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From YouTube: Veterans Advisory Commission 9-12-2018
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A
C
A
A
B
C
Everyone,
my
name,
is
Andre
McCoy
I
am
also
a
major
in
the
United
States
Army
Reserve.
Obviously,
I
was
away
for
a
while
I
was
on
active
duty
at
Fort
Hood
Texas,
in
addition
to
that
I'm,
currently
on
active
duty
on
a
temporary
assignment
for
the
reserves
closing
down
/
deactivating,
a
unit
which
is
unclassified
out
of
Staten
Island,
so
I'm
thankful
that
I
was
able
to
get
scheduled
off
today.
C
Did
we
mention
to
you
just
a
brief
thing
about
myself,
but
at
the
same
time
give
you
an
update,
and
then
you'll
hear
more
about
this
later
over
the
4th
of
July
weekend,
captain
Lewis
cavalier
a-and
he's
a
Navy
retired
he's
also
in
the
audience
from
thankful
that
he's
here
as
well
as
myself
visited
with
the
oldest
man
in
America.
Now
his
name
is
Richard
a
Overton
and
had
a
hundred
and
twelve
years
young
at
his
home
in
Austin
Texas.
C
The
unique
thing
about
Richard
Overton
is
that
he
is
also
the
oldest
American
veteran
served
in
World
War
to
South
Pacific
Theater.
As
the
u.s.
celebrated
his
birthday
of
240
years,
the
birthplace,
Philadelphia
commemorated
Richards
birthday
and
the
living
history
and
contributions
to
our
nation's
heritage,
Lewis
presented
presented
the
golden
challenge:
coin
from
the
Union
League's
American
Legion
Post
405-g,
a
our
post
number
one
G
ARS
Grand
Army,
the
Republican
I
presented
a
Liberty
Bell
from
the
Union
League's
Armed
Services
Council.
But,
more
importantly,
they
listen
to
this.
C
For
a
second,
the
Philadelphia
City
Council
and
the
Veterans
Commission
presented
him
with
a
proclamation.
That's
my
some
written
notes.
He
was
so
moved
and
and
thankful
for
that,
plus
a
cigar
and
some
whiskey.
He
said
he
wanted
to
be
buried
with
that
proclamation
from
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
He
was.
He
was
very
moved
by
that
I
then
later
found
out
that
he's
going
to
have
a
family
reunion,
the
Overton's
scheduled
for
2020-
hopefully
he'll
still
be
here.
C
So
it
was
very
interesting
that
the
birthplace
of
America,
also
the
birthplace
of
the
army,
was
able
to
recognize
Richard,
Overton
and
I
am
very
thankful
to
City
Council
end
to
the
city
to
recognize
this
gentleman.
He
does
have
require
care,
so
he
does
have
a
go
fund.
Me
page
Richard
Overton,
just
thought
I'd
note
that
thank
you
very
much
for
being
here
today.
D
Hey
Thank
You
Andre,
my
name
is
Carlo
Aragon
CEO
I'm,
the
director
of
the
veterans,
Advisory
Commission,
here
with
my
commissioner's
down
in
room
127
City
Hall
on
the
reserve
side,
I'm
a
reserve
company
commander
out
of
an
outfit.
That's
a
base
that
about
Toby
Hannah
Pennsylvania,
recently
deployed
with
them
came
back
home
and
took
command.
I
was
overseas
in
Iraq
and
I'm.
Here
as
a
director
George.
E
Good
afternoon
my
name
is
Joe
Melendez
I
am
a
Vietnam
veteran
army
I
serve
40
years
with
the
Federal
Hill
Police
Department
I
was
a
chief
since
my
retirement
I
have
dedicated
my
time
entirely
to
working
with
veterans
and
numerous
organizations,
whether
it
be
commit
the
Commission,
the
VFW,
the
DAV
or
the
American
Legion,
or
the
macro
sense
of
medical
center
or
the
sarracenia
clinic
or
whatever.
My
goal
is
to
help
as
many
veterans
as
I
can
and
I
hope.
You
join
me
in
that
effort.
Thank
you
very
much
and
thank
you
for
coming
and.
B
D
Thing:
hey
thanks
George,
so
just
a
quick
updates,
I
I
told
George
earlier
I
was
just
only
to
be
maybe
three
or
four
points
with
the
the
office
we're
trying
to
advance
the
office
and
in
doing
so
made
contact
with
the
mayor's
office
of
grants.
We're
having
a
future
meeting.
That's
gonna
happen
next
week
more
to
follow
with
that.
Once
we
get
that
underway,
it's
gonna
open
up
a
lot
of
different
things.
D
For
us,
we
could
do
things
like
apply
what
we
had
to
get
the
process
down
to
apply
and
administer
the
grants,
but
for
things
like
outreach,
different
events,
things
of
that
nature,
that's
my
intent.
The
intent
of
the
Commission
upcoming
events
that
we
have
lined
up
in
the
immediate
on
9:21,
in
partnership
with
Comcast
and
a
team
red
white
and
blue
team
RWB,
the
Old
Glory
relay
just
kicked
off
on
9/11
this
passed
just
yesterday.
D
What
that
is
is
a
from
Boston
all
the
way
to
San
Diego
the
flag
is
going
to
be
passing
through
24
states.
They
said
on
around
10,000
pairs
of
hands
as
the
the
last
estimates.
This
is
the
fifth
year
it's
happening
and
on
their
21st
is
that
when
it
touches
Philadelphia
on
the
22nd,
see
Luke
ever
Cavaliere
in
the
the
audience
he's
his
organization,
the
four
chaplains
is
going
to
have
a
memorial
event
at
the
Philly,
a
Navy
Yard
on
the
22nd
starting
at
11
a.m.
D
on
the
26th
at
2:30
p.m.
Washington's
crossing
National
Cemetery.
We
as
a
commission
are
transporting
13
integer
veterans,
there'll,
be
full
military
honors
motorcade
over
to
the
cemetery.
The
events
actually
kick
off
on
site
at
3:30
p.m.
if
you
can
be
there
on
the
30th
as
the
cutoff
and
not
to
take
too
much
away
from
mr.
