From Service to Civilian: Why Military-Friendly Employers Matter
This Veterans and Military Family Month, Jermaine Kelly, Xfinity network maintenance technician, reflects on his journey from serving as a solider in the United States Army to building a career in the civilian workforce. His story underscores why military-friendly employers, like Comcast, matter. You can read his story via NJ.com or below:
In December 2000, I was just an 18-year-old kid from Bronx, New York, who wanted to experience more of the world, to stand on my own two feet and be like the soldiers I admired in movies.
That desire led me to spend 12 years serving in the United States Army and New Jersey Army National Guard. It was an experience I will never forget that shaped the person I am today.
After a deployment to Iraq in 2008, I started thinking about my post-military life and was worried that I would have trouble finding a good job. At that time, there were fewer resources available to support transitioning veterans than there are today, but I learned about Comcast through their partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative. I was able to finish my duty with the National Guard while becoming an Xfinity technician, making a full transition into civilian life in 2012.
Sixteen years later, I’m so thankful to Comcast for giving me a career. As a veteran, I’m thankful to work for a military-friendly employer – a company that sees the value in the traits that vets have instilled in us like being punctual, hardworking and quick-thinking. I’m thankful that Comcast offers resources for veterans and current military teammates and their families like Guard and Reserve leave, a military concierge to make things easier during deployments, as well as health and wellness benefits. Lastly, I’m thankful that Comcast supports Employee Resource Groups like the Veteran’s Network (VetNet), of which I am a proud member.
Through VetNet, I’ve found Operation Old Glory, a program where employees volunteer as flag ambassadors and replace torn and faded flags at homes and businesses in our communities free of charge – regardless of whether they are a Comcast customer or not. As a veteran, participating in Operation Old Glory has given me another chance to serve, and preserve people’s connections to the flag.
As I reflect on my transition and civilian career, I want to share my advice. To the soldiers and veterans looking to find their next chapter, tap into your resources, lean on your battle buddies and reach out to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Use the skills and discipline you learned during your time in service to your advantage in the job market. These skills are desirable and transferable.
For employers, supporting veterans isn’t just about hiring, it’s about understanding the unique strengths they bring to an organization and recognizing that their sacrifices translate into real-world skills, such as leadership, problem-solving and adaptability; all skills that drive operational success and enhance an organization’s culture.
As we head into the season of “thanks” and “giving” – starting with Veterans Day – let’s give thanks to those who serve and offer jobs to the hard-working veterans who are looking to find their next chapter, too.
Jermaine Kelly is a Xfinity Network Maintenance Technician from Somerset, NJ. CPL/E4