On Thursday June 16th, 2022, Paramount Veterans Network participated in Paramount’s Global Virtual Community Day. This day is made possible through Paramount’s partnerships with more than 75 organizations which build recognition and equity for Paramount employees through volunteer opportunities. Employees have logged thousands of hours of service and this year’s goal is to continue making a difference in our local communities.
In its second year, Paramount VetNet’s Director of Programs and Operations, Betty Diaz, and Board Director of Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME), Karen Kraft, created a letter writing campaign to deployed Soldiers. This year’s Community Day provided Paramount employees an opportunity to write letters and hear from special guests from the units where the letters will be mailed to. Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin (Commander of 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry) and Major Andrew Prior, (Operations Officer) were in attendance. The session was moderated by Major Michael O’Hagan of the Air National Guard in New York City.
Paramount employees learned that the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry were deploying to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti in the Horn of Africa for a security mission. The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry, is famous as the "Fighting 69th" and distinguished itself during the Civil War, World War I, World War Il, and in Iraq in 2005. Lt. Col. Tabankin, Major Prior, and Major O’Hagan spoke about their gratitude and appreciation in receiving letters while on deployment.
“Deployments get challenging, especially being away from loved ones. Receiving uplifting words of encouragement brings joy and purpose during deployment. We are so proud to be able to assist in this endeavor,” said Ricky Enrique, Navy Veteran.