In recognition of Veterans Day, Stephen Henderson, an engineer at Norfolk Southern’s Norris Yard in Irondale, Alabama, shared his powerful story of resilience and recovery at the company’s Atlanta headquarters. His journey, which includes a 16-year career at NS and his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, sheds light on the challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life.

A native of Pell City, Alabama, Henderson joined the Marines in 2004 after he decided he needed a drastic change in his life. He completed two deployments to Iraq, where he survived multiple encounters with IEDs. He also served as a Special Operations team leader in Afghanistan.

Henderson joined NS shortly after leaving the Marines. But like so many veterans, he faced personal challenges during his transition to civilian life that are all too common among veterans. He began drinking, experienced reoccurring nightmares, marital problems, and was easily angered. He was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a rare lung disease that made breathing and speaking difficult. Henderson is now on a better path in life. His illness was corrected by surgery, and he completed rehabilitation.

During his presentation, Henderson spoke about Dovetail Landing, an organization founded by the mother of his best friend and fellow Marine, Daniel Centilli. Centilli was severely injured by an IED while serving in Afghanistan in 2012. Despite his courageous battle, Centilli passed away from his injuries in 2019. His mother, Alana, created Dovetail Landing to honor his memory and to help other veterans facing similar struggles.

“My story is very common in the veteran community,” Henderson said. “Men and women suffer in silence back home. It doesn’t have to be that way. By sharing my story, I hope to help others realize there is a path to recovery.”

Located on 57 donated acres in Lincoln, Alabama, Dovetail Landing serves as a “reverse bootcamp” for veterans returning home. The organization provides a therapeutic, no-cost community where veterans and their families can heal, learn new job skills, navigate the complexities of earned benefits, and receive peer-to-peer support as they reintegrate into civilian life. It offers veterans a safe space to recover, grow, and regain a sense of purpose after their service.

During his career at NS, Henderson benefited from the support of a colleague, Fulton Hunt, a fellow engineer at Norris Yard. Hunt is a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air National Guard, where he has served for over 23 years. He is also a 19-year employee of NS. Henderson and Hunt share a powerful bond together. “

As part of NS’ VeteraNS employee resource group leadership team, Henderson now leads the recruitment and retention committee, where he advocates for fellow veterans, helping them find support and opportunities within the company.

Henderson’s journey is one of strength and hope, and his commitment to helping fellow veterans shows that with the right support, resilience can lead to incredible recovery. Through Dovetail Landing and his work at NS, he continues to honor the legacy of his friend Daniel, while empowering veterans to reclaim their lives after service.