The call to serve in the armed forces is one that many have answered for years. Brave men and now women have fought valiantly both at home and abroad to give citizens the freedoms they are given daily.
Group shots as Mets-greats join paralympian Carlos Leon and others in giving thanks to service members in a special lunch and question and answer session held at Citi Field. Photo by: Stacy Podelski/1495 Sports
Citi and the New York Mets Alumni Association took time to say thank you to the veterans, military families and survivors by treating them to lunch and an open panel on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon at Citi Field.
“The Mets and Citi are both iconic Mets institutions and have a wonderful partnership. More importantly we have a shared philosophy in that we have a shared responsibility in helping out our veterans,” said Chris Perkins, who is the Global Head of Derivatives Clearing at Citibank and a veteran who once served in the U.S. Marines. “At the very senior levels we came together to put on this event to focus on our veterans.”
Perkins had this to say about the luncheon, “We at Citi are pleased to able to partner with the New York Mets and recognizing veterans, their service organizations and their families as well. We are so happy to be a part of this so that we can bring more visibility to the issues that affect veterans.”
Perkins told 1495 Sports of a great new initiative that all veterans should check out as the financial services institution aims to assist veterans in gaining not only meaningful employment, but a career.
“We recently released a site called Citi Salutes, which can be seen at http://www.citisalutes.com and this is a one stop shop for veterans, they can go there and look for career opportunities and by applying on that websites we will put them in touch with a special recruiter who is focused on the veterans and understands how to translate their skills to a successful career.”
The adjustment from having served to being a citizen is always a tough one for those in uniform, but now thanks to Citibank it is a bit easier as now thanks to Citi Salutes. Perkins gave a unique perspective to 1495 Sports having once made this adjustment himself.
“It is hard, but the wonderful thing is that there is a great network of veterans waiting to help out. I see myself as a veteran first; a key to a successful transition is working with other veterans who have been able to make that adjustment.”
Perkins along with Mets-greats Ed Charles, Bug Harrelson and Ed Kranepool all shared how at one point being able to serve others, weather it was in camouflage or in the Orange and Blue uniform.
Also on hand to share his inspirational story was Team Citi athlete Carlos Leon, who is a member of the U.S. Track and Field Paralympic team and a U.S. Marine Veteran.
Leon, who had a tragic accident after successfully serving the country, now serves as a success story for those overcoming adversity.
“I have decided to take that negative from my accident and make it the most positive thing that I can,” said Leon in an interview with 1495 Sports. “Overcoming the odds is a trait that we all have-we just might not know that we have it. I have decided to overcome the obstacles that have come my way and dominate it.”
Overall it was an amazing day for all involved, including the Mets Alumni who had a blast interacting with those that have served.
“It is a great day and I really enjoyed being able to socialize with everyone today,” said longtime Mets player Ed Kranepool. “These people have supported this country and have protected us and we have to give back to them. It is always a pleasure to come out here and I am glad to have been able to support this program.”
To see more from an amazing day at Citi Field fans are encouraged to check out the links below:
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