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. Dennis Collopy is a Technical Operations Supervisor in Plymouth, MI, and has been with Comcast for 16 years. He is also a co-lead of the VetNet ERG for Comcast’s Heartland region. We sat down with Dennis to talk about his military service, his experience at Comcast and what being part of VetNet means to him.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your military background.
I served in the United States Marine Corps from 1997 to 2001, achieving the rank of Corporal. I was licensed to operate a variety of vehicles, including Humvees, 5-ton trucks, hydraulic semis, and tandem-towed trailers. During heat training in the Arizona desert, they nicknamed me the “Ice Man” because I delivered bags of ice daily to different platoons. I also completed cold-weather training in Norway, where I learned to attach snow chains to our tires and was required to jump into the snow in just my boxers each night to maintain hygiene.
One of my memorable assignments was a six-month Mediterranean Float, where I lived aboard a ship and visited places like Tunisia, Sicily, and Turkey. I also participated in hurricane relief in Guatemala, where we converted ocean salt water into drinking water and distributed it to local communities.
What does National Veterans and Military Families Month mean to you?
It’s an opportunity to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by veterans and their families, recognizing not only the service of those who have worn the uniform but also the support systems that stand behind them. In my role, it fuels my dedication to advocate for veterans, provide support, and engage in meaningful efforts within the community to show gratitude in ways that make a real difference.
Why did you join VetNet?
I was drawn to VetNet because of my strong commitment to supporting veterans and giving back to those who have served. Through my role, I’ve been able to volunteer and make a tangible impact on veterans and their families, from providing access to essential resources to organizing community projects like housing cleanups and meal packing.
As a veteran, what do you like about working at Comcast?
I really value Comcast’s commitment to supporting veterans and fostering an inclusive workplace. The company provides resources and opportunities that make veterans feel appreciated, from dedicated ERGs like VetNet to career development programs tailored to veteran needs.
What are some of your favorite activities or memorable events you’ve participated in with VetNet?
Some of my favorite activities with VetNet have been the events where we directly connect with and support veterans in the community. The Air Show was especially memorable – sharing the benefits of Xfinity Mobile with veterans and their families and seeing how engaged people were was fantastic. I also really enjoy volunteer projects, like veteran housing cleanups and meal packing for families in need, which bring us together as a team while making a positive impact.
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 US through digital equity programs, Project UP and more, including a Lift Zone at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries – Men’s Shelter, which offers aid to veterans.
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 thanks to all veterans and military families for their courage, sacrifice, and service.
