For more than 20 years, I’ve managed two careers - one with the U.S. Army Reserves as a Sergeant First Class (SFC), Unit 2/317th, 98 Division and the other with Comcast as a Tech Ops Manager, Installation and Service, for Comcast Cable.
Prior to joining the U.S. Army Reserves and Comcast, I served in the United States Army for four years after completing basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia. I started working at Comcast in 1993, after transitioning from an enlisted soldier in the United States Army to the U.S. Army Reserves.
My commitment to the U.S. Army Reserves began in 1989 and usually consisted of 18 days a year for weekend drills, and annual training to work as a Drill Sergeant, guiding both enlisted soldiers and officer candidates undergoing Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). But that changed after the events of September 11, 2001, when hundreds of thousands of Army Reserves and National Guard members were activated to full-time service (active duty) for the Army.
I was deployed to Fort Benning in 2002 to conduct basic training for the surge of new soldiers who enlisted in the Army after the 9/11 attacks. And in 2005, I was called to active duty again to train Iraqi soldiers as a part of a 10-person Military Transition Team in Baghdad and Mosul. During my 16 month deployment, I lived, ate, and fought alongside Iraqi service members while providing critical membership, guidance, and instruction – sometimes under fire – to the fledging Iraq Army.
In 2005, Seal (left) was called to active duty again to train Iraqi soldiers as a part of a 10-person Military Transition Team in Baghdad and Mosul.
Despite my extensive deployments, I was never questioned for the time spent away from the office due to my military obligations. My colleagues made me feel at home even though I was halfway around the world. They were very supportive and thoughtful, and kept in touch with me during my deployments. And, the ease of returning to Comcast, after being deployed for 16 months, was telling of Comcast’s support of their military employees.
Based upon my experience, it is no surprise that Comcast NBCUniversal earned the 2015 Military Friendly Employers designation and ranked among the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers list by GI Jobs magazine. The Top 100 Military Friendly Employers identifies companies who are committed to hiring former military personnel, and are supportive of Reserve/Guard members who are called to active duty.
I am grateful, honored, and proud to work for a company that is genuinely committed to its military workforce. Congratulations, Comcast, and thank you for your continued support.