Vol. 17, No. 853, December 2015
Dick Wien, Editor / [email protected] / 212-975-5607
CBS SALUTES
OUR VETERANS -- 2015
SPECIAL EDITION
Eye on just some of the many CBS employees who are veterans.
LETTER FROM RICHARD M. JONES
CBS CORPORATION CHIEF VETERAN OFFICER
As a nation and as a company, we recently celebrated
Veterans Day. It was not only an opportunity to thank
our military veterans, but to reflect on what we as a CBS
Family continue to do to support them. I’m proud to
report that veterans currently employed at CBS continue
the great legacy of those who came before them and, in
ways big and small, help make ours the world-class company that it is today. But
equally important is the commitment I see of all CBS employees to support the
men and women who have served our country over the years.
Richard Jones
In my role as CBS’s Chief Veteran Officer, I am very grateful for the commitment that has been given to the CBS Veterans
Network, and I am extremely proud of the difference we are making as a company. We continue to answer the call that
President Lincoln made 150 years ago at his Second Inaugural Address: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and
for his widow, and his orphan.”
On behalf of the CBS Veterans Network, it gives me great pride to present our annual CBS VETERANS UPDATE Newsletter.
In the following pages, you will find showcased just a selection of all the tremendously impactful initiatives that we have
undertaken company-wide to make a difference in the lives of these brave men and women. At CBS every day is Veterans
Day, and we salute you!
For more information about how to answer this call, for a family member or a friend in need, please feel free to contact me via
the CBS Global e-mail system or phone x2978 NY
Richard M. Jones,
Executive Vice President / General Tax Counsel / Chief Veteran Officer
CBS Corporation
VOLUNTEERING AND OUTREACH
l On August 12, Michelle Martin, Vice President,
Human Resources Specialty Services, was part of “The
Flipping the Switch Orientation: Readiness Boot Camp
for College Bound Veterans,” a pioneering program at
John Jay College of Criminal Justice that guides veterans through their prospective academic journeys and
informs them on what to expect from and how to maximize their college experience. Martin participated in an
executive presence panel and served as a mentor
during the program’s lunch networking hour at their New
York College Prep program for female service members
and veterans. John Jay is ranked #3 as best for
CBS’s Michelle Martin (2nd from left) at the “The
Flipping the Switch Orientation: Readiness Boot Camp
for College Bound Veterans.”
(Continued on Page 3)
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PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICE FOR VETERANS
CBS VETERANS NETWORK
RINGS CLOSING BELL AT NYSE
A key part of the
CBS Legal
Department’s very
robust pro bono
legal practice is
the realization that
one of the largest
challenges facing
Joseph Richberg (l) and Anthony
Bongiorno
transitioning veterans is the access
to high quality and affordable legal services, Anthony
Bongiorno, Senior Vice President and Associate General
Counsel, Litigation and Joseph Richberg, Vice President
and Assistant General Counsel, Litigation, have worked
closely with the CBS Veterans Network to devise a strategy to provide pro bono legal services to veterans and their
families. Notes Richburg: “By leveraging our in house capabilities and that of the many firms we engage as outside
On Nov. 10, 2015, the CBS Veterans Network had
the honor of ringing the closing bell at the New York
Stock Exchange. Our veterans, CBS employees and
special guests were on the podium to ring the closing bell. Guests supporting various veteran initiatives at CBS watched from the floor. A very proud
moment for the CBS Veterans Network! To watch a
video, go to http://tinyurl.com/qg5rpd9
counsel, we can make sure to provide a nationwide legal
safety net.” In addition to the efforts of the CBS Legal
Department, the CBS Veterans Network has also helped
establish a Veteran Law Clinic at Syracuse University.
(VOLUNTEERING & OUTREACH, continued from Page 2)
veterans among universities and colleges in the
country according to Military Times, with the largest
enrollment in this category of all colleges on the East
Coast and a high percentage of women veterans.
l
University
Relations
Manager at CBS
Interactive David
Orozco spoke to
members of
Four Block,
which aids
returning postDavid Orozco
9/11 service
members in making successful career transitions. As a
member of the Air Force Reserve, David works closely
with the Veteran Group on the West Coast.
