National Veterans and Military Families Month in Illinois at Comcast 

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to recognize and thank those who served in the armed forces for their contributions to our country, as well as thank their families. At Comcast, we appreciate our dedicated veteran and military family employees, whose skills and experiences help our teams succeed every day.  

Since 2015, Comcast has hired more than 21,000 veterans, and Comcast NBCUniversal has been included on the annual “Best for Vets: Employers” list by Military Times for many years.  The company is proud to have more than 9,000 employees in our ERG Veterans Network, VetNet for short. Employee Resource Groups like VetNet are employee-led groups that bring colleagues together to host networking events, community service activities, and educational offerings across our footprint. 

This Veterans and Military Families Month, VetNet members share what this month means to them. Ed Beazley is a Comcast Manager of Security based in Chicago and co-leads the event committee for VetNet in Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region. Christopher Harris Jr. is a Manager of Installation & Service and co-leads of Chicago’s VetNet. Ed served in the military for many years and Christopher joined VetNet with a civilian background. 

Tell us a bit about yourself and your military background. 

Ed: The majority of my 14-year military career was spent in the IL Air National Guard in a combat communications squadron, and I finished as a Technical Sergeant (E-6). My career field, called Tech Control, was the main installer and troubleshooter of the communications circuits. For several years, I was active duty with the unit and went back to being a traditional guardsman to enter a career in law enforcement. I also served an enlistment with the Navy Reserve as an Intelligence Specialist First Class (E-6) with a unit that had a counter-terrorism/counter-intelligence mission. Towards the end of that enlistment, I returned to my old Air Guard unit.  

My father served in the Marines and I always admired him for the values instilled in him through his service. I also loved hearing the stories of him traveling the world as a young adult. Even when he wasn’t living in good conditions, he and his fellow Marines got through it together. 

What does National Veterans and Military Families Month mean to you? 

Ed: National Veterans and Military Families Month is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members and the families supporting them. The family has a tough job and it is often overlooked. We as a country owe so much to our military service members and their families for the sacrifices they have made to ensure our freedom, and anything we could do to support them and recognize them is great. 

Christopher: National Veterans and Military Families Month serves as an opportunity for civilians like me to honor and acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifice made by veterans and their family, both past and present. 

Why did you join VetNet? 

Ed: I love to learn about people and engage in volunteer service, so I belong to and try to remain active in the events of every ERG, but VetNet is special to me. Before joining Comcast, I provided guidance and volunteered through organizations that helped fellow veterans in obtaining benefits, finding services, and supporting them in any other way that I could. VetNet allows me to continue with that. As a co-lead of the events committee, I appreciate the camaraderie amongst the team. We work together to support meaningful events that help others and showcase Comcast’s support for the military community. I have been a part of a service dedicated profession for my entire adult life, and through VetNet I still feel connected and continue the mission of service. 

Christopher: During the 2020 pandemic, I was invited to a GCR VetNet meeting. I was initially hesitant, because I assumed that VetNet was only for veterans or veteran family members. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The group was extremely welcoming, assuring me that there was no pressure in joining, and emphasizing the mantra that our organization follows, that being, “You don’t have to be to belong.”  

As a veteran, what do you like about working at Comcast? 

Ed: Comcast-sponsored programs such as Operation Old Glory show that our company loves this country and its military by replacing any American flag that is tattered, free of charge for customers and non-customers. Comcast has hosted numerous events that show they value veteran employees and prioritize their professional development. I attended one event recently which focused on transferable skills in transitioning from the military to the private sector and tips to grow within the company as well as your career.   

What are some of your favorite activities or memorable events you’ve participated in with VetNet? 

Ed: Some of my favorite VetNet activities I participated in have been Operation Appreciation and Wreaths Across America. The first year I did Operation Appreciation, I wrote thank you notes after work to customers that identify as a veteran and had kept it a secret. It has now become a team tradition to meet as a group and complete the cards each November.  

In 2022, I was selected for the MilDev (Military Influencer & Leader Development Symposium), a three-day professional growth experience hosted by Comcast. I learned about it through my membership in VetNet, and it has been a great influence on my career at Comcast. 

Christopher: One of the most memorable events was our 2021 Call of Duty gaming tournament during PTSD Awareness Month. This was a memorable event, not for the gaming itself, but as a committee lead, it opened my eyes and mind to the endless possibilities of how we engage our member groups and audience.   

Another memorable event was Good Talx, a panel discussion patterned after the popular YouTube series Hot Ones. Like the YouTube series, Good Talx hosts a question/answer formatted discussion, with panelists including leaders and participants from around the company. We presented engaging questions, all while eating progressively spicier chicken wings. The audience left enriched with knowledge all while having some great laughs.  

How Comcast Honors Veterans and Military Families 

Comcast is proud to honor veterans and military families all year long. Learn about how a group of VetNet employees started “Operation Old Glory,” a national program to replace worn American flags, and how Comcast is dedicated to empowering military communities across the U.S. through digital equity programs, Lift Zones, Project UP, and more.  

Stories of Service  

This November, Comcast’s “Stories of Service” content destination on X1, Flex, and Stream features a variety of critically acclaimed films, series, and documentaries that depict the realities of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the sacrifices made by military families. Several influential leaders in the military community served as guest editors, and our military-connected employees also identified the movies and shows that best represent their experiences and connection to the military community. To get started, just say “Military Appreciation” into your X1 Voice Remote.  

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all veterans and military families for their courage, sacrifice, and service.