According to research by the Army University Press, many American military Veterans face challenges with digital equity, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why we’re proud to be celebrating Veterans Day and Military Appreciation Month by partnering with three amazing military community organizations in the state of Washington – Operation Military Family, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
These organizations are receiving $60,000 and 150 laptop computers, as part of Project UP, our national $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people over the next 10 years with the tools, resources, and skills needed to succeed in a digital world. Comcast’s donations will help Veterans access technology integral for career advancement and social connection.
These donations are part of Comcast’s continued dedication to supporting Veterans, and their families, nationwide, in several ways. Since 2011, Comcast has donated more than $184 million in cash and in-kind contributions to military community organizations.
Comcast employs more than 21,000 military veterans, and in 2020, Comcast NBCUniversal was ranked number one on Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Employers list.” Comcast’s tradition of hiring and supporting the military community started with founder World War II U.S. Navy veteran Ralph Roberts. We put significant effort into supporting military Veterans and their families at all stages of their careers, which led to us being named a “Military Friendly Employer” and a “Military Friendly Spouse Employer” by Military Times.
“We’re honored to partner with military community organizations that make powerful impacts with Veterans across the state of Washington. These organizations help them build digital equity at a time when it has never been more important,” said Carla Carrell, External Affairs Director for Comcast in Washington.
These partnerships will continue beyond Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month. Comcast specifically chose military community organizations which they can partner with long-term and support as they help Veterans across the state of Washington. We also chose organizations positioned to help Veterans with digital equity.
“Our partnership with Comcast goes beyond just a monetary donation. Comcast is committed to helping Veterans access the technology they need for career and social success in the modern digital landscape,” said Mike Schindler, CEO of Operation Military Family.
“These donations will allow our Veterans with mobility, adaptive, or accessible concerns obtain equipment and resources for those that have a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) or disease such as MS or ALS, their families, who we serve, advance in training, their careers, and personal lives. Technology and the ability to use it to its fullest potential is imperative for Veterans with a SCI or disease, and we appreciate Comcast’s dedication to technology support,” said Matthew Mickunas, President, Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America, Washington State.
“Our long-term partnership with Comcast is one of our strongest corporate partnerships in Washington. Their support has and will continue to be a powerful asset to Veterans across the state,” said Lourdes E. “Alfie” Alvarado-Ramos, director Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
Comcast as an organization is focusing on honoring the post-9/11 military community this year given the 20-year anniversary of the events of 9/11. Carol Eggert, Senior Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs for Comcast and retired Brigadier General, published a blog post earlier this month going in-depth about honoring the post-9/11 military community.
Visit the Military Page of our website for more information on Comcast’s commitment to U.S. military Veterans.
