Comcast Partners with “George to the Rescue” to Transform Navy Veteran’s Home in Kearny, NJ
Comcast recently partnered with NBC’s George to the Rescue in a heartfelt home renovation project benefiting Navy veteran Gigi Hajjaj and her family. This collaboration reflects Comcast’s deep commitment to the military community and keeping families connected.
Gigi retired this summer after a 26-year career in the U.S. Navy. Beyond her service, she is a wife and mother to three girls, including her youngest Inayah who is battling a brain tumor and has had to overcome significant challenges like temporary loss of mobility and speech.
After learning of Gigi’s story, the George to the Rescue team wanted to help the family with everything from new pipes that will hold up through cold New Jersey winters to beautiful new bedrooms and an accessible bathroom for Inayah.
The George to the Rescue team – along with their extensive list of vendors and donors – knew they could provide the Hajjaj family with new spaces to enjoy but thought of Comcast to give the family the gift of connection.
“We were touched by the Hajjaj family’s story and wanted to support them,” said Dan Bonelli, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast. “Providing the family with complimentary Xfinity services gives the family more time to focus on each other and enjoy family time.”
Comcast technicians Joe Casey and Joe Altomare connected the family with their new services including Xfinity Internet, Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Home. These services allow the family to stay connected, protected and entertained at home and on the go.
“We were so excited when we found out we’d be getting Xfinity services for a year,” Gigi said. “Having fast, reliable Internet makes such a difference for our family. Between work, school and watching our favorite shows, it’s something we use every single day. Our favorite part has been Xfinity Stream because we love being able to have movie nights together or catch up on shows wherever we are.”
“I was excited to be a part of this project,” said Joe Casey. “Thinking about the family during the process reminded me my work isn’t just about connecting devices – it’s about keeping families connected and secure. Moments like that make me proud of the work I do.”
Comcast was also honored to provide the Hajjaj family with an American flag as part of Operation Old Glory. The program replaces torn or faded flags outside homes and businesses at no cost to the owners and was the perfect way to honor the family’s connection to the flag.
Operation Old Glory wouldn’t be possible without Comcast’s Flag Ambassadors, members of our Veterans Network Employee Resource Group. For this special installation, Allen Freas, Xfinity technical operations supervisor, and Jermaine Kelly, Xfinity maintenance technician – both veterans themselves – volunteered to install a mount and place the flag for the Hajjaj family (and they even replaced the neighbors’ flag, too!).
“Getting a new American flag from Operation Old Glory was really special,” Gigi added. “It isn’t just a flag — it represents pride, gratitude and a fresh start for our home. Every time we see it flying outside, it’s a reminder of how thankful we are for this experience and the support we’ve received.”
This flag also marked the first of 2,026 American flags Comcast has pledged to replace through Operation Old Glory as part of a nationwide campaign leading up to the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics on February 6, 2026.
“Being part of Operation Old Glory is an incredible honor,” said Allen Freas. “As a veteran, I understand the deep pride and emotional power of seeing the American flag waving outside your home. Installing that flag for Gigi and her family wasn’t just a task, it was a tribute to their sacrifice, a gesture of gratitude and a way to share a symbol of strength, unity and hope. It reminded me why we serve, and why we continue to stand together.”
To learn more about Comcast’s commitment to the military, visit: https://corporate.comcast.com/company/impact/military.