November 02, 2005
GULFPORT, Mississippi -- Through the efforts of Operation Homelink, personnel stationed at Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, were able to receive 100 free, refurbished computers.
The PCs, which are valued at more than $30,000, were given away during a four-hour period Oct. 28 to military families impacted by Hurricane Katrina, particularly those who have a service member preparing to deploy overseas.
"This is an outstanding opportunity for our troops who suffered loss," said Cmdr. Rodney Duggins, supply officer at the Seabee base. Northrop Grumman, one of the governments largest providers of information technology systems and services, donated all 100 computer systems.
Each command on base was allocated a percentage of the computers, based on the commands size. A master list of eligible personnel was generated, and each service member had only to fill out an application form before picking up a computer station.
"Its amazing," said Storekeeper 1st Class Frisly Garcia of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment. "For the kids at home, its the best thing weve ever had. We can use it for our daughter to do homework, too."
While most service members have access to e-mail on ships or other remote outposts, the situation often is different for their families back home.
So far Operation Homelink has been able to successfully link more than 1,100 families with their troops overseas. Spouses or parents of troops within the junior-level pay grades of E-1 to E-5 are eligible to receive donated computers.
Operation Homelinks technology partners provide professional refurbishment services and ensure existing information is wiped clean from the computers hard drives. The computers then are tested, reloaded with new operating systems and modems, and shipped in bulk to the selected base.
Although Operation Homelink is unable to accept individual requests for a computer, the organization works with corporations such as Northrop Grumman, who decide which base they would like to support.
"This is a great way to help military families, as well as hurricane victims," said Dan Shannon, founder and president of Operation Homelink. Businesses wanting to help support local military communities with donations of computers should visit www.operationhomelink.org, Shannon added.
Operation Homelink, a non-profit organization, was founded three years ago in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The program is based in Chicago.
By Michelle Fayard - Commander, 1st Naval Construction Division Public Affairs
November 02, 2005
Base Camp Adder (Ali Base), Iraq -- Completed reconstruction of a police station project in Suq Ash Skukh, Iraq, will serve to support and provide increased protection for both the police assigned to it and the towns residents.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provided oversight for the project that includes increasing the height of the perimeter security wall and adding concertina wire; vehicle and personnel gates; guard towers; lighting, plastering and painting; new roof tiles; potable water tanks; septic tank; electrical wiring and a 30kV generator.
An average of 35 Iraqis worked daily on this renovation project and constructed an additional 25 x 15m building to provide much-needed office space for more than 100 police personnel.
The professional law enforcement quarters will help to provide for the protection of the Suq Ash Skukh citizens and, therefore, improve their quality of life.
Currently, 19 of the 31 (or 61 percent) of the police facility projects programmed in the Thi Qar Governorate are complete.
Iraq Reconstruction Funds financed the project.
Note: Suzanne Fournier is the Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region South.
By Suzanne M. Fournier - Gulf Region South U.S. Army Corps of Engineers