Health & Fitness
A Veteran's Day Thank You
As a United States Marine with almost 15 years of service, my personal road in service has taken me from South Carolina to Fairfax, Virginia – with stops along the way at Parris Island and exotic destinations including Djibouti, Africa, and Fallujah, Iraq. Yet, through all of my travels, and the travails of combat, I was blessed to have enjoyed the tremendous support of close family and friends.
It is this same type of support AT&T offers to veterans and makes me proud to be an AT&T employee.
Just six months ago, AT&T pledged to hire 5,000 veterans and family members during the next five years. I am one of those hires, and as we now celebrate Veteran’s Day, I was proud to hear AT&T announce an even greater commitment. Not content to rest on an initial pledge, the company doubled its commitment of 5,000 and will hire 10,000 veterans and family members into full-time career opportunities by 2018.
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The story amazes me: just six months into their five year pledge approximately 3,600 veterans were already at work. The easy option would have been to reach the 5,000 level quickly, declare victory and move on to a new initiative.
A workforce and corporate ethos that reflects our veterans’ work ethic, commitment and leadership capabilities is sought after by all companies, and AT&T demonstrates that through their hiring.
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Veterans are often grateful for acknowledgement of their service -- everything from a handshake in an airport to a pat on the back at a restaurant. But the best acknowledgement is one with lasting benefits for everyone: recognition of the talent, abilities and intangible leadership assets servicemembers possess, and a job offer that can, quite literally, change a person’s life forever.
Today’s servicemembers, and their families, sacrifice much for our great Nation, and I thank AT&T for its commitment to better the lives of America’s hard-working and dedicated veterans.
As we enter into a national time of Thanksgiving as well as celebrate Veteran’s Day, I encourage you to thank a veteran. For us, a small gesture of appreciation swells our hearts and makes even the most hardened warrior grin.
