Operation Homelink Provides Free Computers

November 24, 2005

By John Buhl

One hundred free, refurbished computers were provided to military personnel stationed at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Miss., as part of an ongoing program to help military families continue correspondence with servicemembers deployed overseas.

The giveaway was also part of the nationwide response to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina. All of the computers, at a total value of $30,000, were donated by information technology firm Northrop Grumman.

“This is a great way to help military families, as well as hurricane victims,” said Dan Shannon, founder of Operation Homelink.

Cmdr. Rodney Duggins, a supply officer at the base, said, “This is an outstanding opportunity for our troops who suffered loss.”

Deployed troops typically have e-mail access at their military outpost or aboard their ships, but lower-income families do not always have access to computer technology.

Storekeeper 1st Class Frisly Garcia of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment said, “For the kids at home, it’s the best thing we’ve ever had. We can use it for our daughter to do homework, too.”

Computers were distributed to each command on the base, with the numbers depending on the size of the command. A list of eligible personnel was compiled, and those eligible simply had to complete a form to receive their computers.

Operation Homelink has provided more than 1,100 families with computers that allow them to contact the troops overseas. Spouses and parents of military members in the junior-level pay grades, between E1 and E5, are eligible under the program.

The program was founded three years ago and is based out of Chicago. Its corporate partners and donators include Northrop Grumman, Microsoft, Dell and U.S. Robotics.

Technology partners provide professional services to clean out and fine-tune the computer hard drives. Then each one is tested and given a new operating system and modem.

Operation Homelink can only accept donations of 25 or more computers. For businesses interested in donating, or more information on the program, visit www.operationhomelink.org.