Currently, about one-fourth of Pacific Harbor Line's 150 employees are veterans or active duty guardsmen and reservists, according to PHL President Otis Cliatt II , himself a U.S. Army veteran.

"We're very pleased to receive this award recognizing our efforts hiring veterans," he noted. "Their military background increases safety and security and lessens the chance of accidents while working outdoors."

CEAC Veterans Committee Chair Dr. Cal Farmer said, "The award is presented each year to honor employers who consistently demonstrate positive policies toward U.S. veterans and go the extra mile to hire, retain and promote them, providing training and benefits."

PHL will join eight other employers at an award luncheon May 9 in Ontario, Calif., which is co-sponsored by CEAC and the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

PHL is a subsidiary of Anacostia Rail Holdings, a shortline railroad holding company. Its railroads operate in seven states and include the Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad, Gulf Coast Switching Company, Louisville & Indiana Railroad, New York & Atlantic Railway, Northern Lines Railway, LLC, and Pacific Harbor Line, Inc.