Veterans Day is a time for reflection, recognition, and appreciation of the sacrifices service members made for our country. At DCG, it’s a holiday extra close to our hearts.
Telling Veteran’s Stories
Founded by a veteran and home to many veteran colleagues, we understand the commitment of those who’ve served. With years of experience supporting clients dedicated to veterans and their families, we’re honored and grateful to be able to share veteran stories and inspire others.
DCG, in partnership with producer Michel Sauret, recently helped the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) document a video success story for its Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP).
Chuck Ondo, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Pennsylvania State Trooper, shared his story.
Capturing the Story on Film
Through the artistic use of varied camera angles and shot types, intentional focus techniques to create intimacy with the audience, and Chuck’s personal and powerful story, DCG and Sauret developed a visual narrative that follows Chuck’s transformative journey.
Veteran’s Success After a Second Chance
After battling years of alcohol addiction and hitting bottom, Chuck received care and completed an alcohol treatment program, which helped him start to turn his life around. Addiction left him with financial strains, but with the help of the Veterans Leadership Program in Pittsburgh, a recipient of a DOL VETS HVRP grant, Chuck was able to rebuild his life.
He was offered financial assistance, received help getting his barber’s license, and was given a new set of clippers, which he used to start his own barber shop business. Chuck’s is a story of hope and inspiration, recognizing that the help one person receives can create a community of change.
Following his struggles with incarceration, alcohol addiction, and depression to his transformation into a business owner and community leader dedicated to supporting fellow veterans, the Chuck’s story creates an impact and inspires hope for veterans facing similar situations.
HVRP is a federal, employment-focused competitive grant program designed to help homeless veterans and veterans facing homelessness and assist homeless veterans reintegrate into civilian life through meaningful careers. Employment alone cannot end veteran homelessness, and HVRP helps veterans overcome the complex problems that homeless veterans face.
Stories That Inspire Change
Here at DCG, we know communication has the power to change lives, and by helping our clients tell the stories of the veterans they serve, we can inspire change and make a lasting impact in the veteran community and beyond.
While we take extra time to appreciate our nation’s veterans on Veterans Day, DCG is honored to tell their stories and work with clients focused on helping veterans, service members, and their families every day.
Read more about the veteran-focused work we do at DCG.
DCG Elevates Story of Veteran’s Success, Inspiring Hope was originally published in DCG Life on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