Anthony
Murphy,
but
the
Philadelphia
Veterans
parade
for
anyone,
who's
registering
even
marching
in
the
parade
sponsoring
the
parade
or
as
a
VSO
for
the
events.
D
Afterwards,
the
cutoff
is
going
to
be
on
the
30th
that
is
online
and
more
to
follow
with
that
from
Anthony
on
the
16th
connected
again
with
Comcast
and
partnership
with
Toyota
US
Chamber
of
Commerce
and
a
few
other
organizations
hiring
our
heroes
is
kicking
off
an
event.
They're
gonna
have
a
free
resource,
fair,
sorry,
career,
fair
for
veterans
and
a
wanted
to
make
of
note
up
to
t
two
free
flyers
tickets
for
any
register
of
military
or
spouse.
So
just
keep
that
in
mind
register
early
now,
it's
gonna
be
a
free
event.
D
You
show
up
as
mean
hundreds
of
different
vendors,
looking
for
veteran,
specific
and
spouse
of
veterans
and
on
the
4th
is
going
to
be.
The
4th
of
November
is
the
Philadelphia
Veterans
parade
does
not
coincide
with
an
Eagles
game.
It's
a
bye
week
that
week
so
we're
expecting
Mac's
participation
from
all
Philadelphia
veterans
other
than
that.
That's
all
I
got
George.
Thank
you.
Thank.
B
You
Carla
to
the
speakers,
I
know
when
I
spoke
to
you
that
most
of
you
IAS
for
a
five
to
seven-minute
time
frame.
We
just
had
another
person
wanting
to
speak
so
and
we
have
seven
speakers
so
if
he
could
hold
it
closer
to
five
minutes,
we'll
be
able
to
get
that
eight
per
person
in
there.
Okay,
thank
you.
So
if
Lou
Cavallari
would
come
to
the
desk,
please
Lou
capillaries
at
captain,
the
United
States
are
a
United
States,
Navy
retired,
with
it
and
he's
with
the
chapel
for
chaplains.
B
G
F
F
The
Chapel
of
for
chaplains
is
in
the
Navy
Yard
in
Philadelphia,
we're
in
our
50th
year
of
servicing
veterans
since
1951,
actually
it's
longer
than
that
58th
year,
and
we
do
a
lot
of
work
with
veterans
and
Andre
already
alluded
to
one
where
I
was
with
him
when
we
were
in
Austin
Texas
of
all
places
to
deliver
the
certificate
to
the
oldest
veteran
in
the
United,
States,
Richard,
Overton
and
I,
and
and
to
deliver
the
certificate
from
the
city.
County
council.
Here
was
really
an
awesome
thing
and
he
really
felt
that
this
mr.
F
Overton
and
so
did
his
family,
and
we
welcome
opportunities
to
do
that.
If
you
know
the
chapel
afford
chapels
is
involved
in
four
things.
We
have
a
Legion
of
Honor
program
where
we
recognize
ordinary
people
who
do
extraordinary
things.
This
is
to
remember
these
selfless
service
of
the
four
chaplains
who
gave
up
their
life
jackets
on
a
sinking,
ship
and
I.
Think
everybody
knows
that
story.
F
We
also
have
a
scholarship
program,
and
everybody
here
should
hear
me
out
on
this,
because
it's
we
give
out
cash
prizes
to
students
from
the
fifth
grade
through
high
school,
and
anyone
is
eligible
for
that
in
that
age
group
and
the
deadline
for
that
is
December
1st,
so
kids
just
went
back
to
school,
they
should
gear
up
for
getting
an
essay
in
to
us
on
the
theme
of
selfless
service.
All
of
the
information
is
on
our
website.
F
We
also
have
a
chaplain
emergency
chaplains
Corps,
where
we
can
get
chaplains
practically
anywhere
in
the
country
to
minister
to
somebody
in
need,
in
addition
to
that,
we
trained
first
responder
chaplains
police
chaplains
fire
department,
whatever
we
trained
of
those
individuals
and
that
training
program
has
really
taken
off.
We
do
that
on
a
national
basis.
Now
and
finally,
we
have
our
outreach
to
veterans.
This
deals
with
veterans
who
are
in
need,
homelessness,
joblessness,
etc,
and
that
I
have
to
tell
you
has
been
our
biggest
and
probably
almost
challenging
concern
right.
F
F
Hopefully
the
chapel
will
be
ready,
we're
in
the
process
of
painting
the
chapel
right
now
officer
Kelly
has
been
a
help
there
and
the
theme
this
year.
We
have
several
Vietnam
vets
here
in
this
group.
This
is
the
60.
This
is
the
50th
anniversary
of
the
Tet
Offensive,
and
we
have
gone
to
shed
light
on
the
Tet
Offensive
and
how
important
that
was,
and
all
I
want
to
say
about
the
Tet
Offensive.
F
F
The
service
fall
is
followed
by
a
huge
picnic,
and
since
we
are
in
South
Philadelphia,
we
have
all
the
legendary
names
from
all
the
vendors
in
South
Philly
who
are
going
to
be
coming,
offering
you
the
best
in
cheese
they
express
holes
and
water
ice
and
it's
all
free.
Thank
you
for
this
opportunity.
The
chapel
for
chaplains
is
here
to
serve
veterans.
That
is
our
primary
focus
and
outlook
right
now,
and
if
anybody
here
in
this
room
and
on
the
panel
needs
any
assistance
in
that,
please
give
us
a
call.
Thank
you
very
much.
Thank.
C
F
We
are
located
in
the
Navy
Yard.
The
Navy
Yard
had
a
chapel
when
it
was
a
Navy
base.
That
chapel
is
now
the
chapel
of
four
chaplains
1201
Constitution
Avenue
right
behind
the
Marine
Barracks
Camp
misses
our
website
is
very
easy
for
chaplains
org,
that's
fo!
You,
our
chaplains
org
and
anybody
can
get
hold
of
me
at
the
phone
number
down.
There
is
2
1
5
2
1
8
1
9
4
3,
1943,
being
the
year
the
Dorchester
was
sunk
and
the
four
chaplains
went
down
my.
