RailWorks Featured Veteran: Alejandro Rodriguez, United States Navy

RailWorks is proud to work with Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), a U.S. Chamber of Commerce initiative that connects the military community with meaningful employment opportunities. As part of HOH’s Corporate Fellowship Program, transitioning military and veterans are matched with host companies for a 12-week period. At the end of the fellowship, participants can be hired at the company.

Since joining the HOH’s Corporate Fellowship Program in 2019, RailWorks has hosted and hired several transitioning service members into engineering roles throughout the organization.  One of those engineers includes Senior Chief Petty Officer, Alejandro Rodriguez, who is a Field Engineer with L.K. Comstock National Transit in Miami, FL.  

Rodriguez started his military career in April of 2001 as an Engineman. He completed basic training and Engineman at Great Lakes, Illinois in October 2001. In November 2001 he reported aboard USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) stationed in Sasebo Japan, where he served as Work Center Supervisor, A-Gang LPO, and Ship’s Maintenance Manager Assistant. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4), and various unit, campaign, and personal awards. 

After completing the Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor School in October 2016, he reported to Naval Branch Health Clinic Key West where he served as the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program Director and Senior Enlisted Leader.  He provided command headship and guidance to 72 personnel in delivering optimal healthcare to 12k beneficiaries during a global pandemic.  His leadership improved morale, diversity inclusion, quality of life, training requirements, and performance increasing operational readiness from 83% to 95%. 

Rodriguez credits his managerial skills and engineering background to allow him to make this transition almost seamlessly. He stated, “During my time in the military, I always looked for bigger responsibilities, which led to professional growth, and this opportunity will be no different. “

When asked if he had any advice for those transitioning out of the military, Rodriguez had this to say, “transitioning out of the military can be challenging and overwhelming. Looking for new career paths or job opportunities in the civilian sector is easier with the support of other organizations such as Hiring our Heroes and hosting companies who are willing to give transitioning military members a chance, such as RailWorks.  Do not get discouraged if it becomes overwhelming, especially when there are other responsibilities happening simultaneously, such as VA checks ups, relocation, children’s school transfers, and military transitioning requirements. Lastly, during the transitioning process, be open-minded, be willing to learn, trust the resources available to help through this period, and allow yourself to explore new opportunities.”