performed in an off-Broadway production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars Chapter at Texas Tech.  She works three days a week as a nanny for two children.

Alissa’s father, Richard, is employed by BNSF Railroad as a locomotive engineer and her mother, Janice, is self-employed at Jan’s Parts and Things.

Rachel M. Steele

Alliance, NE

University of Wyoming

Daughter of Sue and Russ Steele

Rachel intends to study dietetics at the University of Wyoming in preparation for becoming a registered dietitian and a certified diabetic educator.

At Alliance High School she was active in school plays, the school band and organizations such as the National Honor Society, Junior Bank Board, Key Club and Tri-M.  She was privileged to take part in wonderful endeavors such as Jon Brunning’s Youth Advisory Council and to participate in the 2004 Cornhuskers Girls State.  She enjoys reading and music. 

Rachel's mother, Sue, is a registered nurse employed by Alliance Public Schools and Box Butte General Hospital.  Her father, Russ, is a conductor with the BNSF Railroad.

Mary M. Young

Clovis, CA

California State University – Fresno

Daughter of Margaret and Keith Young

Mary has decided to attend California State University at Fresno where she will complete the pre-requisites for admission to UC San Francisco with the goal of becoming a pharmacist.

At Clovis East High School she was active all four years in the Future Farmers of America and served as the FFA Chapter vice president.  Mary was a member of the Clovis FFA Livestock Judging Team for three years and a member of the Clovis FFA Beef Show Team.  An avid horsewoman, she works at a dressage training barn and competes in day events and dressage shows.  She put in many hours of community service, being involved in the Guide Dogs of the Desert for the Blind and, with her family, raising four guide dog puppies.

Mary’s father, Keith, is a locomotive engineer for the BNSF Railway and her mother, Margaret, is self-employed at The Tack Outlet.

HAVE YOU SENT US YOUR AD&D BENEFICIARY’S NAME?

As a member of the BR&CF, you are provided an accidental death and dismemberment insurance policy at no charge.  There are a couple of important steps you should take to assure that your AD&D benefit is paid out as you wish.

If you have not provided the BR&CF with the name of your beneficiary, you should contact us immediately to request the necessary form.  You may also download the form from our website at www.brcf.org. 

You should advise your beneficiary that you have this coverage.  Our experience has been that some beneficiaries are not aware of the existence of this policy. 

LAST REMINDER . . .

17th Annual BR&CF

Photo Contest

NOW IN PROGRESS!

Grand Prize - $300

Other Winning Entries -- $150

Entries must be received in

the BR&CF Office

by July 8, 2005.

Check out these

contest rules!

 Photo Contest Rules

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q:  If a member is removed from service at the time an infraction occurs, when do benefits commence?

A:  It is necessary that we wait for the conclusion of an investigation and assessment of discipline prior to beginning benefit payments.  In most cases the carrier will include any period prior to the investigation that a member was withheld.  We encourage our members to have the investigation as quickly as possible to avoid any delay in receiving benefits.

If a member elects to waive his right to an investigation, the process is generally a little faster.  Usually, the carrier will incorporate the discipline in the waiver.  Make sure any time withheld is included.

Just as a note – ensure that your representative at the investigation protests any period withheld prior to the investigation.  Get it in the transcript!  Although it may not alter a decision to assess time off, it may be very important on appeal.  It shows prejudgment.