Integra Optics Employee an Honorary Guest Speaker at Veteran Art Show

LATHAM, N.Y. July 21^st, 2015 – Integra Optics’ Logistic Supervisor, and retired Marine Corps veteran, Albert Roman Jr. (a.k.a Vinny), was an honorary guest speaker at the Art Takes Courage ceremony last month hosted by Living Resources’ Veterans Services Project (VSP) in Albany, N.Y.

The ceremony kicked off this summer’s Art Takes Courage exhibition, which features the artwork of veterans served by Living Resources’ VSP and Soldier On. The VSP is an initiative developed by Living Resources that provides numerous support services to veterans including: rehabilitation, home health aides and companions, and employment services.

In his address to attendees, which included over 100 veterans, and politicians such as Senator George Amedore Jr., Assemblymembers John T. McDonald III and Angelo Santabarbara, and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Roman talked about his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as managing PTSD. He also emphasized the importance of organizations that provide veteran support services, like the VSP, and businesses that actively hire veterans, such as Integra Optics.

“Organizations that offer an opportunity for veterans to support each other are so important because veterans understand what other veterans are going through,” Roman says. “We can truly help each other through difficulties related to PTSD and other kinds of physical and emotional challenges that result from our experiences in the military. We are bound by our wounds, scars and experiences.”

Integra Optics, which is veteran owned, proudly supports hiring veterans as well as National Guard and Reserve members, and the company currently employees thirteen veterans. Integra Optics is also the Capital Region home for the Marine Corps’ Toys For Tots, and Roman coordinates the program at Integra Optics’ headquarters every holiday season.

The Art Takes Courage exhibit will be on display at Living Resources’ Miller Sanders Gallery through August 25^th.Above photo: Event emcee Amy Amoroso, Veterans Business Advisor of the Small Business Development Center at UAlbany, Michael Cognetti, Living Resources Brain Injury Program/Veterans Services Project Director, and guest speaker GySgt Albert Roman, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps (retired)

About Integra Optics

Integra Optics is the nation’s fastest-growing fiber optics solutions provider and the #2 fastest-growing company in New York State’s Capital Region, according to the 2014 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest Growing Companies. Integra Optics has earned national recognition for its industry standard optical transceivers that are compatible with virtually all network platforms. Its deep portfolio of high-performance optical equipment also includes passives, fiber jumpers, and testing equipment. Integra Optics was voted a 2015 Top Workplace in the Albany-based Times Union newspaper, and is also the home for Toys For Tots in the Capital Region. Check out their website at IntegraOptics.com.