As Team USA prepares to compete on the world’s biggest stage during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Comcast NBCUniversal is raising the American flag in communities nationwide through a unique initiative known as Operation Old Glory. This initiative has now reached Beaverton, Oregon, where U.S. Paralympian Dennis Connors recently joined our Flag Ambassadors to replace the American flag at his local community center.
Dennis Connors is a para-cycling world champion, combat veteran, and traumatic brain injury and stroke survivor. He served nine years in the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying three times to Iraq and earning the Defense Meritorious Service Medal in 2010. For him, the American flag symbolizes resilience and perseverance, values that have been central to his journey from the battlefield to the Paralympic racecourse.
“Being injured in combat, I faced moments of doubt and despair. But it was the spirit of perseverance and camaraderie that I learned in the military that pushed me forward,” Connors said. “Every time I see the American flag, it’s a powerful reminder of what we have accomplished as a nation and of what we can overcome.”
“Operation Old Glory strikes a chord with me because it honors not just the flag but the people who have stood behind it,” Connors added.
Joining Connors were four members of Comcast’s Veterans Network (VetNet) employee resource group: Shaun Straus, Installation & Service Supervisor and U.S. Marine veteran; James Gibson, Installation & Service Supervisor; Skye Bennett, Business Technician; and Christopher Friz, External Affairs Manager and U.S. Army veteran.
“We’re proud to support heroes like Dennis Connors and to be part of a program that honors our nation’s flag,” Straus said. “Operation Old Glory allows us to give back to our community in a meaningful way, ensuring that our flag continues to fly proudly.”
Since launching Operation Old Glory in 2017, Comcast’s Flag Ambassadors have replaced thousands of worn or damaged American flags at homes and businesses in our service areas across the country, free of charge. With the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, they have redoubled their efforts, bringing this heartfelt program to more communities in Oregon and beyond.
At Comcast, we believe in connecting with the military community by creating an inclusive workplace for our military teammates and special experiences for military customers. We are proud to donate to military community-serving organizations, support veteran-owned small businesses, and prioritize military hiring. We also offer exclusive benefits for veterans, service members, and military families.
Visit military.comcast.com to learn more about Comcast’s military engagement efforts, and cheer on Dennis Connors and other Team USA athletes on NBC and Peacock as they compete in the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
