In Profile: Cliff Wilson of The Vern Express

Cliff Wilson

Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD

Previous occupations: 1st Lieutenant in DC National Guard, Firefighter/Medic for Prince George’s County (Ret. ‘07), Amtrak – Track Inspector


Cliff Wilson grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland with visions of playing college football and eventually the big leagues – the NFL. Upon getting to the University of Maryland - Baltimore County, he discovered that the other guys were simply much bigger than him; after a couple of concussions, he decided that a career in football probably wouldn’t turn out well for him. But his dream has lived on in his three sons, who were all football players in their youth.

Wilson joined the National Guard for a short time, and then decided to become a firefighter for Prince George’s County. At 37 years of age, he was the oldest initated firefighter in his class. A knee injury sidelined Wilson from his work as a firefighter/medic, so he moved on to Amtrak to work as a track inspector. However, it wasn’t a job meant to last forever.

“You kinda get in a rut sometimes, and there’s nothing to challenge you,” Wilson explains.

He retired from Amtrak, and decided to apply for a job with International Limo. He says that with his knee, the job suits him well.

When Wilson isn’t shuttling GW kids to and from the Vern, he stays busy with his 5 grandchildren and his love for the Washington Redskins. This December, he and his wife will celebrate 38 years of marriage.

What, then, is the most rewarding part of Wilson’s job? He says, simply getting to learn some names and having great conversations with some of his regular passengers.

“You get some interesting perspectives,” Wilson muses, recounting the story of a girl from California who hadn’t ever experienced all four seasons. His smile makes clear that for a part-time retirement job, driving the Vern Express is anything but a raw deal.