R.W. "Red" Dare, born Sept. 24, 1954, began his railroad career in May 1975 on the former Illinois Central Gulf, now part of the Canadian National Railway system.

A member of Local 1525, Carbondale, Ill., Dare has served his union as local president, local chairperson, general secretary, vice general chairperson and general chairperson.

He was elected alternate vice president-South by delegates at the UTU International convention in 2007.

Dare and his wife have three children and seven grandchildren. The family resides in Benton, Ill.