C
F
You
and
I
want
to
say
one
more
thing
since
you
reminded
me
of
that
Andre
this
Sunday,
the
Phillies,
are
having
a
baseball
game
against
the
Florida
Marlins
at
1:30.
They
are
honoring,
it
deal
WMI,
A's
and
during
the
course
of
that
event,
just
before
game
time,
they
are
calling
the
me
and
my
staff
out
onto
the
field
and
the
Phillies
foundation
is
giving
us
a
grant
and
we're
very
happy
about
that
and
they're
giving
us
a
grant.
They
told
me
we're
getting
this
grant
for
two
reasons.
F
A
B
B
H
H
We
also
host
a
veteran's
festival
now
last
year
the
theme
of
the
festival
was
veterans,
helping
veterans
this
year,
I
think
his
veterans
doing
the
best
for
veterans
not
just
helping
but
doing
the
best
so
had
the
festival
will
have
several
VSOs
there,
because
you
want
to
make
sure
that
we
get
information
to
families,
events
as
well
as
the
veterans
so
that
they
can
obtain
the
services
they
need.
I
personally,
don't
believe
we
should
have
a
homeless,
vet
and
I
believe
our
services
are
supposed
to
be
able
to
take
care
of
them.
H
We
wrote
a
check
and
that
check
now
should
be
redeemed.
So
we're
also
going
to
have
some
other
activities
there,
where
we
have.
They
have
dogs
for
vets
to
pet
to
address
some
of
the
trauma
that
they've
experienced
and
so
we're
gonna
have
that
as
a
positive
festival
as
well.
The
last
time
I
was
here
I
mentioned
activities
that
we
would
have
for
men
and
I
was
asked
by
a
member
of
your
Commission.
Will
there
be
anything
for
women?
So
please
David,
give
me
a
little
here.
H
We
have
confirmed
dry
cuts
for
veterans,
female
veterans
here
and
that's
confirmed
and
a
lady
who
was
confirmed.
Who
will
do
a
wellness,
she's
a
nutritionist,
then
we'll
talk
to
the
female
vets
about
nutrition.
Now
there
are
other
things
we're
working
on,
but
as
of
now
those
things,
those
two
opposite
things
are
in
place
this
year
we
have
a
challenge
and
then
I'm
gonna
reach
out
and
ask
you
to
help
me
with
the
challenge.
H
The
challenge
we
have
is
veterans,
organizations
and
vets
feel
that,
because
this
is
an
election
year,
that
it'll
be
more
politicians
veterans
doing
the
best
for
veterans
I'm,
going
to
ask
this
commission
to
reach
out
to
your
veterans
associations
into
our
veterans
community
and
say
to
them.
This
parade
is
about
us.
It's
about
us,
it's
not
about
who's
running
for
office,
it's
not
about
who
wants
to
be
elected.
It's
about
those
of
us
who
have
served
and
that
sacrifice
we
made
and
us
being
honored
every
year
we
should
be
on
it
now.
H
I
know
you
told
me
five
minutes.
I
did
hit
it
so,
if
I
run
over,
please
give
me
some
minutes,
because
I
think
it's
important,
that
the
veteran
organizations
recognize
that,
if
you
don't
show
up
then
you're
saying
to
the
politicians,
it's
your
parade
and
it's
not
and
I
need
to
stress
that
to
you
because
I
know
between
all
of
us,
we
can
do
that.
Outreach
to
that
organization
to
those
organizations
and
I'm
coming
I'm
gonna
stop
in
a
minute
and
I
see
my
friend
see
so.
H
The
the
the
theme
here
is
bring
more
people
so
also
working
with
Comcast
Comcast
is
sending
invites
to
area
high
schools,
not
necessarily
directly
in
Philadelphia
to
come
and
be
a
part
of
the
parade
so
that
they
would
not
only
bring
a
band
and
music.
They
were
bringing
parents
to
come
and
observe
I
actually
want
to
build
a
population
along
this
parade
route.
That's
second
to
none!
I
know
the
mummer's
is
gonna,
be
tough
to
beat.
We
got
a
few
years.
We
can
beat
the
mumbles.
We
probably
bring
people
like
like
that.
H
I
want
people
looking
forward
to
the
Philadelphia
Veterans
parade,
it's
about
veterans,
doing
the
best
for
veterans.
It's
about
Philadelphia,
but
it's
also
about
the
surrounding
area,
because
we're
not
turning
people
away
because
they're,
not
from
Philadelphia,
you
can
be
from
Jersey.
You
can
be
from
New
York.
Your
veterans
group
you're
supporting
a
veteran
veterans
agency
come
the
other.
Thoughts
is
from
the
VSO
side
and
from
the
festival
side
is
to
make
sure
that
families
of
veterans
learn
about
the
services
they
they
can
give
that
information
to
the
vets
that
we
don't
reach.
H
C
Just
like
to
emphasize
or
underscore
what
you've
said,
and
that
is
that
veterans
when
we
serve,
as
you
know,
it's
a
blank
check
that
could
equal
our
life.
That's
what
sacrifice
is,
and
we
do
that
for
other
veterans,
and
we
do
that
for
the
American
people
and
we
serve
the
Constitution
of
the
United
States
all
right.
So
we
are
not
a
bipartisan
group.
We
are
a
nonpartisan
group.
We
support
our
government
regardless
of
who's
in
office.
So
thank
you
for
reminding
us
and
this
parade
is
our
veterans
parade
from
the
birthplace
of
the
whole
country.
H
H
So
it's
a
bye
week,
so
they
won't
be
playing
and
we
won't
have
TV
there
but
I'm
sure
to
be
well
spent
festival,
because
we
do
plan
on
having
some
festivities
on
stage
and
recognizing
some
of
the
bands
that
come
through
and
also
a
ceremony
where
a
reef
will
be
donated
from
reefs
across
America
and
that
service
will
take
place
and
also
a
tree.
That's
going
to
be
planted
and
one
of
the
VSO
organizations
will
be
a
part
of
activities
that
take
place
on
the
festival
stage.