Joel Goldberg,
Senior Vice
President,
Operations,
spoke to the
CBS summer
2015 Veteran
interns about
the local television market.
Joel Goldberg
l
Joel Molinoff, CBS’s Chief
Information Security Officer. works
closely with the VetSuccess
program, managed by the SANS
Institute and American Corporate
Partners, a nonprofit that matches
Joel Molinoff
returning veterans with mentors.
He also is closely connected to
various Veteran community group and organizations in
New York City and Washington DC, and has been a
leading advocate within the company for mentoring and
hiring Veterans. One of CBS’s Summer Veteran Interns,
Myles Grantham, works in the department Molinoff
manages (see page 7) . For more information, please
see: http://tinyurl.com/pup8yq6
(Continued on Page 4)
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(VOLUNTEERING & OUTREACH, continued from Page 3)
The City University of New York Veterans
Academic Award Breakfast
l
A City University of New York Veterans
Academic Award breakfast was held on Nov. 5 at
Manhattan’s Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.
One hundred student veterans were honored for their
high academic achievements. Representing CBS (in
photo above): Josh Brackett, Vice President,
Strategy/Program Director, Veterans Initiatives (2nd
from right), Human Resources’ Michelle Martin (2nd
from left) and Jennifer Velenti-Smith, Manager of
Staffing (far left).
TWO VETS START CBS CAREER
Rich Jones, CBS’s Chief Veteran Officer (l) with veterans
Adam Weiss and Kenton Young, hired in 2015. CBS is
making an effort to increase the number of veterans we
hire, and thanks to Human Resources’ Justine Flax and
Joy Bertan, along with our entire talent acquisition team,
we are making a real difference in the lives of veterans.
We are excited to have them start careers at CBS.
The CBS Triathalon team.
CBS’s Josh Brackett meeting with the NYC Mayors
officials.
Brackett also met with the New York City Mayors
Office to discuss mental health in the VA system
(photo above).
l In September, a CBS team participated in the
Westchester Triathlon to support the CBS Veterans
Network and raise funds for the Wounded Warrior
Project. As a team more than $10,200 was raised for
the Project, bringing the two-year total more than
$18,800.
(Continued on Page 5)
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CBS TELEVISION STATIONS SUPPORT OUR VETERANS
l
New York’s “Tunnel To Towers” race
WCBS-
l
WCCO-TV
TV/WLNY-TV
Minneapolis/
New York were
St. Paul created
the proud media
“More Than Names,”
partners for the
a project centered
annual
around a “Thank
“Stephen Siller
You” flag in support
Tunnel To
of Minnesota troops
Towers
and veterans.
Run/Walk®”
WCCO viewers were encouraged to sign the flag digitally on
that took place
the station’s website. In total, the 120,288 names set a world
in September to
record for most signatures placed onto a flag. When complet-
honor 9/11
ed, the More Than Names flag measured 102’x76’ and
heroes, first
weighed 500 pounds. The WCCO staff unveiled the flag dur-
responders and
ing intermission at a Minnesota Wild game.
members of
the military
l
WTOG-TV Tampa/St. Petersburg served as media spon-
who sacrificed their quality of life in the line of duty. “Tunnel To
sor for the Embracing Florida’s Wounded Heroes
Towers NYC” retraces the final footsteps of Stephen Siller,
Foundation’s annual “Seats For Soldiers Nights” on Feb. 7
the FDNY firefighter who ran from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel
at the Tampa Lighting-LA Kings hockey game. During the
to the World Trade Center to rescue survivors of the Sept. 11
game 40 service families were honored and CW44, WTOG,
terrorist attack. Anchors Maurice DuBois, Kristine Johnson,
was recognized as media sponsor.
