This Flag Day, Comcast is proud to highlight Operation Old Glory, a nationwide flag replacement program started by the tech leader’s military veteran employees. Two dedicated Comcast Flag Ambassadors recently brought this initiative to life in Conroe — a Montgomery County community hit hard by severe weather. Take a look! 👇🏼
In the aftermath of a recent storm that swept through Conroe, many homes and businesses were left with tattered American flags. Comcast Field Operations Managers Richard Chance and Jeffrey David noticed the damaged flags during their service routes and felt compelled to take action.
“Seeing the flags in such a state after the storm was heartbreaking,” said Chance, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Co-Lead of Comcast’s Veterans Network (VetNet) employee resource group. “The American flag represents so much to our community and our country. We wanted to help—it felt like our mission.”
“Our goal was to bring a bit of hope and normalcy back to our neighbors,” added Jeffrey David, a U.S. Army veteran. “The flag stands for resilience, and helping our community in this way is something we are proud to do.”
After gathering new flags, Chance and David went door-to-door, offering to replace the damaged ones. Their efforts were met with overwhelming gratitude from Leonard Mitchan, a resident of Conroe for more than five decades.
“I was back in the hospital three months ago. I didn’t know it at the time. I had a mild stroke in my brain,” Mitchan said. “I kept telling my wife that we needed a new flag. We just can’t afford one right now. We got all these hospital bills.”
“We chose this place with Mr. Leonard because he’s been through some trials and some challenges. He just seemed genuinely joyful when we said we’ll come to you,” said Chance.
While admiring his new and larger flag, Mitchan said he was appreciative for the help, and without the Comcast’s Flag Ambassadors he was unsure if or when he would be able to get a new flag.
“I’m proud of every one of you for coming out today and putting this beautiful flag up for me. I appreciate it because I didn’t know when I’d be able to do it,” said Mitchan.
Since launching Operation Old Glory in 2017, Comcast’s Flag Ambassadors have replaced thousands of worn or damaged flags at homes and businesses in communities nationwide, free of charge.
All flags provided through this program are made in America and supplied by a veteran-owned business. The tech leader also ensures all Flag Ambassadors are trained on the customs and courtesies for properly handling the American flag, including the 13 Folds tradition.
“Richard Chance and Jeffrey David’s dedication to restoring American flags in Texas after the recent storms shows the true spirit of Operation Old Glory. Their efforts bring hope and unity to the community, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment to this program and the positive impact they are making,” said Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal.
Learn more about Comcast’s military engagement efforts at military.comcast.com.