H
E
E
We
took
a
table
out
there
after
the
parade
and
after
we
march
in
the
parade,
we
went
a
man
the
table
and
we
were
able
to
recruit
22
possible
new
members
and
we
had
a
whole
lot
more
people
that
were
interested
show
interest,
but
they
live
other
parts
of
the
city
or
other
or
out
of
the
city
and
we're
gonna
help
them,
but
I
urge
anybody
here.
If
you
20,
recruit
members
for
your
organization,
that's
a
good
place
to
be.
Thank
you
for
everything
you
do.
We
appreciate
your
buddy
thank.
H
You,
sir
I
appreciate
you
and
reference
the
VFW's
too,
so
please
reach
out
to
the
VFW
and
make
sure
that
they
stopped
putting
their
applications
through
because
last
year
we
had,
we
had
active
military,
we
have
VFW's,
we
have
vietnam
veterans,
we
had
American
legions
and
all
things
considered
operate
so
the
activity
of
veterans
across
this
country
and
across
the
spectrum.
Because
the
VSOs
came
out,
we
had
the
the
replica
of
the
USS
New
Jersey,
the
first
ship
I
sailed
on.
H
So
it
was
really
something
to
see
and
it's
something
to
be
a
part
of,
and
I
only
get
to
see
the
parade
from
operational
standpoint.
But
we
go
back
to
the
website
and
look
at
the
Philadelphia
Veterans
parade
in
at
the
website
and
take
a
look
at
some
of
those
pictures.
It's
amazing
even
our
motorcycles,
with
Seamus
McCafferty,
all
dressed
in
red
white
and
blue
leading
those
veterans,
see
our
motorcycles,
our
veterans
and
this
year
the
veterans
will
not
be
a
commercial
for
the
parade.
H
A
H
I
Thank
you
very
much,
so
my
name
is
Sam
Walter
with
the
military,
Veteran
Affairs
team,
iconic,
smbus,
universal
and
at
first
I
want
to
start
by
saying
thank
you
to
the
Philadelphia
veterans,
Advisory
Commission,
to
all
of
its
members
and
Philadelphia
city
government
for
allowing
me
to
speak
and
represent
Comcast
NBC
Universal
here
today.
It
is
an
honor
to
be
here
and
I.
Thank
you.
So
I'm
gonna
talk
a
little
bit
about
what
our
mmv
a
military,
veteran
affairs
team
does.
I
Then
I
want
to
touch
a
little
bit
on
our
community
impact
with
our
Internet
Essentials
program,
so
Comcast,
NBC
Universal
has
a
military
and
veteran
affairs
team
of
full-time
employees
which
was
created
about
three
years
ago,
and
it's
led
by
senior
vice
president
of
military
and
veteran
affairs
and
army,
retired
Brigadier,
General
Carol
edgert,
and
were
based
right
here
at
the
Comcast
Center
in
Philadelphia.
Our
team
has
many
roles
we
work
across
the
entire
company
and
with
external
partners,
including
governments
and
private
and
nonprofit
organizations.
I
We
assist
with
hiring
onboarding
training
and
developing
military
talent.
We
have
a
close
relationship
with
our
talent
acquisition
folks
and
we
empower
them
to
understand
military
applicants
and
the
importance
of
military
hiring.
So,
for
example,
when
they
receive
a
resume
from
a
military
community
member-
and
they
don't
understand
what
does
it
mean
to
be
a
captain
in
the
army
versus
a
captain
and
Navy
we're
there
to
help
them
understand
that
and
empower
them
to
work
with
military
members.
I
We
assist
with
internal
recognition
of
the
military
community
so,
for
example,
on
our
internal
corporate
saluting
our
military
community
page,
we
recognize
the
service
of
our
employees
as
well
as
their
families
and
friends
and
supporters,
so
pictures
and
testimonies
about
what
they
did
in
military
service
that
they
wanted
that
they'd
like
to
share
with
our
organization.
We
helped
to
develop
our
military
community
employees.
We
developed
a
company
program
called
the
military
influence
earlier
development
conference.
I
This
brings
military
employees
from
around
the
company
together
to
hear,
from
top
company
leadership,
to
network,
to
develop
their
leadership
skills
and
a
knowledge
they
can
bring
back
to
their
local
company
locations
and
their
veterans.
Network
teams.
We
have
a
close
relationship
with
our
veterans
Network,
which
is
our
employee
resource
group.
We
abbreviated
as
vetnet,
and
we
assist
in
events
that
vetnet
participates
in
this
includes
funding,
including
the
annual
Dragon
Boat
Race
here
in
Philadelphia,
every
June
and
the
Philadelphia
veterans
parade,
of
course.
I
Here
every
November
we
help
in
the
development
and
implementation
of
military
offer
programs
for
customers.
We
help
to
recommend
military
customer
friendly
policies
and
programs,
for
example,
how
to
work
with
military
customers
that
are
deploying
and
want
to
manage
their
home
cable
telephone
internet
service.
We
help
build
an
external
communication
strategy
that
creates
Comcast,
NBC,
Universal
military
brand
recognition
and
our
team
members
are
thought
leaders
and
serve
on
panels
discussing
military
community
all
around
the
country.
I
As
far
as
corporate
recognition
we
help
with
most
notably,
we
played
a
role
in
Comcast
NBC
Universal's
receipt
of
the
ESG,
our
Freedom
Award
in
2017,
and
we're
also
very
grateful
to
the
philadelphia
city
council
for
their
resolution
earlier
this
year.
Recognizing
our
achievement
in
earning
that
award,
we
participate
in
extensive
philanthropic
partnerships
and
community
engagement,
including
serving
as
the
above-and-beyond
sponsor
of
the
Philadelphia
Veterans
parade.
Thank
you
to
Anthony
for
mentioning
that
we're
a
major
sponsor
the
army
10-miler
in
Washington
DC.
We
sponsor
the
psyche.
I
I
This
half-day
event
intends
to
highlight
Philadelphia's
military
community
and
its
value
to
the
region,
provide
best
practices
for
businesses
to
engage
the
military
community
and
move
from
military
friendly
to
military
ready
and
highlight
pathways
to
career
fields
through
Ed.
