Community Impact, Military, Uncategorized

Honoring Veterans with Community Partners and Comcast RISE

May 11, 2023

May is a big deal in the Midwest. It’s the month of hope for many as spring makes its long awaited arrival. It’s also marked officially as Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.

To recognize these two important themes, Comcast Midwest Region stacked hands with ETS (Every Third Saturday), a non-profit organization that is committed to serving veterans in the Twin Cities who have struggled since leaving services, and their families, in areas such as employment, finances, relationships, health, and faith. The goal was to support veterans and the community they live in by providing FREE haircuts and beard trims. AG on the Cut, a Comcast RISE business was invited to serve alongside our Veterans Network ERG (Employee Resource Group). The lack of access to regular grooming can impact a veteran’s appearance, dignity and self-esteem, which also impacts their goal for full employment, independence, and reintegration into the community.

Hair and beard trims were scheduled in advance for 9am to 1pm. Walk-ins were accepted for veterans who were stopping by the ETS supply store.

Veteran and ETS employee receiving a haircut for his upcoming family event. (Drew Smith/AP Images for Comcast).

Veteran receiving a haircut — Good conversations and stories being told (Drew Smith/AP Images for Comcast).

Smiles all around after seeing their transformation (Drew Smith/AP Images for Comcast).

Refreshments were provided from Rick’s Coffee Bar which is a full-service neighborhood coffee shop that helps support the Veteran’s Training Center. Rick’s Coffee Bar is named to honor the memory of Rick Gustafson, a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force who served his country with everything he had and ultimately took his own life due to the emotional and mental wounds incurred in service. The loss of hope is something that can be experienced by both veterans and non-veterans alike, which is why ETS believes community is so important.

Veterans Network ERG (Employee Resource Group) prepared travel kits to help veterans maintain their new look.

Inches cut meant a lighter load (Drew Smith/AP Images for Comcast).

Military friendly resources and grooming travel kits were gifted (Drew Smith/AP Images for Comcast).

The appreciation was felt by many (Drew Smith/AP Images for Comcast).

“The smiles said it all. I could feel the joy radiating from each veteran as they looked in the mirror at the end of their haircut. That’s what it’s about.” – Eric. G, ETS Operations Manager and veteran

For those who are interested in volunteering or donating to ETS, click here