In the midst of the COVID-19 surge in the United States, help has been needed across many fronts as the nation deals with an unprecedented pandemic.
This year’s NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola program is more than just a military appreciation platform – it’s a campaign that salutes all that have gone above and beyond to keep their fellow members of society safe and healthy.
This article is part of the Family Enterprise USA ongoing series showcasing how family businesses are helping their employees, supporting local communities, and giving back during the COVID 19 pandemic.
During a global pandemic that impacted almost every aspect of our daily lives, they have been there for us – doctors, nurses, EMTs, first responders, etc. Now, it’s our turn to be there for them, and to give recognition where it’s deserved the most.
In this edition of “NASCAR Salutes Refreshing Moments,” we’re highlighting and sharing several stories from a premier partner, Xfinity. Several Xfinity employees have reactivated their military service to help in any way possible.
Peter DePasquale works as an Advanced Services Technician, Florida Region for Xfinity. He joined the Army 17 years ago and worked as a heavy machine operator and conducted more than 200 combat missions. Today, he is helping set up COVID-19 testing centers with his Army National Guard unit in Florida.
DePasquale’s group helped oversee the setup of one of Florida’s first testing sites at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines — a site that can complete more than 800 tests per day. He was also part of the unit that helped set up a testing center in the parking lot of Hard Rock Stadium — the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
“I feel no matter what happens, my unit and I are a part of history,” DePasquale said. “Americans until the end of time will be reading about the COVID-19 virus outbreak and we were a part of the solution.”
Deeva Williams works as a Sales Representative, Washington Region for Xfinity. She joined the Army National Guard three years ago to create a better life for herself and her little brother. She has been mobilized for the first time in her military career and has been working at mobile food banks in the Tacoma, Washington area to distribute prepackaged meals to those in need. The Washington state area was one of the first hot spots in the United States from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It feels humbling and amazing to be able to see the smiles and the sign of relief on people’s faces when you take away some stress during a time like this,” Williams said.
Leriqua Jackson is a Retail Service Associate, Houston Region for Xfinity. She is currently active duty for the Army National Guard, where she helps faciliate the COVID-19 testing sites as well as food banks. She is part of the headquarters team, which makes sure that the soldiers and their families are taken care of serving as the link between the higher-ups and the troops on the ground.
“It feels amazing to know that I am the one who is called upon to serve our communities,” Jackson said. “I get to put on the super suit and literally dig my heels in to uplift the people of Texas. It’s an honor to serve.”
At the NASCAR Xfinity Series Cheddar’s 300 presented by Alsco at Bristol Motor Speedway on June 1, military members were honored on drivers’ cars. DePasquale’s name was on the windshield of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Justin Allgaier, Williams’ name was on the windshield of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driven by Riley Herbst and Jackson’s name was on the windshield of the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Michael Annett.
As a military-ready company, Comcast is committed to ensuring all military employees have the resources and support needed to answer this call to service including – paid leave, a HR concierge service and continued health welfare benefits, among other support tools. To learn more, visit military.comcast.com.
Xfinity customers that are currently serving in the military or veterans can also receive a $25 coupon for Xfinity On Demand or as a credit on their bill. For more information, visit military.xfinity.com
For the first time ever, NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola kicked off with the Big Machine Hand Sanitizer 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as the platform shifts to a mid-summer window due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola, which runs through July 31, will see the NASCAR industry honor the United States Armed Forces and frontline healthcare heroes as part of this year’s expanded program — an industry-wide opportunity to recognize and thank those who have gone above and beyond to keep society safe and healthy.
Read the full “Comcast employees reactivate their service to aid in COVID-19 response” article from nascar.com
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