Innovative
training
programs
to
build
the
Greater
Philadelphia
workforce
on
registration
is
open
on
the
HOH
website
and
now
I
just
like
to
touch
briefly
on
our
Internet
Essentials
program
from
Comcast.
So
it's
the
nation's
largest
and
most
comprehensive
high-speed
Internet
adoption
program
for
low-income
households.
I
So
low-income
veterans
are
now
eligible
in
select
markets
for
the
Internet
Essentials
program,
so
help
them
get
connected
to
the
Internet
at
a
reduced
rate,
and
so
we've
increased
speeds.
Four
times
in
six
years,
we've
added
free,
in-home,
Wi-Fi
and
extended
access
to
Xfinity
Wi-Fi
hotspots,
and
we've
made
extensive
investment
in
Internet
Essentials
partnering
with
communities,
schools,
libraries,
school
districts
to
help
families
across
the
digital
divide,
and
specifically
the
highlight
this
this
year
is
the
expansion
to
our
low-income
veteran
populations.
I
So
this
year
we
reached
a
milestone
for
Internet
Essentials
since
its
launch,
we
have
connected
more
than
6
million
individuals
and
we
are
proud
to
expand
eligibility
for
low-income
veterans
to
Internet
Essentials
across
our
footprint.
This
is
the
second
largest
expansion
in
the
history
of
the
program,
with
1
million,
low-income
veterans
now
being
eligible
for
low-cost
high
speed,
internet
and
affordable
computer
and
free
digital
skills
training.
So
at
Comcast,
a
commitment
to
veterans
and
support
from
the
military
community
is
one
of
our
core
values.
I
So
through
our
Internet
Essentials
program,
we
have
come
to
learn
how
powerful
connection
can
be
for
families
in
need
and
we're
proud
to
expand
to
low-income
veterans
and
Department
of
Veterans
Affairs
estimates
that
fewer
than
70
percent
of
low-income
veterans
have
internet
access
and
about
60%
have
a
computer.
So
what
this
expansion
does
is
it
allows
those
who
have
served
our
country
to
connect
with
the
resources
they
need
to
manage
the
issues
they
may
face,
as
well
as
find
new
opportunities
that
can
change
their
lives.
I
As
far
as
our
military
resources
with
Comcast
NBC
Universal,
it's
on
the
website,
comcast
careers,
dot-com,
slash
military,
so
comment
or
just
google
comcast
military.
Also
take
a
look
at
our
senior
vice
president
of
military
veteran
affairs,
retired
Brigadier,
General,
Kara,
grits
she's
there
on
the
website
as
well,
so
and
then
for
Internet
Essentials.
B
J
You,
mr.
chairman,
commission
members
I
appreciate
the
opportunity
to
briefly
address
you
about
the
services
and
support
to
veterans
that
the
veterans
multi-service
Center,
provides.
First
I
have
two
team
members
here
with
me
today:
I'd
like
to
introduce
them
to
the
Commission,
our
direct,
our
executive,
deputy
executive
director
of
regional
services,
Charlie
forshay,
and
our
new
women's
Veterans
Center
program
coordinator,
Marie,
Dalarna,.
J
Okay,
since
1980
the
veterans,
multi-service
Center,
has
been
proud
to
serve
our
veteran
community.
Our
operations
span
Pennsylvania
Delaware
in
southern
New
Jersey,
where
we
offer
veterans
and
their
families
comprehensive
services
from
benefits
and
entitlement
analysis,
temporary
and
permanent
housing
to
job
training
and
employment
placement.
We
also
operate
a
thrift
store
in
Northeast
Philadelphia
and
hosts
a
women's
veteran
center
in
ode
city.
J
We
serve
veterans
in
29
counties
across
three
states
in
our
11
facilities,
where
we
serve
over
6,000
veterans
annually
and
we're
still
growing
in
providing
on
services.
For
example,
we
have
embarked
on
an
innovative
housing
development
project
with
orange
Brothers
and
mosaic
development
to
build
a
veteran's
preference
community
at
the
original
Edison
High
School,
which,
as
most
know,
has
been
commemorated
as
the
nation's
high
school
with
the
most
Cassidy's
during
the
Vietnam
War
sixty-four
lives.
In
total.
This
project
will
feature
66
veterans,
preference
units,
any
multitude
of
services
on-site,
but,
most
importantly,
it
will
honor.
J
Those
who
sacrifice
all
by
providing
veterans
in
need
a
place
to
call
home
if
you're
a
veteran
are
know
of
a
veteran
that
you
will
look
us
up
and
see
how
we
are
best
able
to
serve
you
we're
all
about
matching
a
need
with
a
resource
or
we
provide
that
internally
are
with
partnership
with
our
partners
at
matching
a
need
with
a
resource.
We
can
be
reached
at
two
one:
five,
nine,
two,
three,
two:
six:
zero
zero
and
our
website
is
Victor
Mike,
Center,
B,
M,
cen,
ter
dot
org.
Thank
you
very
much.
J
Question,
thank
you.
We,
we
are
about
matching
a
need
with
the
resource
and
meeting
a
veteran
at
their
point
of
need
and
and
again
whether
we
provide
that
resource
or
we
refer
out
to
our
partner
organizations,
we're
all
about
cooperation
and
collaboration
in
providing
and
again
matching
a
need
with
a
resource.
B
K
K
It's
alright
I,
come
here
really
representing
I'm
a
post,
9-11
Army
veteran
served
for
five
and
a
half
years
transition
off
of
active
service
to
move
back
to
Philly,
to
go
to
business,
school
and
I
I'm
here
to
represent
not
necessarily
my
company
but
the
other
60
3801
veterans
that
are
residents
of
Philadelphia.
According
to
national
average.
Approximately
a
third
would
have
have
been
affected
either
currently
or
at
some
point
in
their
life
with
a
behavioral
health
issue.
K
When
I
was
a
with
the
behavioral
health
issues
of
depression,
anxiety,
PTSD,
of
course,
I
was
served
as
a
platoon
leader
deployed
to
Iraq,
and
a
number
of
my
soldiers
could
have
benefited
from
therapy.
One
tragically
died
by
suicide.
