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About Us | NARVRE – National Association of Retired & Veteran Railway Employees

Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future

The National Association of Retired & Veteran Railway Employees (NARVRE) was founded with a clear and noble mission: to protect the rights, pensions, and benefits of those who dedicated their careers to America’s railroads. For generations, railway employees have been the backbone of the nation’s growth—moving goods, connecting communities, and keeping the economy strong. NARVRE exists to ensure that their legacy is never forgotten and that their hard-earned rights remain safeguarded.

Who We Are

NARVRE is a nationwide, non-profit membership organization representing retired and veteran railway employees from every craft and every railroad system. Our members include conductors, engineers, maintenance crews, clerical staff, and countless others who contributed to the operation and progress of the rail industry.

We are more than an association—we are a family built on shared values of dedication, service, and solidarity. Our goal is to give retired and veteran railway employees a strong collective voice in matters that affect their retirement security and overall well-being.

Our Mission

At the heart of NARVRE lies a simple mission:

  • To protect railroad retirement benefits by advocating for strong and fair policies.

  • To preserve the dignity of retired and veteran employees, ensuring their years of service are recognized and respected.

  • To build a supportive community where members can find fellowship, resources, and opportunities for engagement.

  • To keep the history of American railroads alive while inspiring future generations with the story of railway workers’ dedication.

We believe that retirement should not mean silence—it should mean having a voice that continues to matter.

What We Stand For

NARVRE has always stood as a guardian of rights and a promoter of unity. We recognize that our members are part of a proud tradition that helped shape America’s identity. Our core values include:

  • Advocacy – defending the pensions, healthcare, and benefits of all retired and veteran railway employees.

  • Integrity – acting with honesty and transparency in every effort we pursue.

  • Solidarity – standing together as one strong community, supporting each other at every step.

  • Legacy – preserving the contributions of railway employees for generations to come.

Our History

NARVRE’s roots stretch back decades, formed by railway veterans who understood the need for collective strength in retirement. Over time, the organization grew into a respected national association, recognized by lawmakers, policymakers, and the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) as a key representative voice for retirees.

Throughout the years, NARVRE has been at the forefront of important legislative battles—fighting to preserve retirement funds, ensuring healthcare access, and resisting threats to the benefits our members earned through a lifetime of service.

Our Community

NARVRE is built around local units spread across the country. These units serve as hubs where members gather to:

  • Stay informed about changes in retirement benefits.

  • Share fellowship, stories, and experiences.

  • Participate in community service and outreach programs.

  • Organize social events that bring joy and camaraderie into retirement.

This local structure ensures that NARVRE is both nationally strong and locally connected.

Why NARVRE Matters

Retirement should be a time of peace and fulfillment, not uncertainty. Without a strong collective voice, the hard-earned benefits of railway retirees could face erosion. NARVRE stands as a safeguard, making sure that promises made to railway employees are promises kept.

But our importance goes beyond advocacy—we provide friendship, unity, and support to thousands of members nationwide. In NARVRE, no one stands alone.

Looking Ahead

While our roots are deeply tied to history, NARVRE is also focused on the future. We continue to adapt to changing policies, economic challenges, and the evolving needs of our members. By expanding our educational resources, strengthening our legislative presence, and welcoming new members, we ensure that NARVRE remains a strong, relevant, and enduring force.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Service

The National Association of Retired & Veteran Railway Employees exists because the contributions of railway workers deserve to be honored, their benefits deserve to be protected, and their voices deserve to be heard.

At NARVRE, we are proud to stand as the guardians of that legacy and the champions of our members’ future. Together, we carry forward a tradition of service, unity, and respect that has defined America’s railroads for generations.