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Veterans Groups Receive Donation from Employees

Aug 31, 2017

National Grid employees raise money selling specially designed camouflage hardhats


BROOKLYN, N.Y. – For Gulf War Veteran S. Rambarran, the American Legion Multicultural Sd1 Dorie Miller USN Memorial Post 213 and Services for the Underserved (SUS) impacted his life, “My family is the American Legion and because they helped me in my time of need I want to help agencies like SUS to reach out to other Veterans," he said in a letter.

In support of the American Legion Multicultural Sd1 Dorie Miller USN Memorial Post 213 and SUS, National Grid’s Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) raised money through the sale of specially designed camouflage hardhats.  More than 570 hardhats were sold, coupled with a contribution from the company more than $12,800 was donated to the two organizations to support programs that help Brooklyn’s Veterans, especially those in need, and their families.

“On behalf of the American Legion Post 213 and SUS we are grateful for the support, said Dr. Charles Hall, Commander, American Legion Post 213.  “This donation will allow us to help more Veterans like Rambarran and their families by providing transportation for medical appointments, career development with computer literacy training and housing stability.”

American Legion is the largest Veteran advocacy organization in the world and Dorie Miller Memorial Post 213 has served Veterans and their families in Brooklyn for 17 years.  The Post is named after the famed Doris (Dorie) Miller, African-American World War II naval hero.  Services for the Underserved (SUS), offers housing, employment and treatment programs for Veterans facing challenges returning to civilian life.

VERG, formed in 2009, develops awareness programs, development opportunities, networking and community involvement opportunities on behalf of, and for the benefit of National Grid employees who are former and current military.  The group supports a number of Veteran-related programs to help recruit and retain Veterans as well assist with community events from parades to programs that benefit Veterans in need in the local community.

“As a Marine Veteran I understand the unique challenges when transitioning to civilian life and a career.  We’re honored to help put Veterans to work at National Grid, we currently employ more than 700 Veterans across our company with 125 right here in the New York Metro area and are committed to growing that number,” said Keith Rooney, Director, Community and Customer Management, National Grid.  “VERG helps ease that process and provides opportunities for our employees to show their gratitude for those who have served and are defending our country.”

“National Grid is committed to its employees and has a long record of giving back to the local community,” said Derrick Smith, Manager, Customer Meter Services, National Grid and retired Marine Veteran.  “I along with other Veterans and employees wear the camouflage hardhat with pride and we’re glad to support the campaign to help American Legion Post 213 and SUS keep making a difference for Brooklyn’s Veterans and families.”

The camouflage hardhat donation took place at Genesis II Veterans Residence in East New York, an affordable housing complex where 50 of the units are set aside for homeless disabled veterans.

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Downstate NY