Just two years ago, I did not know a single military veteran. At least, not well enough to know anything about their military service and the challenge of returning from active duty. That changed when I started working for Comcast in April of 2012. Not only did I meet veterans who were now my colleagues, I had the opportunity to ask them questions about their service and their transitions back to civilian life.
Whether they had served just one year ago or one decade ago, in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard, they all showed me that veterans share common traits of selflessness, extreme loyalty and discipline. Another interesting quality they share is pride balanced with humility. They show pride in their work, their appearance and their units most of all, but are extremely humble about the service they committed to the country, the sacrifices they made and what I found to be absolutely staggering accomplishments.
One veteran told me about patrolling the streets of Iraq wearing hundreds of pounds of gear and Kevlar in heat so intense that the street tar melted under his shoes. Another spoke of leading relief efforts following the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and helping to rebuild a country.
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I am proud to say that Comcast is truly committed to supporting and recognizing veterans. Today, the company announced that Comcast and NBC Universal have hired 2,000 veterans since January 2012, achieving in less than two years a commitment it made in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative.
NBC News has also launched a new resource for veterans. “Next Steps for Vets” is a web portal that features tools to help vets, transitioning service members and military spouses with employment and education opportunities.
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This Veteran’s Day will be different for me. I will support worthy organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and, as often as possible, thank those veterans I have come to know for their service and their impact on my life.
