MRL honors veterans, essential workers

Montana Rail Link (MRL) is showing appreciation for veterans and essential workers in a special way. MRL this week put into service a locomotive rebranded with "Thank You Veterans" and a patriotic theme. Another locomotive displaying a "Thank you to all essential workers" message will be on MRL's routes beginning in December.

Ross Lane, MRL's Vice President of Corporate Relations, said the veterans locomotive is "a tribute to the veterans who have served across Montana, including the nearly 200 veterans who work at MRL." The locomotives will be seen on MRL's rails from Billings to Sandpoint, Idaho.

Along with the specially designed locomotives, MRL and the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation are donating $50,000 each to Montana No Kid Hungry and Warriors and Quiet Waters, both Montana nonprofit organizations.

"We thank veterans and their families for their collective sacrifice and service," said Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Executive Director and Vietnam Veteran Mike Halligan. "We're proud to recognize two of the great organizations that serve our veterans, citizens, and communities across Montana."

The locomotive thanking veterans was seen in Thompson Falls earlier this week. Lane said that though the locomotive has been in service from Missoula to Thompson Falls, news has traveled across the state and MRL has received positive feedback not only from people in Montana, but from throughout the country.