Category: Charitable Corner
On-Duty Assault Leaves Amtrak Conductor Facing Financial Hardship
18 months ago, Sister Heather Steele (Local 168, Chicago) was violently attacked while working as an Amtrak conductor. After exhausting disability support, she and her family are now facing severe financial hardship, including the loss of their home. Read on to learn how you can help our brave union sister.
CTRail Conductor Killed in Car Accident
Brother Bernard Gray (Local 352, West Springfield, Mass.) was killed in a car accident last month. A conductor for CTRail, his family needs help with funeral and other final expenses after this sudden loss. Read on to learn how you can show your support.
Members Helped Raise $200K for Brothers and Sisters in Need
SMART-TD members helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for union brothers and sisters in need in 2025. From life-changing accidents to devastating house fires, we stepped up to make sure our brothers and sisters were taken care of. Read on to see our solidarity in action.
CSX Conductor, Single Mother Devastated in Head-on Collision
A CSX conductor and single mother was seriously injured in a head-on collision while reporting for duty, leaving her facing a long and difficult road to recovery. Read on to see how union solidarity is coming together to support one of our own and how you can help make a difference for her and her daughter.
Conductor, Volunteer Firefighter Injured and Needs our Help
While responding to a call as a volunteer firefighter, Brother Chris Brick (Local 316) suffered serious injuries to his face and head. Currently in the ICU, he will require multiple surgeries and needs to have his jaw wired shut. He and his family need our support as he recovers. Read on to learn how you can help our union brother in need.
Bills Mount After Texas Conductor Loses a Leg
Raul Gomez (Local 18, El Paso), a union brother known for dropping everything to help a friend or co-worker in need, lost his leg in a devastating on-the-job accident nearly 20 months ago. Unable to work, his family is now buried under a mountain of bills and everyday expenses. He needs our help to catch up. Read on to learn about his accident and how you can help.
Railroader’s Son to Perform at Carnegie Hall
“A.J.” Hamburger Jr. will take the stage at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the National Honors Bands Performance Series. A.J. is the son of BNSF conductor and SMART-TD Local 934 (Alliance, Nebraska) Vice Local Chairperson Aaron Hamburger. On February 8, 2026, A.J. will join only 350 students out of more than 10,000 applicants worldwide. Read on to learn more about this accomplishment.
Help the McLucas Family After Fire Destroys Their Home
On November 15, Brother Brian McLucas (Local 1190) received a devastating phone call: his house was on fire, and the situation was a total loss. His wife and two young daughters were able to escape safely but now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and their home during the holiday season. Read on to learn how you can help our union brother.