Two
months
after
getting
coming
home,
you
know
that's
a
leadership.
Failure,
I
view
that,
on
my
part,
I
could
have
done
more
platoon
sergeant
who
did
the
more
as
an
army.
We
could
have
done
more.
Fortunately,
he
is
not
a
an
exception.
K
K
Obviously
being
this
is
a
veteran
Commission
come
here
with
the
veteran
lense
on
there's
good
news
to
this
story
and
that
there's
the
medical
community
has
started
to
prioritize
mental
health
in
the
same
capacity
as
we
would
think
of
physical
health
and
there's
a
number
of
different,
evidence-based
treatments
that
truly
work
that
are
effective
in
helping
you
cope
with
anxiety
or
depression
and
PTSD.
So
it's
not
a
life
sentence
when
you
struggle
with
one
of
these
mental
health
issues,
that's
great
news.
The
Philadelphia
VA
is
reading
the
front
in
a
lot
of
research.
K
If
you
look
at
the
numbers,
16
of
that
20
veterans
a
day
that
die
by
suicide,
never
actually
get
treatment
at
the
VA.
So
that
means
a
majority
of
the
veterans
that
are
struggling
with.
This
aren't
getting
the
treatment
that
they
need,
and
so
that's
the
challenge
is:
how
do
we
get
access
to
care
to
our
veterans
and
as
it
meant
that
now,
as
a
entrepreneur,
a
small
business
owner
were
based?
K
Neuro
flows
based
right
here
at
1635,
Market
Street
I
founded
the
company
when
I
was
up
isness
school
out
of
a
passion
and
a
personal
mission
to
help
address
this
issue.
We're
proud
to
be
based
in
Philadelphia
and
to
be
helping
address
this
problem-
and
you
know
I-
come
here
as
as
a
resource
to
the
Commission
to
the
City
Council
to
the
city
of
Philadelphia,
wanting
to
collaborate
with
you
with
other
industry
partners
with
researchers
in
the
area
to
to
help
address
this
as
veterans.
K
You
know,
we've
led
the
way
number
of
different
ways
for
this
country
in
uniform
and
I
think
that
it's
only
right
that
we
continue
to
lead
the
way
finding
solutions
for
mental
health,
both
for
our
brothers
and
sisters
that
are
veterans
but
for
the
general
population
as
well,
so
I've
I,
guess
to
ask
for
this
one
Carl.
Oh
thank
you
for
the
introduction
for
the
invite.
Today.
It's
really
an
honor
to
be
here
and
I.
There's
a
lot
of
good
things
that
Philadelphia
is
doing
for
veterans
I
mean
from
a
small
business
standpoint.
K
K
K
They
work
the
challenges
they
work
only
when
the
patient
is
engaged
with
that
process
and
is
compliant
with
those
exercises,
so
it
would
be
akin
to
if
you
were
seeing
a
physical
therapist
for
a
physical
injury
that
physical
therapist
would
ask
you
to
do
stretches
and
exercises
in
between
your
clinical
sessions.
If
you
don't
you're
not
going
to
get
better
as
effectively
the
same
principle
just
applied
to
mental
health,
and
so
we
are
a
digital
platform
to
increase
that
engagement,
increase
that
compliance
and
bring
behavioral
health
resources
to
those
patients.
K
So
a
big
statistic
is
sixty-seven
about
two
thirds
of
patients
that
are
diagnosed
with
a
mental
health
issue
will
never
actually
get
treatment
from
the
specialist.
The
highest
prescriber
of
antidepressants
are
primary
care
providers
by
a
long
shot.
So
the
question
is:
how
do
we
keep
them
involved,
engaged
in
their
mental
health
and
bring
these
resources
to
them
where
they're
getting
treatment
so.
K
So
it's
a
combination
so
there's
its
assessments,
tracking
and
tools
for
medical
professionals
to
assign
and
to
deliver
to
their
patients
in
a
remote
setting.
So
you
don't
have
to
go
in
the
to
actually
get
this
treatment.
We
reward
points
and
gamify
the
system
to
increase
the
engagement
right.
Can
this.
K
C
K
C
G
G
B
G
I
think
he
would
be
more
specifically
to
answer
me
more
local
activity.
I
did
prepare
a
written
statement
at
the
instructions
of
the
order.
Thank
you
so
much
because
I
think
I'm
gonna
flow
a
lot
more
cohesively.
For
this
moment,
I'm
representing
myself
as
the
n-double-a-cp
philadelphia
committee
chair
to
the
Philippine
veterans,
Advisory
Commission
good
afternoon
committee
chair
mr.
G
Oregon
silho,
members
of
City
Council
and
president
councilman
Clarke
in
all
veterans
of
any
war
who
have
fought
for
our
country
and
a
special
slow
salute
to
those
who
have
made
the
ultimate
sacrifice
in
dying
of
other
laws
or
or
other
laws
or
quality
of
life
in
service
to
our
country.
And
thank
you
all
for
your
service.
G
My
fellow
comrades
I
come
to
you
today
with
profound
memories
of
the
threat
our
country
has
faced
in
light
of
the
9-1-1
attacks
on
our
country
17
years
ago,
and
one
day
it
has
been
since
that
threat
became
personal,
that
we
as
defenders
of
peace
and
our
national
security
could
not
save
this
country.
What
is
now
a
part
of
our
nation's
history
that
we
will
never
forget?
These
were
American
citizens
who
lost
their
lives
in
our
country.
G
It
is
the
liberties
which
are
now
stand
before
you
to
defend
within
this
country
as
a
natural-born,
United,
States,
citizen
and
resident
of
the
4th
largest
city
in
the
country,
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
I
preface
my
statement
with
how
I
began
and
for
me,
and
for
most
military
enlistees
as
a
consequence
of
economics,
educational
aspirations
or
other
alternatives
to
independence,
the
sustainability
we
have
the
greatest
opportunity
and
serving
our
country.
Our
lives
are
changed
on
so
many
levels.
G
The
economic
opportunity
afforded
me
for
raising
a
single
parent
as
being
left
for
dead
by
an
abusive
husband
at
a
very
young
age.
