Offutt donates computers to local area schools

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Communications Squadron recently revitalized a Defense Logistics Agency program at Offutt called "Computers for Learning" where Department of Defense computers can be donated to schools once they are scheduled for replacement.

"The computers are [newer] but have passed their warranty, so they are no longer being used," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Keith Taylor, a 55th CS client systems technician who coordinates the program for Offutt. "We are able to provide schools with better equipment to educate the children."

Most recently, 12 computers were donated to St. Patricks School in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Taylor said there are 36 more slated for donation including 12 that will be donated to Bellevue West High School and 24 that are going to Audubon Community Schools in Audubon, Iowa. Bellevue West's Air Force Junior ROTC program already has big plans for the donated computers.

"Seven of the computers will be used for the Junior ROTC program," said retired U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Vanderhoof, Bellevue West High School AFJROTC department head and senior aerospace science instructor. "Six of the seven Junior ROTC computers will become administrative stations, providing cadets with work stations to accomplish their corps duties. The seventh computer will be a stand-alone asset used for Junior and Senior flight ground school and will host a flight simulator. These computers will be available to 225 cadets in the Junior ROTC program."

Vanderhoof said their current computers were approximately seven years old and showing their age.

"We hope to connect the new computers and implement many on-line tools to help manage the cadet corps," he said.

Bellevue West High School plans to use the remaining computers in the school's computer lab where they'll be available to all students.

Vanderhoof said he heard about Computers for Learning while on active duty, but had little experience with how it worked.

"The DLA website was very helpful," he said. "Once the account was active, the 55th Communications Squadron took the ball and ensured computers were transferred. This process took nearly a year from start to finish, but the results will be evident for years to come."

Vanderhoof said the Junior ROTC program's success depends on fundraising and donations. 

"The Computers for Learning program provides assets that otherwise would not be available to the corps," he said. "Many thanks to the 55th Communications Group and Squadron for all their diligence."