When I was young, I was the kid who loved to take apart my electronics and put them back together. I was always intrigued by technology. I put that interest to good use by serving in the United States Navy for six years aboard Alexander Hamilton SNBN 617 Submarine, retiring as a missile technician.
My older brother introduced me to the Navy in 1981 when I participated in a “Dependents Cruise,” which allowed me to spend a few days on the submarine with him. The experience piqued my interest– and because college was too expensive, I figured the service would be a good alternative to learn new skills while seeing the world.
Becoming a missile technician, I was able to learn and experience technology in a whole new way. But when I left the service, I had no idea what to do next. At the time, there were no resources from the military to assist me in finding my next chapter – thankfully, military resources have improved since. I took a few odd jobs until I found Comcast. I started as a technician where my military background and mechanical experiences gave me the confidence to jump into the world of cable. Those skills plus the structure and discipline that I learned in the military got me where I am today: Director of Network Maintenance for Comcast’s Freedom Region – overseeing the proactive care and repair of Comcast’s amazing network throughout Greater Philadelphia, New Jersey and northern Delaware.
I share all of this to encourage any veterans out there preparing for a transition into civilian life to be proud of their military career. What you did – no matter how big or small you think it was – was a really big deal. Don’t get discouraged by slow progress or hiring managers who don’t see your accomplishments for what they are. Keep applying because the right opportunity will come along.
Here at Comcast, we understand and value those experiences. Comcast has consistently been recognized as a leading military-friendly workplace, including with the highest honor bestowed by the Department of Defense, the Freedom Award.
It makes me proud to work for a military-friendly company; a company whose founder, Ralph Roberts, also served in the Navy. A company that not only supports its military employees with wellbeing programs and benefits but supports their spouses and families, as well as military-owned businesses and community organizations. One of my favorite resources is Comcast’s Veteran’s Network Employee Resource Group. It brings together vets and military supporters to truly be a resource for one another while also giving back to the community.
With November being National Veteran and Military Families Month, it seemed like a good time to reflect on my career journey and how lucky I feel to work for a company that supports a community that has sacrificed so much for our country. I hope that more business owners and hiring managers will join Comcast and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative to give those resumes with a military background a second look. You won’t regret it. Veterans have highly transferrable skills, and they are built to get the job done.
David Yednock, of West Chester, PA, is Director of Network Maintenance for Comcast’s Freedom Region, which services Greater Philadelphia, New Jersey and northern Delaware.
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