The
military
option
allowed
me
to
pursue
my
law
degree
and
see
a
different
outcome
at
that
point.
In
my
life,
it
is
that
opportunity
that
are
now
am
able
to
achieve
several
degrees
and
to
support
my
son
in
his
effort
to
have
an
MBA
or
some
other
levels
of
success
in
his
life.
G
However,
it
is
a
transition
from
military
service
to
my
permanent
home
of
record
Philadelphia,
that
my
life
has
made
a
significant
turn.
I
suffered
sexual
assault
in
the
military
which
altered
my
path,
but
I
remain
diligent
and
moving
my
life
forward
in
a
positive
way.
The
challenges
that
I
have
faced
have
been
tremendous
in
seeking
health
care
and
quality
health
care
and
support
for
sale
at
sexual
assault.
G
The
National
lives
of
women
veterans
incorporated,
became
the
foundational
platform
and
blueprint
for
many
which
model
the
work
which
is
done
here
in
Philadelphia
and
across
this
country.
For
the
past
15
years
we
have
come
a
long
way
in
the
city
in
this
nation
and
across
the
globe
on
human
rights,
women,
rights
dollar
against
women's
sexual
assault.
Such
harassment
as
injustice
is
where
women
have
been
the
victim.
We
are
in
a
different
place
today.
G
I
would
especially
like
to
thank
to
the
facility
council,
president
Clark
for
being
the
impetus
for
this
body
to
function
and
I'm.
Speaking
about
this,
commission
I
have
participated
in
every
platform
since
my
trans,
this
transition
in
1992,
and
it's
under
this
leadership
that
these
halls
have
been
open
to
every
veteran
for
services
in
room
127,
and
we
hold
him
that
thinks
why?
Because
there
is
a
need
for
every
functioning
body
of
government
to
have
a
veteran
specific
agenda
but
legislating
quality
of
life
policy.
G
It
is
vitally
important
for
the
rules
and
laws
which
govern
veterans
in
our
military
community
to
be
transparent
and
have
they
qualified
in
which
is
knowledgeable
over
the
ever-changing
legislation
and
policy
agendas
that
dictate
what
our
quality
of
life
should
be,
and
an
openness
without
bias
to
hear
from
the
veterans
there
need
specific
needs
for
support,
despite
their
ethnicity,
their
race,
nationality
or
spiritual
beliefs.
This
is
where
we
are
on
the
issues.
These
various
distinctions
are
in
the
way
of
progress.
A
veteran
is
a
veteran,
and
we
leave
no
veteran
behind.
G
It
is
imperative
that
we
set
a
standard
that
is
respectful
of
each
other
as
comrades
in
arms
and
fellow
soldiers,
corpsman
Airmen
and
Guardsmen,
who
have
fought
together
trained
together
learning
the
complex
processes
of
defending
our
country,
foreign
an
abroad
that
was
our
oath
I,
would
challenge
the
leadership
and
decision
makers
of
this
body
to
take
seriously
the
issues
that
we
face
as
veterans
and
as
a
nation.
We
are
not
political
footballs,
as
veterans
to
be
kicked
around
and
mistreated
because
of
our
political
affiliation.
G
For
this
reason
today,
we
are
in
a
quagmire
of
chaos
and
confusion
as
comedians
the
need
for
a
strong
legislative
arm
in
a
grassroots
effort
to
address
the
many
needs
of
veterans,
of
paramount
for
saving
lives
and
supporting
a
quality
of
life.
We
have
advocated
as
veterans
for
the
most
important
issues
facing
our
lives
today,
but
they
fall
on
deaf
ears.
G
The
continuous
fight
for
equality
and
quality
of
care
is
compromised
by
non
veterans
and
untrained
professionals
and
the
competitive
competitive
contractor
in
Garet
environment
which
attract
everybody
and
anybody,
but
they
who
have
good
intentions
are
missing
many
qualities
for
ensuring
their
ability
to
provide
a
quality
service.
Many
do
not
recognize
what
the
needs
are
and
what
they
do
recognize
the
needs
they
fail
to
explore
and
include
those
who
are
more
trained
and
qualified
to
do
so.
There
needs
to
be
some
order.
G
My
recommendation
for
the
most
priority
issues
towards
some
older
some
order
and
transparent
process
is
to
trust
the
process
that
we're
in
and
I.
Thank
you
all
for
the
effort
that
you
placing
in
this
body,
Corrigan
sello
working
with
this
council
I,
believe
that
we
have
the
opportunity
to
move
past
in
historical
challenges
in
a
more
innovative
and
effective
leadership,
guided
by
a
parallel
advocacy
and
legislative
agenda
that
is,
of
inclusion
and
unbiased
rules
must
be
set.
What
are
these
rules?
G
There
must
be
policy
and
procedures
within
the
Philadelphia
Home
Rule
Charter,
which
recognizes
existing
policy
at
the
state
level
and
at
the
national
level,
and
on
every
issue
relating
to
veterans.
We
must
cease
from
the
open
path
by
non-residents
of
Philadelphia,
who
assumes
some
Authority
and
right
to
decision-making,
which
do
not
impact
the
veterans
of
this
city.
My
testimonies
of
the
past
year
had
meant
to
raise
the
awareness
of
Pennsylvania
Senate
bill
255,
where
Philadelphia
County
was
omitted
from
the
governor's
report
on
Pennsylvania
Veterans.
G
The
omission
compares
to
the
Voting
Rights
Act,
which
takes
away
the
Civil
Rights
and
the
liberties
from
a
population
for
people
of
color.
First,
like
we
experienced
in
today
across
this
country,
we
shall
not
be
moved
as
veterans
as
philadelphians
and
at
the
community
of
african-americans
who
also
veterans
resided
in
the
city
of
Philadelphia.
This
demographic
will
be
included
in
every
consideration
for
assessing
funding
for
their
nonprofits
for
equal
access
to
health
care
and
a
process
for
grievance
and
advocacy
being
represented
within
the
chairmanship
of
my
role
as
n-double-a-cp
pillar.
G
At
the
committee
chair,
we
are
honored
to
present
the
issues
that
are
inclusive
and
apply
to
all
veterans
veterans
have
no
color.