Mary Calvi and Chris Wragge joined the thousands of New
Yorkers who paid tribute to the brave men and women making
l
sacrifices for the country. CBS 2 aired the tribute in an hour-
to help raise $2 million for a “Volunteers of America Veteran
long special that also aired on CBS-owned stations in 10
Service Center” to help those who served with education,
additional markets. Both stations promoted the event through
employment and housing assistance, counseling and legal
PSAs, on-air mentions during live news broadcasts and
aid. KCNC ran PSAs to create awareness about the project
weather reports. CBSnewyork.com included a dedicated
and provide information so viewers could make a donation.
event page for Tunnel to Towers. ... WFOR-TV/WBFS-TV
The new building was dedicated on August 14.
KCNC-TV Denver partnered with Volunteers of America
Miami sponsored a Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers 5K Run &
Walk in Fort Lauderdale. As media sponsors, the station pro-
l
duced and aired public service announcements to promote
Education Foundation to support the Gary Sinise
participation in the 5K. Additionally, CBS4 reporter Michele
Foundation with a PSA this summer. The stations aired the
Gillen served as emcee of the event.
spots nearly 600 times. The Foundation supports programs
The CBS Television Stations partnered with the NAB
for veterans and first responders.
l
KCBS-TV/KCAL-TV Los Angeles sponsored on Nov. 13
The Disabled Veteran Business Alliance’s (DVBA) Salute to
And... KYW-TV/WPSG-TV Philadelphia’s 27th annual toy
Veteran’s Day breakfast honoring Ann-Margret as “Patriot of
collection campaign, “Joy of Sharing ToyFest,” is benefiting for
the Year.” This organization helps disabled vets pursue their
the first time local USO families in addition to supporting other
dream to start their own business and achieve other goals.
charities. ... KDKA-TV Pittsburgh sponsored the Warriors
Rock Concert in August, an event to benefit the Wounded
Warrior Project.
5
VOLUNTEERING & OUTREACH, continued from Page 4)
VETERANS BREAKFAST HELD AT
CBS HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK
Speaker Jake Wood
l On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the CBS Speakers Series
and the CBS Veterans Group hosted a talk by Jake
Wood, a former Marine sniper in Iraq and Afghanistan
who cofounded and is CEO of Team Rubicon, a disaster relief organization that unites military veterans
with first responders. Wood’s’ book, “TAKE COMMAND: Lessons in Leadership: How to Be a First
Responder in Business,” shows how to apply hardlearned lessons in leadership and teamwork from the
battlefield and disaster zone to an
individual’s professional life.
On Nov. 10, the CBS Veteran’s Network held a breakfast for
New York-area employees at Black Rock. Rich Jones,
Executive Vice President/General Tax Counsel/Chief Veteran
Officer, and Josh Brackett Vice President, Strategy
Program Director, Veterans Initiatives, welcomed the veterans, thanking them for their service to their country and CBS.
Everyone attending had a great time meeting their fellow vets
and telling stories of their time in the military.
SUPPORT FISHER HOUSE:
FLY A HERO
Fisher House Foundation
-- best known for its network of comfort homes
where military and veterans’
families can stay at no cost
while a loved one is receiving treatment -- has a great need
for frequent flyer miles for their “Hero Miles” program. The
initiative flies family members to and from medical centers,
and transports Veterans to approved recovery/healing
events.
CBS’s Yahayra Gonzalez and Georga Osborne
helping to sort and pack suits.
As part of CBS Giving Tuesday campaign CBS employees
have the opportunity to donate frequent flyer miles to Fisher
And.... Following up on the 2014 CBS “Suit Drive” to
give veterans returning home the attire they need to
enter the workforce, in 2015 the Company expanded
its effort to all New York City employees.
Approximately 200 suits were collected in the drive.
House. To see a list of airline partners, go to http://tinyurl.
com/p7ylrx8, click on the airline to donate miles. Each airline
has different minimum miles and different ways of facilitating
the transfer of miles. A typical flight is 12,000 to 25,000 miles,
so 500 or 1,000 miles really makes a difference.
