Wounded Warrior Project, CSX Partner on Veteran Workforce Development
The transition to the civilian workforce after military service can be challenging for veterans. From translating their military skills into a civilian resume, to finding a meaningful career, and navigating new workplaces, this next chapter can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming.
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) partners with CSX, a leading rail transportation company, to help veterans navigate this transition and discover new career opportunities. The two organizations hosted a training event at CSX’s Railroad Education and Development Institute (REDI) Center in Atlanta that provided hands-on opportunities for warriors to learn about the transportation field and develop existing skills.
For Army veteran TeakSafiya Wilson, it was an experience she didn’t know she needed until participating that one hot June day.
“The event opened me up to some unexpected possibilities for my career direction,” said Teak.
An Atlanta local, Teak jumped at the chance to go to the REDI Center to learn more about a possible career in the transportation industry. Teak has experience in construction, which led her to a passion for welding – an activity she didn’t expect to be included at the CSX event. But, during the training, she had the opportunity to use a virtual welding machine and swing a sledgehammer, making the event a truly hands-on experience.
Warriors take part in hands-on training exercises at CSX Redi Center in Atlanta.
From interactive simulations to equipment demonstrations, the experience was designed to be immersive and informative. Warriors didn’t just sit through presentations — they actively engaged with the tools and technologies used in the rail industry. This practical exposure helped them envision a future career in the field and gave them a stronger sense of how their military skills could translate into this new environment.
The entire day was structured to ensure warriors got the most out of their time there. They heard directly from CSX employees about the industry and participated in activities to help them gauge their interest in the work.
“The tour was informative, and everyone at CSX was extremely welcoming and friendly,” said Teak. “Overall, I had a blast; every minute was filled with information, and no time was wasted.”
These experiences are critical for warriors as they pursue new skills and opportunities in the civilian workforce. Partnerships with companies like CSX make the experiences possible and help build confidence in warriors that they have the skills to accomplish their goals after service. The veterans realize they aren’t limited by the unknown, and they aren’t alone in navigating a new way of life.
Army veteran and WWP warrior TeakSafiya Wilson.
“At CSX, we’re proud to be part of something that helps veterans take the next step in their careers,” said LaSandra Boykin, Director of Community Investments at CSX. “They’ve already given so much in service to our country, and programs like WWP Career Tracks give them a chance to build new skills, connect with others, and explore what a future in the rail industry could look like.”
“We know how important it is to have support during big life transitions, especially when it comes to financial stability and finding meaningful work. We're honored to walk alongside these veterans as they take on new challenges and continue shaping what’s next,” said LaSandra.
Whether it’s through workshops, mentorship, or simply connecting with peers who understand the challenges of military transition, veterans gain more than just professional tools — they gain hope. That sense of belonging and empowerment is often the difference between surviving and thriving in civilian life.
“Warriors to Work, like all of Wounded Warrior Project’s programs, is a great resource. It opens veterans up to opportunities that they may have never thought of,” said Teak. “This program gives warriors hope and guidance to alternative approaches to career advancement and development opportunities.”
Watch the REDI Center experience in action.
Join CSX in helping warriors reach thrive for a lifetime.
Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.
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