Every year on Nov. 11, the nation comes together to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country. Duquesne Light is no exception. In celebration of Veterans Day, the Company participated in various events focused on recognizing the service of our veterans and active military members – including many DLC employees and their family members.
Annual Veterans Breakfast at Duquesne University
On Saturday, Nov. 10, more than 700 guests, including DLC employees who are veterans, gathered in the Union Ballroom at Duquesne University for the 20th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast.
Considered to be one of the largest Veterans Day breakfasts in Pennsylvania, the event brought together veterans of all military branches and service backgrounds – from those who served in World War II to those who have served during the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Guests in attendance enjoyed a meal together, honored those who have served and shared inspiring stories. They also listened to a keynote address from Dr. Todd DePastino, Founder and Executive Director of the Veterans Breakfast Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing veterans’ stories with the public.
Donation Drive Supports Deployed Troops
Throughout October, Duquesne Light’s Talent Acquisition department and S.E.R.V.I.C.E. (Search, Engage and Recruit Veterans Into Civilian Employment) Committee partnered with Operation Troop Appreciation to collect personal grooming and food items that would be donated to deployed U.S. military members.
Thanks to the generosity of our employees, hundreds of items were collected, including 117 boxes of granola bars, 149 personal hygiene amenities and nearly 300 lip balms, for example. Donations were then sent to Operation Troop Appreciation for distribution to the men and women serving overseas.
DLC Participates in Veteran-Focused Career Fairs
Duquesne Light’s commitment to veterans extends beyond Veterans Day. DLC is dedicated to continuously recruiting and recognizing the men and women who have served in our military, and proudly employs numerous veterans and active military members in positions throughout the Company.
Since the start of 2018, the Company has participated in five military-specific career fairs and numerous veteran-focused recognition and volunteer events, including the Goodwill Veteran Career Fair, the summer and fall Stand Down events and National Cemetery of Alleghenies Wreath Placement event, among others. DLC continues to be committed to reaching and engaging our veteran population.
Ongoing Commitment to Veterans
In 2015, DLC formed the employee veteran group, S.E.R.V.I.C.E., to expand its efforts to attract and retain veterans. Thanks to the work of the Committee and partnership with HR, Duquesne Light was named the 2017 Most Valuable Employer by RecruitMilitary for its recruiting, training and retention plans that best serve military service members and veterans.
DLC’s commitment to our veteran employees continues long after they are hired. The Company hosts an annual recognition luncheon for veteran employees, participates in various service projects and veteran-focused celebrations and has formed numerous partnerships to support and celebrate our veteran population.
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