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CBS VETERAN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
In 2015 the CBS Veteran Internship Program expanded to include positions in Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Washington DC and New York City. The program supports the career development of veterans
by offering hands-on experience, professional development and the opportunity to network with the best in
the media business. Below Evelyn Zhang, an intern at SHOWTIME, and Myles Grantham, an intern in
CBS’s Information Security Department, describe their experiences.
Evelyn Zhang: "Originally from Boston, MA, I graduated from West Point in 2009.
After graduation, I served five years in the U.S. Army as a technology officer. I
deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan for 12 months under Operation Enduring Freedom.
On my deployment, I was the logistics officer for my company of 140 information technology soldiers. I was in charge of managing the supply chain of all 120 pieces of
satellite and Humvee equipment that we had brought overseas, and later for monitoring
the equipment lifecycles and statuses of all of our equipment across the surrounding military bases. “
“As a leader, I personally saw how similar entertainment interests acted as a natural ice breaker amongst my soldiers with
varying socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, genders, and religions. After my Army contract ended last year, I decided to get serious about entertainment and enrolled in the NYU Stern School of Business to get my MBA in entertainment business. This past summer, I was fortunate enough to receive an internship within the CBS family. I was placed in the Business
Development Product Management department under Showtime Networks. In my summer internship at Showtime, I was able
to bring my technical experience from my days as an Army IT officer and my quant skills from my MBA to my day-to-day job.
The internship was an amazing experience that proves that CBS and SHOWTIME are great places for veterans to transition
into the civilian world because they offer a sense of community built around hard work and respect. And I can do without the 10- to 20 day training events in the woods with no shower. Thank you Showtime Networks and CBS for supporting your
veterans!”
Myles Grantham: “Originally from Mississippi, I made the conscious decision in 2003 to enlist in the
U.S. Army. I went through a selection process and became an Army Ranger. I then deployed to Iraq and
Afghanistan on multiple occasions, where I conducted missions in the global war on terror. After sustaining
injuries, I had to leave the military. Even though I had to leave the military, I still had the desire to challenge
myself both academically and professionally.”
“I have always had a passion for anything related to defense and security. This passion carried me to my
chosen profession within the military, an Army Ranger. After living an exciting lifestyle in the military, I needed something to fill
the void after I left. I needed to be challenged, so I applied to Columbia University, where I was accepted in 2014. While
attending Columbia, I had the opportunity to work as an intern in the information security department at CBS. The internship
allowed me to not only be part of a team, but it also made me feel as if I was actually engaged in something that mattered. I
learned skills that would not have been afforded to me if I had stayed in the military. This internship also helped me to
transition to the civilian sector, where I learned how to interact with people that were not from a military background.”
“My time with CBS has been an invaluable learning experience that I will definitely recommend to other transitioning veterans.
The people I worked under have been the most thoughtful and professional people I have ever come to be associated with.
I appreciate CBS for the internship and their veteran outreach.”
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EYE ON: CBS ECOMEDIA
RICH JONES KEYNOTES
NEW YORK CITY VETERAN’S RESOURCE EXPO
Richard M
Jones, CBS
Corporation
Chief Veteran
Officer, gave
the keynote
speech at the
The CBS EcoMedia Team
second
Annual NYC Veteran Resource Expo hosted by the
Veteran Success Resource Group (VSRG) on June 8,
CBS advertisers participating in CBS
2015 at the New York City College of Technology in
EcoMedia programs are supporting sig-
Brooklyn. The CBS Veterans Network was the lead spon-
nificant veterans and military projects in
sor of the event and is a founding partner of the VSRG
November and December. Thanks to
where Rich sits on their board. To hear Rich’s address, go
UnitedHealthcare funding, veterans will receive new
to https://youtu.be/v8Bet7WacJI. For more information, go
recreational programs and specialized exercise equipment
to http://veteransuccessgroup.org/
at the San Diego Park & Recreation Department’s Park
De La Cruz community center. Funding from IBEW Local
“It is our committment to make sure
that we do everything
we possibly can, using
all of our resources
particularly our great
reach to our nation
through our broadcast
voice, to make sure
the sacrifices of our
veterans are never
taken for granted or
ever forgotten.”
