Gold-Level Talent from the Military Community Powered the Winter Olympics
Have you ever imagined having a backstage pass to the Olympics? For eleven military-connected community members, that dream became a reality through a collaboration between NBC Sports, Comcast, and the Hiring Our Heroes Virtual Events Team, which connected them with temporary roles supporting the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italy.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
When Comcast and NBC Sports sought to connect with veterans and military spouses about the opportunity to work behind the scenes producing and broadcasting the 2026 Winter Olympics, they partnered with the HOH Virtual Events Team. The partnership focused not only on outreach but also on highlighting how military-connected professionals bring mission-ready skills to complex environments. Members of the military community are known for their ability to perform under pressure, pivot quickly, and thrive in complex environments, making them well-suited for supporting a global broadcast watched by millions.
Working together, the teams organized a virtual information session to highlight the available roles, application process, and what it’s like to support a worldwide sporting event from behind the curtain.
“It’s pretty incredible what can happen when great partners move fast,” Alyssa Hjembo, director of Virtual Events and Engagement at HOH, said. “People from the military community were working behind the scenes helping produce and broadcast for viewers at home as part of a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. I definitely watched the Games with a little extra pride.”
Cool Contributions to an Olympic Moment
Navy veteran Anuar Pinto Velasco was one of the military-connected professionals who stepped into an Olympic role. Like many veterans, Anuar’s transition from military service to civilian life required adaptability and a willingness to explore new industries while finding where his skills, discipline, and drive could have the greatest impact.
“I’m always looking for opportunities that match the intensity and purpose I value—work that feels significant and pushes me to grow,” Anuar shared.
When he learned through the HOH network about the chance to join NBC Sports for the Winter Olympics, he saw it as a strategic entry point into the broadcast industry and an opportunity to contribute at a scale he hadn’t experienced before.
After attending the webinar and completing the hiring process, Anuar joined the production team in Milan as a runner, where he supported operations throughout the Games, including the Opening Ceremony.
“Two weeks of nonstop work culminated in a powerful Opening Ceremony,” he said. “Being part of that level of coordination and execution was both challenging and fulfilling. And seeing the behind-the-scenes efforts come together was deeply rewarding.”
For Anuar, the experience was also about planting seeds for the future. He is already looking ahead to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, hoping to build on the relationships and industry knowledge gained in Milan to take on an even greater role when the Olympics come to the U.S.
His drive for purpose, growth, and strategic opportunities opened the door to future prospects on the world’s largest stage. And his experience is a powerful reminder that when military-connected professionals are invited into new arenas, they bring the skill and dedication to make the most of every opportunity.
Lighting the Torch on New Opportunities
As the Games wrapped and the world celebrated the athletes on the podium, another success story unfolded behind the cameras. The collaboration between HOH, Comcast, and NBC Sports highlighted what’s possible when industry partners and military-connected talent come together with purpose. And for the veterans and military spouses who took part, like Anuar, it was more than a job. It was a chance to shine in a new setting, discover how military-honed skills can translate into extraordinary results, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime professional milestone that will endure long after the Olympic flame has dimmed.
