National Association of Railroad Passengers: www.narprail.org

NARP 2008 Congressional Reception

The National Association of Railroad Passengers held its annual Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill in the Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building on April 30, 2008.  There were several people honored and recognized that evening:

Scroll down to view pictures of the event that – with wine, plentiful hors d’oeuvres and an elegant setting – offered attendees an opportunity to mingle with Congress members and their staffers in a relaxed and congenial atmosphere.

Next year’s event will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009.  Please consider sponsoring the reception to help defray the cost of putting on a first-class event. All sponsors will receive public recognition at the Reception. If you or your corporation would like to sponsor or obtain more information, please call David Johnson at (202) 408-8362 or send us an e-mail.


Attendees gather in the Rayburn Foyer


NARP President George Chilson presents the Golden Spike Award to Rep. John Olver (D-MA)


Rep. Olver addresses the crowd


Michael Burch (l.) and Bette Burch (c.) present the Dr. Gary Burch Memorial Safety Award to Amtrak Detective John “Jake” Mumford


(l. to r.) Amtrak President and CEO Alex Kummant, Bette Burch, Detective Mumford, Amtrak Police Chief John O’Conner, Michael Burch, and Amtrak Police Deputy Chief Phil Arnold


Chilson presents Senator Gordon Smith’s Golden Spike Award to a member of his staff, Mike Smith


On June 25, NARP Executive Director Ross B. Capon (l.) and Deputy Director David Johnson (r.) presented Senator Smith his award in person.



Our reception would not be possible without the generous support of our corporate donors.  NARP Board Member Robert Krebs accepts a certificate on behalf of America By Rail tour company and Bill Slater accepts for Wabtec.  Other sponsors included Siemens, Bombardier, and Talgo.


After a series of House floor votes, Rep. Olver was kind enough to come back to our reception.  Here he discusses passenger rail issues with NARP Executive Director Ross B. Capon


Involvement of youth and young adults is key to growing any organization. (l. to r.) NARP Board Member Ryan Stern, NARP member (and part-time volunteer) Peter Roberts, NARP Assistant Director David Johnson, NARP Board Member Dennis Lytton, NARP Transportation Assistant Darryl Yates, and NARP Communications Associate Matthew Melzer.



Two sets of poster displays in the Rayburn Foyer attracted many attendees.  One display included a laptop computer playing a copy of the Ohio Rail Development Commission’s “This Ain’t Your Grandfather’s Train”.  You can download that video here.