National Grid's Veteran Employee Resource Group (V.E.R.G.) raised close to $12,800 through the sale of more than 570 specially designed camouflage hardhats.
On Thursday, August 31, National Grid's Veteran Employee Resource Group (V.E.R.G.) presented Brooklyn veterans with a check for $12,800 raised through the sale of more than 570 specially designed camouflage hardhats. The funds will go toward assisting veterans with housing, career services and dealing with other societal and personal pressures.
The American Legion Post 213 and Services for the Under Served received the donation during an event at Genesis II Veterans Residence, located at 350 Snediker Avenue in East New York.
National Grid's V.E.R.G., which was founded in 2009 with just five people, in eight short years has grown to include over 150 employees.
V.E.R.G. and other veteran resource groups foster workforce and behavioral diversity, community awareness and networking opportunities for many veterans. Retired Sgt. Maj. Derrick Smith, manager of Customer Meter Services at National Grid and leader of National Grid's V.E.R.G., stated that he enjoys working with V.E.R.G. because he is able to give back to veterans and the programs that once served him.
Participants lead volunteer programs such as the Veteran-to-Veteran buddy system, Thank A Service Member, and they offer services in recruiting and sending care packages to soldiers, and the program annually participates in the Veteran's Day Parade and the Memorial Day Parade.
Retired Maj. Corp. Keith Rooney, director of Community and Customer Management at National Grid added that National Grid works with 700 combat veterans with 125 based in Brooklyn and Long Island.
According to Maj. Corp. Rooney, veterans have excellent attention to detail skills, a commitment to diversity and teamwork, and positive attitudes that are vital to not only the workforce but their community. Maj. Corp. Rooney's message to corporations: "Think about what a veteran brings to the table in your employment. They understand diversity, they know what it's like to work with people from all different cultures and backgrounds and get along with others. That's so important in any workforce."
The employees of National Grid wear the camouflaged hard hats in their daily work to hopefully spark their community's interest in the veterans who service their homes with National Grid.
As veterans struggle with homelessness, PTSD, and other societal and personal pressures, the support of their community is all the more vital and appreciated.
