Good-bye, from Vic Johnston

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In April of 1990, I left McGehee, Arkansas to come to work in Dallas. I arrived here to find that I was the first "UP" manager to be assigned to the "Katy" property in Dallas. It was a little uncomfortable for all of us.

The employees of Dallas did not know what to expect of me and I was not sure what to expect of them. Dallas had 21 injuries the year before, car scheduling was a mess, the yard was a piece of junk, customers were screaming because of delayed cars, Dallas was way over budget and to top it all off, Texas had one of the worst floods in 100 years. This was a very tenuous start.

Time passed quickly. Through the years we developed one of the best teams on the Fort Worth Service Unit. We got to know each other. We faced many challenges and overcame the barriers placed before us. Many changes have taken place in the Dallas area in those eight years.

We have rebuilt yards, main lines, buildings, car scheduling, new industry tracks and friendships. We have celebrated joys in our personal lives and shared our heart aches and sorrows. We have laughed and cried. Many have joined us and some have left.

As I assume a new career opportunity in Dayton, Texas, I recall the people, places and experiences that have been a part of my time in Dallas. These are memories that I shall carry with me from this day on. I did not make the decision to request this job lightly. I had to decide whether or not I wanted to take a promotion, uproot my family, leave familiar people and familiar territory. This caused me sleepless nights and many hours of deep thought.

I leave the Dallas area knowing that I have worked with some of the best and that friends I have made here will be remembered always. It will be hard.

Those left here must continue to be the best that you can be. The best in safety, budget, switching and customer service. These are the things that keep our railroad going and that keep employment for ourselves and for the future generation of railroaders.

Now as I take my leave, I wish all God's blessings and good luck now and in the future.


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