We
are
all
in
this
together
for
saving
those
who
cannot
save
themselves.
We
must
stand
against
important
abductors
affairs
and
other
lobbyists
and
secrets
of
veterans
funding
for
money
which
renders
our
community
no
benefit.
We
must
seek
for
fair
distribution
in
the
funding
packages
presently
being
appropriated,
326
million
dollars.
G
We
must
seek
a
transparent
processes,
the
accessing
funding,
where
the
Philadelphia
multi
service
and
Education
Center
has
dominated
over
30
million
dollars
post
stimulus
where
they
have
surreptitiously
received
grants
mandated
for
a
collaborative
inclusion
process
to
serving
veterans.
I
have
work
with
the
Pennsylvania
Senate
Veterans
Committee,
under
the
leadership
of
Senator
Lisa
Baker,
all
the
misappropriation
and
diversion
of
veteran
funding
dollars,
managed
by
a
few
of
no
authority,
transparency
or
accountability
throughout
the
state
of
Pennsylvania.
G
The
aggressive
Authority
assumed
by
a
few
have
blood
on
their
hands
for
how
they
have
denied
access
to
funding
which
were
brought
in
the
platform
of
support
in
presence
until
the
deputy
county.
We
must
do
better.
We
must
not
allow
anyone
to
dictate
policy
who
help
evil
intentions,
gain
influence
and
power
and
to
execute
players
of
hurtin
harm
to
those
who
speak
out
against
the
challenges
they
are
experiencing,
everyone
cut
every
time,
I
come
to
this
body.
It
cost
me
something
my
electric
was
shut
up
the
day
after
test
about
last
time.
G
I
spoke
on
these
issues.
The
serious
incidences
that
I
attributed
someone
tried
to
send
me
a
message,
but
I
am
here
to
stand
on
the
issues
relating
to
veterans
I
began
25
years
ago
in
this
city,
I
am
a
warrior
for
those
who
deserve
to
help
help
and
support,
and
they
must
not
be
denied.
I
have
received
death
threats
and
other
acts
of
intimidation
and
retaliation.
After
speaking
before
this
body,
having
been
denied
every
benefit,
I
am
entitled
contractually
to
my
veteran
status.
G
I
have
been
denied
opportunity
to
succeed
on
every
level
or
endeavor
that
I
seek
for
economic
empowerment
veterans,
who
are
the
sole
supporters
and
have
the
opportunity
to
support
their
families
and
create
wealth
for
their
generation
of
promise.
I
have
been
denied
for
three
generations:
three
generations
having
to
address
the
same
body
who
refuse
to
respect
me
of
the
support
that
I
do
now.
G
25
years
later,
I
have
been
denied
my
rights
and
my
privilege
to
own
a
home
using
my
GI
Bill
use
my
educational
benefits
under
the
chapter
30
program
and
at
present
voc
rehab
to
honor
my
educational
pursuits
and
more
important
to
support
my
aging
mother.
Who
too,
was
harassed
as
a
consequence
of
me
speaking
out
in
the
work
that
I'm
doing
and
my
determination
to
execute
and
exercising
my
freedom
of
speech?
G
I
will
not
be
removed
or
timid,
aided
as
a
citizen
of
this
country,
I'm
a
veteran
among
under
22
million
veterans
in
this
country
and
a
disabled
veteran
with
protections
under
disabled
Americans,
with
Disabilities
Act
and
as
a
veteran
under
Title
38
will
suspect
for
specific
rights
and
benefits
legislated
by
law
under
Congress
and
other
legislative
bodies.
I
am
not
at
war
with
America,
my
comrades,
our
other
entity
for
any
reason,
I
stand
for
justice,
Human,
Rights,
equal
rights
and
quality
of
life
under
the
Constitution,
which
grants
me
life,
liberty
and
the
pursuit
of
happiness.
G
I
participate
in
the
United
States
global
women
peacekeeping
mission
in
support
of
United
States
United
Nations
resolution.
Three
two
three:
five,
which
supports
the
empowerment
of
women
and
in
the
Human
Rights
the
protection
against
the
abuse
of
women
and
of
experience
across
this
globe
in
Uganda
and
Ghana
Sierra
Leone,
where
women
are
mutilated
and
abused
and
I'm
not
giving
the
same
freedoms
as
we
are
in
America
that
we
are
able
to
speak
out
in
some
cases
murdered.
We
are
not
barbarians.
G
Neither
are
we
uncivilized
for
not
having
empathy
and
compassion
for
other
human
beings.
Our
humanity
should
speak
louder,
then
our
personal
emotions,
biases
and
lack
of
diversity.
We
are
global
in
this
effort
for
equality.
I
conclude
that
this
body
should
reflect
the
city
of
brotherly
love,
a
sisterly
affection.
We
are
better
than
what
we
have
portrayed
in
the
treatment
towards
me
personally
and
the
Philadelphia
veterans
of
color.
G
G
Yes,
you
are
working
hard
and
I
do
believe
that
you
putting
your
best
effort,
but
each
time
that
I'm
come
I
come
down
here
and
my
name
is
left
off
the
list.
I'm
here
I've
been
coming
here
for
25
years,
I've
not
heard
one
official
response
on
my
intelligent
articulation
to
this
body.
We
are
better
than
others
veterans.
Everything
we've
ever
done
was
to
regulations.
We
have
to
do
better
and
I
hope.
You
heard
me
this
time
and
I.
Thank
you
for
listening.
B
C
Chairman,
yes,
mr.
chairman
I,
just
like
to
see
I
noticed
that
there's
some
other
folks
in
the
room.
If
we
could
just
recognize
them
just
all
right,
we
got
Larry
here
and
mr.
Eastman,
it's
gonna,
see
you
Larry
Larry,
would
which?
What
group
are
you
with
today,
because
you're
with
so
many
veterans
groups,
I,
think
I
saw
your
picture
on
a
national
website
and
it's
a
Larry
Holmes
from
Philadelphia,
so
yeah
and
then
mr.
Eastman,
you
you're
retired,
but
but
I
know
you
work
a
lot
with
a
lot
of
veterans.