TWC Celebrates Veterans With Take a Vet to School Day

Leading up to Veterans Day, cities all over the country marked the week with celebrations honoring those who served in the armed forces. Time Warner Cable and its Veteran employee network, VetNet, commemorated the week by honoring its Veteran employees and Veterans in the community. 

Since 2007, Time Warner Cable has partnered with the History Channel to bring Take a Veteran to School Day to area schools. Take a Veteran to School Day is a national program developed by the History Channel to link Veterans with students nationwide. The program is designed to instill a level of knowledge and appreciation in students for the sacrifice Veterans have experienced during the time they served. Schools typically organize these programs on or around Veterans Day. From single class visits to all-school assemblies, these events provide a way for students to learn more about the history of Veterans Day and about the experiences of Veterans from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Time Warner Cable VetNet members from California, Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, New York, Ohio and Texas joined community Veterans in Take a Veteran to School Day and shared their military life experiences and how it impacted their civilian life in terms of their careers and personal lives.

Coronado Middle School in San Diego, CA hosted more than 50 military Veterans, including members of TWC’s VetNet, at the school to meet students and share their incredible stories. The morning began with the arrival of Veterans from every war beginning with World War II.  A continental breakfast was served to all attendees, followed by a special in-school news broadcast which aired before the Veterans broke up into pairs to visit and speak in various classrooms.

Following the classroom visits, a special tribute was arranged as students formed a line that led from the auditorium across the street to the football field. Students cheered and held signs thanking Veterans as they walked. ROTC students stood in formation and saluted the Veterans as they marched onto the field. Jim Shaw, Human Resources Director and VetNet chair said “It was a hugely enjoyable event and certainly one I’ll remember for a long time. The walk to the field was very touching and I undoubtedly felt appreciated.”

At Horizon Middle School in Colorado Springs, CO, TWC VetNet members provided camouflage wrist bands and Veteran buttons to students.  The VetNet members also participated in the Parade of Veterans for recognition during the school assembly. 

In Louisville, KY, Time Warner Cable Veterans went to Goldsmith Elementary School and were recognized at the school assembly.  After the assembly they stayed and took questions from students. Norman Orbersen, Technical Ops Manager, shares his experience at Goldsmith:

"I was a little unsure as to what the experience would be like. We were immediately greeted with open arms not only by the administration, but by the caring students. Goldsmith Elementary has some amazing and very intelligent students. We started our experience with our saying of our Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of our Nation Anthem. We were then surprised by five students that had won an essay contest about Veterans. To see the smile on the young children's faces when they were reading their essays brought tears to my eyes. Their essays were straight from the heart and you could see on their faces they appreciated everything we had sacrificed to make their life's better. We then went into classrooms for a more personal one on one session. This gave each student the opportunity to ask me whatever they would like. It was really interesting to hear some of the questions that they had asked. This was an experience that I not only truly enjoyed, but look forward to attending again. The smiles on their faces and the warmth from their hearts made my Veterans Day one of the best I have ever experienced."

VetNet members participated in two "Take a Vet to School" events in Prospect Harbor, ME and South Portland, ME during the week of Veterans Day.  “We are honored to be able to sponsor these events as both the Veterans and the students get a lot out of them.” said Michael Edgecomb, Government Relations Director and VetNet chair.

In Brooklyn, NY, Time Warner Cable employee, former Marine and site captain for VetNet, Ernest Guerra, spoke to a group of fourth through sixth graders at the PS 84, Jose De Diego in Williamsburg about his experience in the Marines. The children were very engaged, and asked a lot of questions. The students were excited when they realized Guerra worked on satellites, and could have spent more time asking questions if time permitted. The principal was very happy with the event, and asked if we could do this again next year.

VetNet members held an assembly at Gidney Avenue Magnet Tech School in Newburgh, NY with special speakers including Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and County Executive Steve Neuhaus. The first and fifth grade chorus sang patriotic songs and Veterans were invited to their classrooms to speak to the children about their experiences.​ VetNet chair Ana-Marguerite Torres said “The event was emotionally moving, and it was amazing to see how the school and elected officials came together to make such a beautiful event happen."

Time Warner Cable technicians celebrated Take a Veteran to School Day at Brookwood Elementary School in Hamilton, OH. Students from grades fourth through sixth were joined by Veterans from the Marine Corp, Army, and Navy for an hour of storytelling with answer and question time about the Veteran’s service. Time Warner Cable Veterans shared pictures, insignia, flags, and gear with the children that kept their attention and help them grasp the depth of the Veteran’s service. 

In Garland, TX, Government Relations along with VetNet members visited Club Hill Elementary School. VetNet members joined more than 50 other Veterans to provide meaningful lessons to more than 500 elementary age students.  "For the past eight years, we have been partnering with the History Channel to support this event," said Sylvia Minor, Executive Assistant, Government Relations who serves as Membership Chair with VetNet Texas. "The kids sing songs, put on plays and the students love it. They learn so much by talking directly with Veterans."

No matter how big or small, each of these events was a huge undertaking. Students are fortunate to have dedicated teachers and administration that go above and beyond to teach them why Veterans Day is celebrated. Take a Veteran to School Day gave students the opportunity to learn about our Veterans and why we honor them. This is a lesson they will not soon forget!

Click here to view the Take a Vet to School Public Service Annoucement.

CONTACT:
Pam Pantua
Community Investment Manager, TWC
Pam.Pantua@twcable.com
858-635-8235
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pampantua