Veterans Month
November 2003
NS Veterans Remember
Byron Baudo
Assistant manager training
McDonough, Ga.
I served with the U.S. Navy from 1968-1972, and was stationed in Norfolk for the majority of my time in the service. When I began my tour of duty with the Navy, I qualified and completed a pipefitter-training program. Using these newly acquired skills, I advanced in rank and developed and sharpen my hands-on skills related to shipboard piping systems. My success in this area allowed me to attend additional training programs which centered on welding.
After serving in the Navy and receiving an honorable discharge, I applied for a pipe fitter position with Southern Railway, and was hired in February 1973. Using my pipefitting and welding skills from the Navy, I successfully completed the Southern Railway's pipefitter program, and began working in Pegram Shop in Atlanta. Little did I know that the skills I learned in the Navy would allow me an opportunity to apply for a welding instructor position at the railroad's Technical Training Center in McDonough, Ga.
In February 1977, I started teaching at the training center as a welding instructor, and began my career with the company. The rest of my story and career is centered on training and the Norfolk Southern Training Center. I truly believe if it weren't for the training I received while in the Navy, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to build the training foundation I have used to train the thousands of railroad employees during my 30-year career at the center.