Common Ground Initiative
Melanie Plenda
Am I a patriot? Yes, and you are too.

As football season rolls in, I’m reminded of how strongly people felt, on both sides, when some NFL players took a knee during the national anthem. I remember the feelings and opinions being so intense that it ruined friendships, dominated social media and gave the impression that these highly paid athletes, mostly Black men, were unpatriotic.

I have a different view of that.

Am I a patriot? Yes, and you are too.

veteran

Meet Cordan James Haveron

Meet Cordan James Haveron

Cordan James Haveron, of Manchester, is a proud Army veteran who served in Baghdad, Iraq from December 2009 through December 2010.

These days, the 33-year-old helps other veterans and the homeless in Manchester. He’s the owner of a moving company, Vetrun movers, LLP, that he operates with another veteran. He’s also the founder of The Comeback Kids, which helps transform lives through mentorship, awareness, and mental health.