-- Rich Jones, CBS
Chief Veteran Officer
CBS Corporation was one of
103 provides new energy efficient appliances for more
the businesses that took part
than 50 veterans living in single residency units at the New
in the event, which was free to
England Center and Home for Veterans in Boston. And
veterans and their families
thanks to funding from Philadelphia Buick GMC Dealers,
and was designed as a major
Delaware Valley veterans will receive support services
push to help those in
through Volunteers of America’s "Home for the Brave"
uniform to get on their feet
project in Camden, NJ..
after serving our country. To
this end, the gathering gave
And...
attendees access to mentors
Through “Viewers to Volunteers,” CBS
for small businesses,
EcoMedia’s consumer-driven digital giving
education and benefits
platform, CBS advertisers have supported
counseling, and career development workshops.
850 veterans and their families, given 700
hours of additional support service to the
Now Hear This... CBS RADIO celebrated Veterans
community and brought 20 scholarships to military children
Day with a special acoustic concert at the Chicago theatre
and spouses through nonprofit Fisher House Foundation
on Wednesday, Nov. 11. “Stars and Strings” featured
(see Page 6). Additionally, CBS advertisers funded furni-
headline performances by Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan,
ture appliance and household needs for three cottages to
Hunter Hayes, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Kip Moore,
help homeless veterans transition to permanent housing,
Lee Brice, Little Big Town and The Band Perry. As a
and provided 640 hours of additional support services for
tribute to those who currently serve or have previously
veterans served by national nonprofit Volunteers of
served in our armed forces, a portion of the proceeds ben-
America.
efited Folds of Honor, which provides educational support
to spouses and children of America’s fallen and wounded
soldiers. To watch a WBBM-TV story on the concert go to
http://cbsloc.al/1N1aI1k
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CBS CARES FOR OUR VETERANS
No cause is more important to CBS Cares than support of
veterans, active military personnel and their families. For
Veterans' Day 2015 CBS Cares aired several PSAs, in addition
to the three below featuring Medal of Honor recipient Bud
Bucha, THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Steve Burton and
Justin Constantine, Lt. Col. USMC (Retired) on overcoming
adversity after a grevious wound to the head. CBS Cares aired
special PSAs for Memorial Day and supportied many veteran
causes, including the Wounded Warrior Project. Watch the Bud
Bucha Veterans Day PSA (top) at http://tinyurl.com/n57sot6.
Watch the Steve Burton Veterans Day PSA (bottom) at
http://tinyurl.com/q9drkus. Watch the Justin Constantine PSA at http://www.cbs.com/cbs_cares/topic_video/62/
.
CBS FILMS’ “MEET THE COOPERS”
FEATURES VETERAN ROLE
CBS Films’ recently released MEET THE
COOPERS features a young soldier about to
deploy to the Middle East. The CBS Films team,
led by Christine Batista and Gillian Fischer,
worked with the CBS Veteran Network to to
host special screenings for military members
and their families.
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“JUST A COMMON SOLDIER” -- A MEMORIAM
“Just A Common Soldier,” also known as “A Soldier Died Today,”
is one of the most popular poems on the Internet. Written and published in 1987 by Canadian veteran and columnist A. Lawrence
Vaincourt, it appears in numerous anthologies and on thousands
of websites. On July 4, 2008, it was carved into a marble
monument at West Point, New York. This year marks the poem’s
25th anniversary. Please enjoy this tribute to the soldiers, sailors,
Marines and airmen who have given so much for our country.
http://www.justacommonsoldier.com/
B
BBBB
Rich Worontsoff, who started working at CBS in 1983 is a United States Navy veteran who served
in the Vietnam War. He raises the American flag in front of CBS Corporate headquarters in New
York every weekday morning. Thank you, Rich!
UPDATE is published by CBS Communications Group.
Gil Schwartz, Senior Executive Vice President
Richard Wien, Editor, x5607 (NY)
10
Contributing Editors: Richard Jones, Josh Brackett,
Michelle Martin