A ‘Powerful’ Surprise Investment Will Help Bring Veterans Online

Members of the United States Armed Forces sacrifice so much for their country. They give up valuable time with loved ones to help safeguard our freedoms. They put their lives on the line in selfless service. When they return from duty, the adjustment to civilian life including getting up to speed with technology advancements, can take time. It isn’t always easy.

These days, Veterans need Internet access, along with the digital skills, to utilize much-deserved benefits, potential employment opportunities and necessary medical care.  According to research by the Army University Press, our heroes still face challenges and obstacles with connectivity. That’s precisely why Comcast is committed to supporting our military community by investing in organizations with a proven track record of success.

Carol Eggert, a retired brigadier general and Purple Heart recipient, now leads Comcast’s Military and Veteran Affairs. She recently joined KPRC’s Keith Garvin for a powerful conversation about her service, how it has informed her civilian career at Comcast and how partnerships have helped to support the military community.

Following the candid discussion with Garvin, Eggert joined Comcast Texas leaders to make a surprise announcement in downtown Houston. Eggert, alongside Comcast Houston Vice President of External Affairs Toni Beck, announced a $50,000 investment into Greater Houston non-profit organizations which support the military community.

The following 10 organizations received $5,000 each to support their ongoing efforts: Buffalo Soldiers Museum, Camp Hope, Camp Shield, Career Gear, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Easter Seals, Grace After Fire, Greater Houston Community Foundation, NextOp, and Precinct2gether. Take a look.

Comcast also announced plans to open two more WiFi-connected, laptop-equipped Lift Zones at Combined Arms and U.S. VETS. The new Lift Zones, which provide free, robust WiFi service powered by a Comcast Business solution, will enable thousands of veterans, family members and the local community to take full advantage of all that the internet has to offer. Comcast will also equip each new Lift Zone with 50 laptop computers. Once these two sites are installed later this year, there will be a total of 52 Comcast Lift Zones across the Greater Houston area.

“The Comcast Lift Zone at U.S. VETS is a game-changer, not only because of the free and fast WiFi but also because of the free laptops from Comcast our members can utilize to make their lives better,” U.S. VETS Operations Manager Delilah Oates said. “This is a truly holistic approach to shrink the digital divide for the military community, in addition to the other affordable internet programs Comcast offers.”